Tennis coach keen to inspire others
Clem Apted wants people to get passionate about tennis.
Prior to coming to the Piako District, Apted coached at Royal Oak Racquets Club in Auckland, where he worked with two of New Zealand’s top coaches Gary and Angela Swinkles.
The Junior programme there was made up with squads of children who received extensive lessons several times a week, coupled with tournament and interschool competitions.
‘‘The club consistently produced and continues to produce top New Zealand players,’’ he said.
‘‘Top students are really pushed hard and the most of them don’t have any other sports. Tennis has to be a priority for them to succeed.’’
Apted moved to Te Aroha seven years ago and set up his coaching business in the district.
He started his own version of the Hot Shots Programme.
‘‘My programme called Tiger Tennis has some similarities, I use special balls that are slower then the standard balls,’’ he said.
‘‘The benefit is the kids gain confidence and are able to rally successfully. As the kids get older the balls get faster.’’
There are three grades of balls before they start on the standard ball.
Racquets sizes vary as to how short or tall the children are.
The benefit of Apted’s school programme is children gain the confidence to start playing at a tennis club after they receive the four lesson programme.
‘‘They have a basic understanding of what tennis is about, they learn how to hit a serve, forehand, a backhand and they will learn what the lines on the court are called,’’ he said.
Apted suggests five or six is a good age for children to start.
Children that become good at tennis generally are good at other sports, movement, anticipation and eye hand coordination are skills they pick up.
There are a lot of choices for children now and sports that are proactive like soccer, gymnastics and swimming are doing a good job in promoting their sport, Apted said.
‘‘Unfortunately Tennis NZ has been left behind,’’ he said.
‘‘Hopefully my Tiger Tennis programme, might inspire some kids and parents to the great benefits they will gain from tennis.’’
For more information contact Clem Apted on 884 4548.