Tennis is considered to be one of the hardest games to learn. The combination of running and hitting is tough to grasp at first. Add the mental arithmetic you have to do with every shot- short, long, lob, smash with the accuracy and timing you need to serve and it’s easy to see why other sports appeal.
David Branks the retiring Whangamata Tennis Coach has seen it all in his 40 years as a tennis coach. “Some kids just have it naturally- and they are a pleasure to coach. Other kids can take a while but when it finally all comes together the joy for them and me has always been why I coached for so long”, he said.
We asked David what’s changed over the years. “You have to be gentler these days, and also how busy these kids are. Footy, tennis, surfing, so many choices but the old stalwarts like cricket and tennis still do OK”.
Research shows that tennis is one of the best sports to play to slow cognitive and physical decline. It’s full of decisions, some aerobic and great social connection. You should see how many Whangamata Tennis Players have a coffee in town after play.
Whangamata with just three courts is one of the busiest tennis clubs in the Waikato. They have well attended club days on Monday, Wednesday and Friday Morning, then Sunday Afternoons plus tournaments during the year.
They are looking for a new Junior coach structure to help grow the club and keep the future bright. They are flexible about how that might look and are open to all ideas. If you’re keen to help New Zealand find the next Wimbledon winner phone Barbara Hare on 021 732 472 or email whangasports@gmail.com
Business House Tennis.
The Seasiders took home the silver ware on Monday Night at The Whangamata Club Business House Tennis. Mike Williams general Manager of the club was at the star studded, glittering affair to present the prizes. Runner up the last four seasons The Seasiders were wrapped to get up in 2026. “We’re an older team so good to still be able to beat the young ones” said Shaun, captain of the team. Lynley one of the teams’ members made an interesting observation. “Because we play more tennis on a regular basis, we are able to keep the ball in play and wait for the opportunity to put it away”.
The Whangamata Club has been supporting this 42-year-old tournament now for many years. Mike Williams related how pleased the club is to be involved. “Of course, the club supports many in house groups like the bowls, darts, snooker etc, but this one is out in the community more and reflects the clubs philosophy of giving back to the town as much as we can. We’ll be back next year”.
If you’re handy with a racquet or just know which end to use, there is room for more teams in the competition let the club know with an email whangasports@gmail.com
Thank you, linesman-Thank you ball boys
