About 60 children flocked to the Gunnedah tennis courts each morning from Tuesday to Thursday last week for a school holiday clinic, courtesy of the Louis Tennis Academy.

Ranging from 5 to 15 years, participants came from the Gunnedah and surrounding area while there were seven coaches, including Louis Tennis Academy owner Craig Louis.

The participants were put into groups according to age and ability, while each day involved a different itinerary.

Day one focused on soft hands and drop shots, as well as getting a feel for the sport.

Day two focused on lob shots before the final day featured game play, as well as a water fight which the youngsters enjoyed in the hot conditions.

Craig Louis said it was great to see the enthusiasm of the youngsters, as well as their development and improvement throughout the three-day event.

“We try to make it not too stressful, and to make it enjoyable in a group environment,” he said.

RESULTS

Hot Shot (red ball): boys winner Tyler Finnerty, r/up Duncan Torrens; girls winner Lexi Finnerty, r/up Imogen Barker.

Hot Shot (orange ball): boys winner Toby Morris, r/up Angus Hinchcliffe; girls winner Lilly Steele, r/up Ava Warren.

Hot Shot (green ball): boys winner Marsel Tikhonskiy, r/up Fletcher Many; girls winner Adalie Muddle, r/up Sophie Martin.

Hot Shot (yellow ball): boys winner Lachlan Finnerty, r/up Balin Muddle; girls winner Amiee Hobden, r/up Hannah Redfern.

Novak Djokovic award (outstanding shot making): Ben Martin, Rosie Galton.

Ash Barty award (court etiquette): Jake Gurney, Buddy Ryan.

Alex De Minaur award (sportsmanship): Nic Swain, Bella Ryan.

Camden Muddle serves while Jed Smallwood looks on.

Cooper Galton.

This group of girls had plenty of fun at last week’s tennis clinic in Gunnedah.

Jack Sturrock.

To order photos from this page click here