While the pros were sliding on the clay at the French Open, Lake Tahoe kids have been pounding the hard courts at Zephyr Cove Tennis Club.

Deanne Larsell, assistant pro at the club, led more than a dozen kids through a series of drills this week before the rain forced play to stop. The two free clinics that were canceled because of the weather have been rescheduled for June 1. Grades 3-5 will play starting at 3:45pm, while grades 6-8 begin at 4:45pm.

Youngsters are taught the fundamentals of the game, as well as have the opportunity to refine skills they already have.

Douglas County Parks and Recreation Department, and the nonprofit Zephyr Cove Tennis Club Foundation are providing the free lessons.

The Northern California chapter of the U.S. Tennis Association is providing goodies to each participant.

ZCTC will be offering a more in depth youth summer program starting June 6. For more information, go online.