Youth team tennis coming this summer
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">HARRISBURG – A local tennis instructor is offering a comprehensive tennis program for area children ages 5-14, and recently he gave demonstrations at Harrisburg area schools.
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Keith Dismuke, owner of Zero Gravity Tennis, will have Harrisburg Youth Team Tennis beginning in early July at the Paul Emery Park Tennis Courts.
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Dismuke said his program will use the U.S. Tennis Association play format. Depending on the age of the participants, the equipment used and court sizes will be modified.
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">"It will be tailored to their age and size, making it easier to play, rally and succeed right from the start," Dismuke said.
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">At his recent tennis demos, Dismuke had school children practice drills and team games as examples of some of the tips they will learn. For instance, a group of players sandwiched tennis balls between racquets and raced in unison – ideally without losing a ball – to work on coordination.
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Dismuke said fun and activity are the motivating factors behind the tennis program.
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">"The drills and games help develop core tennis skills within a fun, yet structured environment," he said.
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The program begins Monday, July 10 and runs through Aug. 2. It is on Mondays and Wednesdays. Ages 5-7 participate from 9 to 10 a.m. Ages 8-10 play 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and ages 11-14 play noon to 1 p.m. Early registration is now through June 11 and is $70. Players may still register after that date through July 10 for $90. All players receive a team T-shirt, age-appropriate racquet and ball, USTA junior membership and a "goodie bag."
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Parents are required on court for players age 5 and 6. All participants should bring a bottle of water and a towel each week. To register, go online to MidwestTeamTennis.com. For additional information, contact Dismuke at (207) 329-5996 or e-mail him at ktdismusic@gmail.com.