Great plans for local tennis club

The Ekurhuleni Tennis School of Excellence (ETSOE) is among the clubs back at practise.

“We are back and have introduced five new developments into this year’s programme,” said the head coach, Loyiso Matsha.

“Firstly, we have launched the Individual Coaching programme, where a coach focuses primarily on one child, as opposed to four or five at a time. This will help each player develop more and faster.

“This kind of coaching takes place after practise, and at an extra coast.”

Matsha said that each practise day has a different programme.

“We have decided to divert from tennis a bit, on Fridays, when children are introduced to other sporting codes, such as touch rugby, basketball and soccer; this helps with their physical fitness,” he said

“That is the second initiative: building physical fitness.”

Club members play tournaments every Saturday.

“In the third new development, every Saturday, players challenge each other in internal tournaments. This helps them to train and prepare for the bigger external tournaments,” explained Matsha.

“So, from 9am to 10am we practise, and then, from 10am to 1pm it is tournaments.”

A two or three-day camp also seems to be on the logs for the club.

“We have a camp in December, at the Emseni Christian Centre, in Benoni; mental toughness training and different tennis strokes are among the things to be focused on there,” explained Matsha.

“Lastly, we have extended our hours and are in full practise mode from Tuesday to Sunday, I want the youngsters to get used to playing and build good stamina.

“Tuesday to Friday we practise from 3.30pm to 5pm, then from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays, and from 3.30pm to 5pm on Sunday afternoons.

”We urge all parents to also attend the practises and internal tournaments, to encourage the children, instead of just dropping them off and collecting them.”

“Their support goes a long way and the youngsters play differently when motivated.

”I know we have commitments, but at least once or twice a month would be great.

“We look forward to a fruitful and prosperous year ahead.”

The club practises at the Germiston Stadium tennis courts.

For more information contact Matsha on 071 381 6226.