Dad Cincinnati Bengals Hoodie , I want to learn to play tennis," my fourth grader beamed, handing me a sheet of paper. She bounced from one foot to the other waiting for me to finish reading --A local parks and recreations tennis instructor visited her school during gym class to show the kids how to play tennis. The paper explained a new program offered to beginners.
Even though my daughter was excited, I had reservations. Tennis? Isn't that a game for rich folks played at country clubs on warm Sunday afternoons? But my daughter's enthusiasm bolstered me into action. We signed up for the free clinic held before the start of the program, just to see if we liked it.
During the free clinic, a coach talked to parents while the children ran through drills on court. I watched my daughter swing her racket and miss the ball. She threw a smile in my direction as she ran to the back of the line. And there was that hop, from foot to foot again while she waited for her turn.
It wasn't until several days later, after a phone conversation with one of the volunteer moms who helped out with the free clinic that I finally made up my mind. Her words not only encouraged me, but she somehow, in a positive way, made me feel as though I'd be lacking as a parent if I DIDN'T sign my daughter up.
What makes tennis such a great game? And why do 25.1 million people worldwide play it? Well Cincinnati Bengals Jersey , for starters, tennis is fun. But more than that, tennis is a universal sport offering different opportunities to different players, among some of the following:
Competition - Picking up a quick friendly match at the local courts, or entering into sanctioned USTA and World Team Tennis events, a competitive tract exists on almost all levels of play, from the novie player on up to the professional.
Character Building - Honesty is a huge one. On the recreational level, instant replay doesn't exist. Line judges aren't present at most of the matches. It's up to the players themselves to call lines and follow the rules. Many young players may start out making incorrect calls, but the quickly learn this isn't the right thing to do. But other character building traits such as determination, commitment, sportsmanship Paul Dawson Bengals Jersey , and teamwork can all be learned through playing the game.