Tennis Lessons

 Benjamin had his first tennis lesson yesterday and it was a definite success.  He has always watched tennis and learned about it because I am an avid fan.  Its not that I ever really played in competition, but I LOVE to watch others play.  I love the intensity of the finals of a grand slam, to see the psychological dynamics of the match.  I also just love the shear excitement of the long rallies followed up by a huge winner down the line.  Benjamin has patiently watched some tennis with me over the first four years of his life.  He knows the basic rules, but the scoring is a little too complex for him yet.  We have a tennis racket and he has enjoyed hitting the balls.  We have all noticed that he has quite a knack for hitting (and throwing).  I will say that I gave him a choice of several sports to learn this Spring, and he chose tennis (YES!).  


My parents, Evan and I were all on hand for the first lesson.  The teacher is an older lady with a raspy voice and an enthusiastic manner.  She must be a special lady to have been teaching 4 year-olds tennis for many years.  They played two games to introduce the kids to some basic skills.  I am proud to say that Benjamin won both of the games.  He is such a good listener and seems to focus at a very high level for his age.  I hope we do not put pressure on him just because he is such a natural talent for sports.  I pray that he just learns to have fun and does not put too much pressure on himself to win at everything, but I know his personality (and mine) and it might be difficult.  For now we'll just enjoy these early sports experiences and I can have fun imagining him as the next Rafael Nadal (the tow-headed American version, that is).