| By :
Stephen Daniels
For parents of children who are passionate about sports like tennis, it is good to know that there are junior tennis camps that can help your kids master the fundamentals of the game. Summer tennis camps offer an intensive, supportive environment that provides hours of focused attention on the fundamentals of the sport every day, through both matches and individual instruction. Although there are certainly a number of important mental aspects to the game, the focus is still primarily on training the body, rather than the mind. The term "muscle memory" takes on a new meaning, as drills in basic forehand and backhand strokes, power serves, lobs and drop shots are repeated over and over. Campers are grouped according to their abilities and play with other young people at or slightly above their skill level - the best way to improve their skills. In addition, they have opportunities for one-on-one coaching with experts, something that is not always available during the regular school year. Of course, a key component of the curriculum is strength and conditioning training, as better fitness can deliver improved performances and increased endurance. This type of kinesthetic learning is often augmented by training videos and demonstrations, which allows a more visual and hands-on way of teaching the body that has been shown to be more effective than wordy lectures. Tennis is a game of sudden moves and quick decision making, so players need to be skilled enough in the various strokes and strategies that their moves occur almost at the reflex level. For instance, if an opponent likes to stand behind the baseline or doesn't like to run, the natural tactic should be to hit a drop shot, which is exactly what it sounds like - the ball drops quickly as it flies over the net. Being able to respond instantaneously with the right moves requires lots of practice - the type of training available at a summer tennis camp. Since players may have different goals for improving their game, some camps offer a choice of tracks. Some offer tournament school for campers headed for that level of competition, training camps for middle schoolers aiming for the high school tennis team, and of course, a more general curriculum for kids at these academies who just want to play and enjoy the game. Because it is an individual rather than a team sport, tennis usually appeals to those young people who prefer one-on-one competition. The equipment requirements are minimal - a good racket and a can of balls are essentially all you really need. Adding a camp experience to the mix is a valuable addition to a budding tennis star's toolkit by encouraging camaraderie and helping forge lasting friendships.
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