Teddy Tennis News
Toddlers served up teddy tennis
Sutton Coldfield Observer, 25 July 2008 – Red spots, purple spots, bubbles, music and a flower - not your average haul of equipment for a tennis lesson.
But then this is not an average tennis lesson.This is Teddy Tennis, designed especially for toddlers as young as three.
Little Matthew arrives kitted out appropriately in Nadal length shorts, T-shirt and trainers.
But in a McEnroe inspired strop he won't even contemplate stepping onto the Mere Green Centre Court until his Teddy Tennis buddy, Toby, also three, with hair newly gelled and spiked, shows up five minutes later.
'Head Ted', Ian Armfield waits patiently for his young Cubs Cadets to settle, presses play on his CD player and the fun begins.
And the emphasis in Teddy Tennis is very much on fun, this is not a pressurised tennis 'hothouse' designed to weed out the next Wimbledon champion before they can even hold a racket.
But all the same, a 50 minute session is no mean feat for a three year old.
These two though have energy to rival this year's men's Wimbledon final and the 'animal' warm up gets them moving like the pros - without them even realising.
They begin as 'mice', up on their toes running to the net and back, then they turn into 'crabs' skipping sideways up and down the court.
Mums watch and cheer, constantly on hand for a reassuring cuddle or trip to the locker room, if needed.
The concept of Teddy Tennis is to get children moving and learning tennis skills from a young age, but like all sports, the benefits are myriad.
The weekly lessons are also designed to enhance coordination, build confidence and self esteem and prepare youngsters for listening and learning before they go to school.
"They are having fun but learning at the same time," says 'Head Ted' and experienced tennis coach, Ian.
"The first time they come they may be dragging their mums out of the court but by they end they are looking forward to coming back next week."
Matthew and Toby are now clearly having a ball as they stand on their purple 'activity spots' whacking bubbles with their mini-rackets, but little do they know they are also learning the basics of a tennis swing.
Each lesson consists of six different activities which are first explained by Head Ted using pictures of the familiar Teddy Tennis characters.
Then the children join in to the sound of catchy tunes which are specifically designed to provide the rhythm and timing that is essential for tennis while the words of the songs remind them what to do.
When the 50 minutes are up its time to reap their rewards with stickers on their personalised Cub Cards for each level they achieve.
The lessons each have a maximum of six 'Cub Cadets' and succeed in holding their attention because they are interactive so there is no chance of distractions.
The programme runs 'teams' according to ability in two age groups: from three and a half to four and a half and from four and a half to five and a half.
Lessons are currently held at the courts at Mere Green Community Centre and a special summer camp is planned at St James Church, Mere Green starting on July 28, when lessons will be held from Monday to Friday throughout the summer for both age groups.
For more information call 0845 6431173.