Future tennis stars learn at ZCTC

Volunteer Hersh Herschman helps Emma Stewart learn ground strokes. Photo/Provided

It didn’t take much imagination to envision a decade from now the next Simona Halep or Rafa Nadal being at the trophy ceremony of the French Open and saying how their days at Zephyr Cove Tennis Club laid the foundation for their success.

Hours after Halep won her first grand slam title on June 9, more than 30 youngsters were scattered about the courts at Zephyr Cove receiving two hours of free instruction from head pro Dave Nostrant and his cadre of volunteers from the club.

Divided into age groups, the youngest had an array of obstacle-course like apparatuses to use to get them acquainted with the various aspects of the sport.

On other courts the older kids were learning to volley with the simple reminder that the racket should high-five the ball. Ball control, forehands and backhands were taught on other courts. The youngsters switched from court-to-court to get a taste of each station.

This event was co-sponsored by Douglas County Parks and Recreation Department and the nonprofit Zephyr Cove Tennis Club Foundation.

Nostrant will be conducting youth clinics in June and July. For more information or to register, go online. Nostrant may be reached at 702.496.6277or zctennisclub@gmail.com.