Getting Started with Bethel Tennis
So I stumbled on this flyer at the grocery store – “Bethel Tennis Program: Learn Today!”. Figured hey, why not? My kid’s been glued to screens all summer. Signed us up right there in the pasta aisle on my phone.
First Day Surprises
Showed up Tuesday with Walmart rackets we bought same day. Coach Dave sized us up: “Y’all swing like swatting flies!”
- Spent 45 minutes just learning to hold the racket
- My wrist hurt holding that continental grip
- Kid tripped chasing her first ball
The Breaking Point
Third session, heat wave hit 90°F. I nearly quit when:
- Sweat blinded me mid-serve
- Missed 27 balls in a row
- Coach shouted “Stop flapping! It’s tennis not chicken dance!”
Drank a gallon of water that night. Legs felt like jelly.
Small Wins
Week two, magic happened:
My kid actually returned Coach’s serve. Whole court clapped! Later I finally connected my forehand – THWACK sound made me jump. We celebrated with melted ice cream sandwiches.
Tournament Day
End-of-program matches yesterday:
- Kid won 6-4 against blue-haired girl
- I lost 0-6 to retired mailman Lou
- High-fived Lou anyway – his serves were bullets!
Biggest win? Driving home, kid said: “Dad, can we play again tomorrow?” Cue happy tears. Maybe those Walmart rackets won’t gather dust after all.