SEREMBAN: CHILDREN under eight years old ruled the courts at a tennis clinic held at the Paroi Youth and Sports Complex recently.
Over 130 children from 15 primary schools in Seremban attended the event organised Negri Sembilan Lawn Tennis Association (NSLTA), Negri Sembilan Education Department (JPNS) and Negri Sembilan State Sports Council (MSNNS).
During the day-long clinic, the children learnt basic skills of mini tennis such as coordination, ball sense, balance, serve, forehand and backhand.
The aim of the clinic was to introduce tennis to children who are raw talents and beginners.
In addition, it was also used to spot talents based on their agility, reflexes, intelligence and good ball sense.
By their children’s keen interest and excitement on the courts, parents were also introduced to the sport of tennis.
Eight year old Nur Ain Nadhirah Adnan said: “I have been playing tennis for three years.
“While meeting many of my friends here, I learnt volley, backhand and forehand.
“I love to watch Maria Sharapova and Roger Federer in action on television.”
Pint sized Anisa Humairah Abdul Halim, 7, said: “I learnt to adjust my strokes according to the speed of the ball.
“I have been playing tennis for only four months.”
Clinic coordinator Azam Baba said there was no shortage of talent at the grassroots level.
“Through exhibition matches we showed the participants, children as young as seven and eight
years old could play competitive tennis.
“Mini tennis is an affordable game whereby it can be played on any even surface in places such as supermarkets, public halls and sports courts.
“For next year NSLTA is planning mini tennis camps and coaching clinics starting in January in Jempol, then move on to other districts.”- www.nst.com.my
