All for the ‘Love’ of the Game

ATHENS TEAM PICKed UP MOMENTUM

By Liz Azcona, USTA Louisiana

Three years ago, Debby Beck attended a teaching class by USTA Director of Youth Play and Competition Craig Jones and from that moment on she knew that she wanted to do something more with tennis. “He was just so passionate for the game, he gave so much good advice and made it easy to ask questions,” said Beck.

After such an influential training she received from Jones, Beck began coaching seven children when they were playing 10 and Under Tennis as eight-year-olds in Athens, Ga. who have now moved up to 10s Advanced. The children learned from a very early age what a functional tennis match was and also gained great friendships in the process. “Although it was very low key the kids seemed to really stick together” said Beck.

Jones was in attendance at the 2012 USTA Southern Jr. Team Tennis Section Championships, viewing the level of play in the USTA’s largest section.

Practices were very important, treated religiously even and the kids didn’t just practice together they also swam together, played together, partied together and even went to school together.

“It was a very social thing,” she said. “They didn’t just learn normal strokes; they began to hit topspins, even slicing the ball.”

The 8 and under team made it to the State Championships in Atlanta, and that may be where they cemented their final team.

Today the original six are still playing, sticking together and going strong. “I feel like I have known them forever,” said Beck.

The kids have made tennis into a complete team sport, much like soccer or football. If the whole team together does not do well then they do not feel completely accomplished. “Fun has always been in it, and if it’s not then that’s when there is a problem, they kids have to really love this game,” said Beck. It is not just the success of winning that is important but the team component and individual accomplishments such as good strokes and good sportsmanship. Isn’t that weird coming from ten-year-olds?” she asked.

No, said Lindsey Tulenko, one of the ten-year-olds on the team. “It really is important that we all do well and stick together for ever.”

That might be a little over confident but at this rate, who could doubt them? It is this type of team camaraderie that is hard to see in players much less young players. The wellbeing of others and this teams great sportsmanship is something that all athletes can learn from, it is truly for the “love of the game!”