As we move towards Spring (hopefully) a number of coaching classes are now available to any members who are thinking of improving their game, their fitness or who just want to get more enjoyment out of the sport. Classes for young children aged 4-7 years will begin on the week beginning February 8th on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 2-3 pm. An evening cardio class will run for six weeks from Thursday February 11th from 7-8pm giving all working members the chance to get a great cardio work-out as well as improve their speed, reactions and endurance on the court. All other classes have some vacancies too so whether you are 13 years old and have never played or are 50 something and want to get involved, get in touch with Stuart today!

1. Ladies mornings are run on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10.30-12 noon each day and from 12-1.30 pm on Friday. Standards vary but there are spaces in each class for anyone wishing to improve their technique, tactical awareness and overall game. They are also an excellent way of getting new playing partners for regular weekly games.

 

2. Younger children can enrol in the coaching programme too which will have a six-week taster session for P1-P3s beginning in the week of February 8th. These classes will be smaller in size and will run depending on the level of interest. The time will be 2-3pm on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and will be a fun and proficient way to start the game of tennis. Each child will learn all the basic skills as well as improving their ABCs – Agility, Balance, Co-ordination and Speed – which are the modern requirements for almost every sport imaginable.

 

3. Working adults or indeed anyone wanting to get fitter without having to jump on a treadmill or exercise bike can burn the calories away by hitting tennis balls and performing exercises designed to improve their tennis and get the heart pumping. Cardio tennis is proving extremely popular throughout Ireland and currently there is a regular class run on a Tuesday morning at 10am. A new class will start on Thursday night at 7pm – anyone can sign up in the Clubhouse and this will begin on Thursday 11th February 2010. Another early morning class may also be introduced at 7am on a Thursday if there is demand for such. As ever, contact Stuart for further information or talk to some of the ladies who have already tried it for proof of its affect. Men should not be wary of trying it either as it is a great way to relieve stress without worrying about whether the ball is “in” or “out”. Just give it a whack!

 

4. All other ages of children from 4-18 are also catered for in the coaching programme and many of these classes have some vacancies. Contact Stuart to find out if your child can fit into a class – even if it is midway through the term it is better to get involved now so that their standard will be all the better when it is time for the brighter and hopefully sunnier months ahead.

 

5. A new coach has begun working with SMACtennis – Adam Boyle. Adam is a current Ulster senior Interprovincial player and has represented Ulster at every age group, winning many of the major junior tournaments and despite being only 21 has won several Senior events as well. He is highly skilled and has worked as a coach with many of Ulster’s top junior players and we are delighted to welcome him to the Club to work alongside Stuart McQuitty and Charlie Marks. Individual lessons with any of these coaches can be booked through Stuart and details can be found on the notice-board in the Clubhouse along with a biography of each coach.