MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii -- The Base Tennis Shop is currently offering Summer Junior Tennis Lessons, Mondays through Fridays, to children ages 4- to 18-year-old at various skill levels.
The three different programs offered are Tiny Tot (4-years-old and beginner), Beginner and Intermediate, and Advanced. The classes vary in price from $7 per class to $27 per class.
“It’s a fun sport,” said Sinapao Roberts, course lesson instructor and Marine Corps Tennis Academy Tennis Pro. “It’s a challenge. You get a good workout, it’s not easy but it’s fun.”
According to Roberts, in the Tots and beginners classes children are taught to focus on the fundamentals and play a lot of learning games to help them build an appreciation of the sport and get excited to play.
Thomas Burt, a student in the beginner class, can attest to the level of fun in the class.
“The class is very fun because of all the games we play,” said the excited 8-year old. “We play all kinds of games.”
During the after school beginners class, students can be seen with a permanent smile on their face from the ‘fun games’ but Roberts is sure to match each joke and game with a lesson that has the kids perfecting their fundamentals and form without realizing it.
“Coach is kind of silly sometimes and he has jokes,” said Burt, who also included that he has gotten better at tennis since coming to the class.
The classes aren’t all about fun though. While team sports like basketball and football can help a child develop teamwork and social skills, tennis can help them grow individually.
“Tennis is an individual sport,” said Roberts. “Kids learn to do a lot of things by themselves. It helps them build personal confidence.”
For more information about the Summer Junior Tennis lessons or other programs offered by the base tennis shop, contact 258-8081.