“He loved it,” she said. “He still does.”
The program, held at Jim Nichols Tennis Center, is designed primarily for beginners ages 6-15 who might not otherwise have the opportunity to try tennis.
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“There are no clubs or indoor tennis facilities in Dayton, so we’re bringing tennis to them,” said Sandy Thurman, KTC Quail head pro.
And while tennis might evoke images of expensive country clubs, this program is anything but pricey. Two weeks of tennis – five nights a week – taught by USTA certified instructors, rings up at just $20 and includes a new USTA-supplied racket for each participant. And the program caps out at $30 per family, per session, so siblings can get in on the fun for little extra cost.
“It’s a really good bargain,” Thurman said. “Snacks and drinks every night and a pizza party on the second Friday are also included.”
The camp provides frugal fun and fitness but the sport provides even more.
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“It’s a lifetime sport and great family activity,” Thurman said. “And they are learning how to compete. They gain the skills they will need not only to succeed on the tennis court, but in school and in life.”
Tennis also emphasizes discipline and good sportsmanship.
“It’s one of the few sports without referees, so kids learn how to deal with each other,” said J.P. Heinz, KTC manager. “It’s also a great opportunity to socialize and meet new people. And the kids can use the skills they learn long after camp is over.”
Heinz and Thurman hope the camp is just the beginning for the young players who want to continue on with lessons or play for their school team. KTC Quail members recently raised more than $12,000 to help support the summer camp and provide scholarship assistance for players who want to take lessons at one of the clubs.
“Tennis can be an expensive sport, so we wanted to help make it affordable for those who want to continue on through the fall and winter indoors,” Heinz said.
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Organizers increased the maximum age to 15 this year to include those who want to give high school tennis a try.
“If they are trying to make the team, this will give them that much more practice,” Thurman said.
Thomas, who just finished seventh grade, already has his sights set on playing tennis for Stivers. He occasionally hits with a few of the Stivers players.
While Lasley-Thomas is thrilled by her son’s interest in the sport, that isn’t even the best part of the camp according to this Dayton mom.
“If you put your child into a sport for the first time at 12 or 13 and expect them to be competitive when other kids have been playing since they were 5, it can be very frustrating,” she said. “This gives them a chance to try it and have fun.”
GRAND SLAM YOUTH TENNIS CAMP
What: Learn the basics or improve skills at the 10-day tennis camp taught by USTA certified instructors
When: Series of four two-week sessions begin June 5 and run through July 28 running from 6-8 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Where: Jim Nichols Tennis, 2424 Ridge Ave.
Who: Ages 6-15
Info: Call 333-8400 or visit www.daytonohio.gov/422/Recreation-Youth-Services
TENNIS 101 – LEARN THE LINGO
USTA
Ace: A ball that is served so well the opponent cannot touch it with his or her racquet.
Alley: The area between the singles and doubles sideline on each side of the court. The singles court is made wider for doubles play by the addition of the alley.
Backhand: The stroke used to return balls hit to the left side of a right-handed player or to the right side of a left-handed player. Backhands are hit either one-handed or two-handed.
Forehand: The stroke used to return balls hit to the right side of a right-handed player or to the left side of a left-handed player. Forehands are commonly hit one-handed.
Game: The part of a set that is completed when one player or side either wins four points and is at least two points ahead of his or her opponent, or who wins two points in a row after deuce.
Lob: A stroke that lifts the ball high in the air, usually over the head of the opponent at the net.
Point: The smallest unit of score, which is awarded to a player when the opponent does not make a good return.
Volley: During play, a stroke made by hitting the ball before it has touched the ground.
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