Last Updated on December 12, 2023 by The Smetz Files
In May when S decided to step away from competitive gymnastics, she wanted to explore other sports. She had been asking to play softball and since she’s spent so much time around baseball that was a logical next step.
One of the things she wanted to try was tennis. I was all for it, because I too, wanted to take tennis lessons and thought this was the perfect opportunity for us to do something together.
We immediately found a brief beginner course at one of the parks near our house. She and I spent the month of June taking weekly small group lessons and getting in some mid week practices, just the two of us. We learned the basics of the game and both enjoyed getting out together to hit around.
Here’s what we found to get started on our tennis journey!
Trying new things
Earlier I wrote about making smart choices and maximizing opportunities with the kids. It was certainly a big decision for S to step away from gymnastics after training and competing the last few years, but it was important we support her making a smart choice.
Part of that was finding other sports and activities to develop new skills and make new friends. That change presented challenges and new experiences. I admire her courage to try something new and be the novice; she was brave enough to walk away from her comfort zone, a sport where she had thrived the last few years and try something new. I observed her strength and determination as she transferred skills from one sport to the next.
We are both still total novices when it comes to tennis, but we’re having fun. We laugh and run all over the court, but it’s nice to be out, enjoying time together and getting a little bit better each time.
What is something new that you’ve tried recently?
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