Next Generation Tennis reopens under safety regulations at Sandton Sports Club
During the first few months of the lockdown, Next Generation Tennis saw fit to give its players fitness exercises and movement drills.
Next Generation Tennis is back on the court after receiving its licence to operate under the new lockdown regulations.
The tennis outfit based at Sandton Sports Club, Parkmore, has instituted coronavirus screening, taking of temperatures and sanitisation for its players since reopening on 22 June. The 24-player squad training has also been split in half and spread across three courts to adhere to the Tennis South Africa (TSA) guideline of four players per court.
“The majority of our players’ parents have allowed them back, and some have also asked to do private or individual coaching,” said coach Ndu Ncube.”It is great to be back and see so many of the players wanting to play again.”
The coach added that it would be a while before TSA was allowed to host competitions again, but this would not stop the group training hard. Even Yarona Morule has returned to the court after the African Tennis Championships, of which he was selected to compete for the South African U16 team, was postponed. During the first few months of the lockdown, Next Generation Tennis saw fit to give its players fitness exercises and movement drills.
These saw players using household items to replace tennis equipment if needed. For instance, instead of skipping with a skipping rope, one could use a ball and do toe taps mimicking skipping. Players could also use larger water bottles as weights or kettle bells.
Coaches also encouraged players to focus on the theory side of tennis, rather than the technical side, until they could have a coach to help them in person. Ncube said it was also an opportunity for players to work on their mental strength, as matches could last for hours and they needed the mental stamina to get through this.
Details: Next Generation Tennis ndu@nextgenerationtennis.co.za; 079 828 9624.
