Since 2011, Roger Clarke has served as a tennis professional at the Hinsdale Racquet Club in Hinsdale, just outside of Chicago. Roger Clarke welcomes Hinsdale Racquet Club students of all ages, including children 3 years of age and older.
Playing tennis helps children to develop physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. On the tennis court, children learn how to take ownership of their own decisions and adapt to a changing situation in the moment, as no one can respond for them when their opponents make unexpected moves. They practice staying calm in stressful situations and learn to control their emotions when their performance is at stake.
A child on the tennis court also learns to win and lose gracefully. In experiencing both of these at varying times, the child comes to understand the importance of respecting an opponent, whatever the results of the game.
Doubles games play a particularly crucial role in the development of these skills. Children playing doubles must learn to work as a team and communicate with their partner, while also engaging in fair competition with their opponents.
At the same time, children learn how to become better athletes. They benefit from hard work and dedication, which pay off in improved performance on the court. They come to understand that planning and goal setting yield better results than simply reacting spontaneously in the moment, and they learn how to rely on these strategies even when emotions are running high.
As children develop their tennis skills, they become stronger and more flexible. They increase their endurance through high-intensity exercise, and they build their hand-eye and gross motor coordination. These practices help children optimize their physical well-being in their formative years. The mental and psychosocial aspects of tennis help them grow in those capacities as well.
