Tennis newbies learn from the pros

Like sponges, Spartanburg tennis newbies get free lessons from pros

Tennis instructor Kenneth Cribb said he enjoys working with students who have never played before because “they haven’t developed bad habits.”

He said they “absorb everything. They’re like sponges. You can help them get a perfect swing.”

So Cribb said he was “loving everything about it” on June 17 as he helped lead a clinic for Spartanburg children who were new to tennis.

The clinic took place on the courts at McCracken Middle School. Approximately 50 children from organizations such as the Bethlehem Center and the Hope Center for Children participated.

Longtime tennis instructor Randy Bernard coordinated the day’s activities in partnership with the Spartanburg Area Tennis Association.

Each child at the clinic received a tennis racquet and a ball. Funding was provided by local donors, including a men’s Bible study group affiliated with Westminster Presbyterian Church.

“For kids who mostly don’t have a chance to play tennis, they’re getting this opportunity to be exposed to it,” Bernard said.

Alison Suber brought 22 children from the Bethlehem Center, where she coordinates summer camp activities and other youth programs.

“A lot of them haven’t had experience with tennis before, so I was glad we were invited,” she said.

The children were placed into groups of about 10. There were adult and teenage instructors.

As he monitored the scene among his group of students and young teachers, Cribb liked at least some of the progress he saw. “That’s the best backhand I’ve seen all day!” he hollered at one point.

The camp was for children in elementary grades. Bernard said a clinic will be held in July for middle schoolers.

For participants who take to the sport and want to continue, Bernard said organizers will help connect them with the Spartanburg Area Tennis Association’s junior league.