Young aces at Whitehaven Tennis Club learn how to serve up a treat
Last updated 15:55, Wednesday, 30 April 2008
YOUNGSTERS from Whitehaven Tennis Club are getting into the swing of things thanks to a series of lessons from a professional coach.
Chris Lockyer runs weekly sessions at the club, based at St Benedict’s School, and offers coaching on all aspects of the game to young players aged between seven and 16.
From serving, ground shots, volleys and positional play, Chris has a wealth of experience to draw upon and comes from a family that is tennis through and through.
“My grandfather, Chaz, was one of the county’s top professional coaches and coached Fred Perry, who was Wimbledon champion in 1935 and 1936,” says Chris, who lives at Cockermouth.
“In those days, it was seen as cheating to be receiving coaching, so my grandfather never got any of the recognition he deserved, before he moved on and coached members of the Spanish royal family.
“My dad was also involved in tennis, so I’ve been around the sport and clubs all my life.”
As a coach of eight years, Chris is Lawn Tennis Association approved and works in clubs throughout Cumbria.
He has been running the sessions at Whitehaven for a month and they continue until July 14.
“It is open to people of any tennis ability and the session will cater for people’s individual skills.
“From those who want to come and learn the basics of racket skills, to those who can play to a decent standard and want to develop a particular technique, there’s a good mix of people at the club.
“We start with a warm-up and then where the lesson goes from there depends on the standard people are playing at. The fact that there are four courts at Whitehaven means that there is opportunity for everyone of all abilities to have court-time and people can go at their own pace.
“For beginners, I will feed shots to them and they will return them while I show them the basics so they can, in the first instance, learn how to hit it back with accuracy and then progress from there.
“For the more advanced players, then can play a match while I watch and give them feedback and answer any questions they may have.”
The lessons take place every Monday between 4pm and 6pm. For more information about junior membership contact Christine Clarke on 01946 64106.
