Tennis skills served to juniors

BUNINYONG and District Tennis Association and Meredith Tennis Club are leading a junior Orange Ball program for another year.

Aimed at children aged six and seven years old, the sessions are run on Saturday mornings at 9am, usually at Elaine, and are designed for those who are inexperienced in the sport, but keen to strengthen their skills.

“The aim of this competition is to introduce young players to tennis in a fun and friendly way, with a relaxed atmosphere towards competition,” said facilitator Maddy McColl, president of Meredith Tennis Club.

“Orange balls are 50 per cent compression of a normal tennis ball, and therefore won’t bounce as high as a normal tennis ball, giving smaller children a chance to hit the balls back over the net.”

During the sessions, kids can play doubles, and ‘first to four’ as they learn. At the end of the Orange Ball series, children who won the most games, best players on court, and those most improved will receive prizes.

“It’s been a really great way to get the little ones playing every week and we are already seeing so much improvement with serving and understanding the rules,” Ms McColl said.

“We have been really lucky to have a bunch of supportive parents helping to organise, umpire and learn the rules with the kids.”

The Orange Ball program has attracted players from Meredith, Grenville, and Mount Helen so far, and there are games scheduled for Buninyong and Ross Creek in coming months.

“This gives the children a chance to travel to other courts like the older children participating in the BDTA,” Ms McColl said.

The competition runs until 10 December, and will resume in February for one month. If your child is interested, contact your local club within the BDTA.