We welcomed our students back to the tennis courts—indoors!—on Saturday, February 4 at Pratt Institute to commence our first Winter Tennis Season.
Both sessions—ages 9 and under and ages 10 and up—were a lot of fun and very successful. The students were thrilled to be back on the court and were especially happy about the new facility.
The classes began with reviews of basic tennis skills and social norms or tennis etiquette. Led by staff members Lucca and Ari, we reinforced expectations for grips, stances, and swing patterns. The skills recap was helpful for the kids' adjustment to a new tennis surface. Unlike an outdoor tennis court or blacktop, the ball bounces lower on an indoor court, so we emphasized the importance of early swing preparation and bending the knees for groundstrokes. Social norms for the kids include hugging their racquets when they aren't hitting and practicing safety when others are on the court.
After getting a feel for the new, challenging tennis surface, we moved onto rotating stations with fast-paced tennis drills. And, of course, we wrapped up with a game of Breakout at the very end of each session.
View more photos from the Winter Season Opener on Facebook.
Summer tennis at five public housing developments in Bed-Stuy. Check.
After-school tennis at Marcy Playground. Check.
Indoor Winter Tennis at Pratt Insitute...? Check!
In line with our effort to make tennis available to the kids year round, we are proud to announce the establishment of a brand new Winter Tennis Season based at Pratt next month. We will continue to teach and reinforce the fundamentals of tennis, develop individual strategy on the court, and introduce specialty shots such as drop shots and lobs.
The eight-week program begins Saturday, February 4 and ends Saturday, April 1 with a day off for Presidents' Day Weekend, February 18. Six of the Saturdays will be actual tennis classes at Pratt, while the other two will be field trips to inspire unique learning opportunities, much like our past trips to Google and Made in Midtown Shoe Factory.
Following exceptionally strong youth interest, enrollment is closed. Volunteer space remains open. If you are 16 or older and available for four or more sessions, you can register to volunteer here.
It's official; we are breaking tradition—for the better. KCTL is opening a brand new Fall After School Program at Marcy Playground, Monday through Thursday, beginning October 10 to extend engagement with our students following the Annual Jamboree Tournament. Though the lessons are based at Marcy, students from all five sites are eligible for participation. This high-intensity athletic program will give our kids the opportunity to drastically improve their tennis skills with constant play. Thank you to all of the donors and supporters who have made this initiative possible.
After a missed class in observance of Labor Day Weekend, Team Tompkins returned to the court on Saturday, September 10 for Academy Day. The goal for each student was to transition from a First Grader to a Ph.D. graduate by successfully performing a specific tennis skill at each station, which represented a grade level.
The skill for each grade level became increasingly difficult throughout the game. We were proud to see that a high number of students made it beyond Eighth Grade and into High School! Even better, two of our students performed well enough to be "accepted" into College! Site Leader Tina said she could sense the frustration when it took some students significantly longer than others complete certain grades. On the bright side, though, no one ever gave up, which was very inspirational to Tina.
For the off-court discussion, Tompkins hosted a volunteer guest speaker, Jerald, who spoke to the students about police-community relations. He wanted to know how the kids felt about the police and what they would like to ask them if they had the chance.
Jerald then revealed that there would be a police meet-and-greet at the upcoming Jamboree Tournament and encouraged the students to ask the questions proposed in class. A big part of his presentation was to help the students to see the police as friends and protectors instead of foes.
Sumner students were excited to be back on court after having last class off due to extreme heat.
Class began with the students and volunteers running a few laps around the court and some careful stretching. Afterwards, the students were divided into two groups based on skill level and age.
The stations of the week were Fitness and Rallying. At Fitness, the kids jump roped, practiced sit-ups and push-ups, and competed in a ladder challenge. The Rallying station took a "beat the pro" format; the children played out points against Mike, a volunteer.
In the off-court session, the students completed individual surveys about grit and resilience to reinforce the concepts and to help the organization's leaders assess their learning.
After off-court, Sumner concluded with their favorite games: Champs and Challengers, followed by Breakout.
After a summer of bringing tennis to the kids, we are bringing the kids to the home of the best tennis in the country!
WHO IS INVITED?
All KCTL students are welcome! Click here to register your child.
KCTL Parents/Guardians and Volunteers are invited to accompany us as chaperones. Fill out a form to join us.
There will NOT be normal Saturday class on this day.
WHAT IS ARTHUR ASHE KIDS DAY (AAKD)?
AAKD is an annual grassroots tennis and entertainment event held immediately before the start of the U.S. Open. Expect an incredible day of interactive tennis activities, watching tennis pros practice, a live concert, and more! Food will be provided.
TRANSPORTATION:
Meet at your regular KCTL site by 9:00 AM for subway departure at 9:20. For our trip home, we'll congregate at Practice Courts 3 & 4 at the Tennis Center shortly after 3:00 PM. We will return to our home sites between 4:00 and 4:30 PM.
NOTES:
No food is allowed inside the USTA grounds. Please do not bring racquets, and avoid bringing bags if you can.