The Ekurhuleni Tennis School of Excellence held its first tennis clinic, at the Germiston Stadium, on March 31 and April 1.
“During the clinic we diagnose the problems the players might have with the game and then perform what we call ‘corrective action’, where we try to fix the problems or find better ways to deal with them,” said the head coach of the club, Loyiso Matsha.
Matsha explained that although training and coaching take place during terms, this is not as intense as that provided at clinics.
“This was our first clinic and I am very happy with the turnout, we intend hosting one clinic during each of the school holidays, throughout the year,” he said.
Seeing that this was the club’s first clinic there are a number of elements they would like to do differently and improve, like advertising such an event on Tennis South Africa (TSA)’s website, to inform more people.
One of Matsha’s long term goals for the club is to organise four-day tennis camps.
“I would also like to interact with other local coaches and maybe organise some friendly competition, to keep the game alive in the players, as we tend to lose great players to team sports,” he explained.
The clinic offered a well-rounded programme, with both theory and practical sessions.
Among other elements, the theory session touched on the following:
- general knowledge of tennis (scoring, rules, etc.);
- toughness training;
- tennis etiquette;
- the importance of nutrition and water intake.
“The other important aspect we emphasise is physical fitness; it is important for players to be physically fit at all times,” said Matsha.
He told the GCN that he has already made contact with two tennis academies — in Spain and the USA — with the intention of sending players abroad, in the future, for more experience.
“In my opinion, junior tennis, in South Africa, is good, but in most cases once the players reach the age of 18 they find that they have no platform to further their skills, which is where, as I mentioned before, we lose them to team sports, as these sports offer better opportunities and more sponsorship,” added Matsha.
The club has added one more day (Tuesday) to their practise times, so the new schedule is:
- Tuesday and Thursday – 4pm-5pm
- Saturday- 10am – noon
- Sunday – 3.30pm – 5pm
For more information, or to join the club, contact Matsha on 071 381 6226.
