Learning the love of the game

Suzie Harrison

They didn’t talk about love, but it was understood that it was part

of the game. Rather, they were learning other facets of how to play

and how to play well -- learning to be ready no matter what was

coming their way, no matter what spin was put on the situation.

These students were learning the dynamics of tennis, and

particularly how to hit a spin ball during a recent level 3 tennis

lesson offered through Laguna Beach Community Services taught by city

tennis coach Garry Glaub.

The lessons were for children ages 5 to 14 where emphasis is on

ability and skill level, not age. The student to coach ratio is four

to one to facilitate a more hands-on approach.

“Nice swing I love it,” Glaub said. “What’s this shot you’re

learning? That’s right it’s the top spin backhand.”

Glaub would hit the ball from the other side of the net to each of

the players a handful of times, helping them with their strokes.

“That’s a good swing except lift higher, higher hit it to the

moon,” Glaub said.

He was often making jokes as the students were smiling, lining up

to practice the shot, doing different drills.

Tad Heitmann, 9, was learning how to position his feet.

“OK, five each, I’ll give you a point every time it goes into the

green,” Glaub said. “That’s two for Tad, don’t drop your hand, keep

two on it and finish up.”

It was Katelyn Walsh, 8, up at the net next.

“To win this you have to hit three,” Glaub said. “A little late on

the swing, higher, lift that ball.”

There was a tiny bit of grumbling by the student who was in the

sun at that moment, but none of them stayed too long in one position

because of their rotation.

“Who thinks tennis is usually played in the sun?” Glaub said.

“You’ll get used to the sun.”

Lucy Koch, 6, was getting tips on her racket position, learning

where the ending point of the racket should be and how to position

her body and bend her wrists back with her backhand.

“That’s a good job, a good shot,” Glaub said. “Lift high, up, up,

up. Aim this one over my head.”

The coach made up different scenarios, suggesting that if they

didn’t hit the ball over the net they would have different

consequences to face such as to bake cookies, or never get married or

have a bad birthday party.

“It’s really fun, Gary is really funny,” said Taylor Sanderson,

10. “It’s something I can do with my friends. I think it’s hard to

hit the ball correctly to get it in. I like doubles because you can

be on the same team with your friends and still be playing against

another friend.”

Each of the students had been on a victorious doubles team and

seemed pleased with their work, listening intently as they went over

the lesson before it ended.

“I just like playing tennis, hitting the balls over the net and

the games Gary lets us play,” Tad said. “I want to play tennis for

the rest of my life or until I’m too old to play it and can’t walk.”

To find out more about Laguna Beach Community Services and the

classes it offers go to 515 Forest Ave. and pick up a guide or call

497-0716, ext. 6.

* SUZIE HARRISON is a reporter for the Laguna Beach Coastline

Pilot. She may be reached at 494-4321 or [email protected].