A taste of tennis at Van Cortlandt Park

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Some kids hit the balls over the gate, forgetting it was tennis and not baseball they were playing. Others swung and missed while some yanked their hits far left or far right.

Certainly, no one from this bunch would be confused for a young Roger Federer or Serena Williams. But no one cared, because last week, at CityParks Tennis’ classes at the Woodlawn Tennis Courts in Van Cortlandt Park, it was all about the fun and comradery. 

“More than just tennis, we like to help these kids with their confidence and self-esteem,” Dylan Cosgrove, director of the tennis program said. “Just foundational skills for any sport like hand-eye coordination and athletic ability.” 

CityParks Tennis offers classes across various parks in New York City, with the Van Cortlandt Park classes held on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week in the summer. Kids ages 6 to 16 can register for free and receive instructions on how to play a sport they often can’t do at school. 

Instructors separate the kids into three different hour-long classes— the first hour is for ages 6 to 8, the second hour for 9 to 12 year olds and the last hour is designated for 13 to 16 year olds. That way they are able to focus on smaller groups. The kids then spend their hour learning all things tennis—from backhands to forehands and volleys.   

For many parents like Oslyn Kingston, having their kids learn to play tennis is an intriguing option. 

“It gets them out of the house and it teaches them how to play tennis,” Ms. Oslyn said. Her son Tyler and daughter Gabrielle take the classes. “A lot of times I’m not sure what is their thing, but it’s good to get them involved in different things so that you know what they like.” 

Kimberly Homs, whose daughters Jade and Amber also attend the classes, believes that tennis has been a pleasant surprise for her daughters. 

“They came the first day not expecting much, but they came home saying ‘Oh my God, I love it,’” Ms. Homs said. “It keeps them going and when you have good instructors and role models, it boosts their confidence because they get to learn something and get good at it.”

At CityParks Tennis, the kids run around and have as much fun as they can during the one-hour class.

CityParks Tennis, Van Cortlandt, tennis, Daniel Ynfante
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