LCCTA Gears up for Ralleyball 2008
Six Weeks of Tennis Instruction & Play for Players Ages 5 - 12
Feb 5, 2008
Learning is so much easier when you are having fun. That’s true for adults, so imagine how much truer it is for kids! Along with the variety of competitive tennis opportunities that the Lee County Community Tennis Association (LCCTA) provides for adults and junior players, the LCCTA also provides learning environments in a semi-competitive format to enhance the enjoyment level for young tennis beginners.
Ralleyball Format Tailored to Kids
Chief among such learning environments is the Ralleyball, and soon to be incorporated QuickStart Tennis, formats for kids, ages five through twelve. Both formats utilize racquets, balls, and nets that are age and size appropriate. Kids are able to focus on technique, on keeping score, and on playing games, as opposed to struggling to manage outsized equipment that they are physically unable to handle.
Ralleyball Objectives
As Area Tennis Director and Lead Instructor at the Three Oaks park Ralleyball site, Glenn Kouns is clear about Ralleyball's objectives and the means to reach them. "By exposing participants to fun and games-based activities you make learning exciting for kids. We want our Ralleyball participants to come away with a basic understanding of tennis rules, some early success, and develop a 'Love' for the sport," Kouns noted.
Team Format Teaches Teamwork
As a result of the team-play format, the concept of teamwork is introduced to the younger participants and reinforced in the elder kids. Trained instructors use the Ralleyball and QuickStart formats to enhance the development of the participants’ physical and social skills. All instructors undergo USTA training that utilizes modern teaching techniques that were developed to make teaching and learning the game enjoyable for kids of varying ages.
LCCTA Raises Bar on Ralleyball Participation
Almost 400 children took advantage of the LCCTA Ralleyball program in 2007 and LCCTA President, Harriet Bohannon, and the LCCTA Board of Directors have raised the bar for Ralleyball enrollment, seeking a 15% participation increase in 2008. “Given the success of the program last year, and the growth in our Schools Program, we believe a 15% increase in participants this year is a very realistic goal,” Bohannon stated.
Ralleyball Benefits
The LCCTA Ralleyball season spans six weeks, and includes a membership in the United States Tennis Association (USTA), tennis lessons, a team T-shirt, a tennis racquet or backpack (parent’s choice), and a season-ending Jamboree. As a precursor to USTA Junior Team Tennis, where kids begin using regular scoring and begin serious work on advanced skills, Ralleyball gives children a chance to develop the foundation for an activity in which they can participate during their teenage years and throughout their lifetimes.
Ralleyball Registration & Locations
In efforts to make the child-and-parent-friendly format available for the largest number of Lee County residents, the LCCTA has collaborated with Lee County Parks and Recreation to offer the program at 12 sites across the county. Parents and guardians can register children through the registration deadline of March 3, 2008. Registration forms are available online, but more information about the program and how to register for it can be found at the LCCTA website.
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