Pro Tennis: #1 Women's Doubles – Roberta Vinci and Sara Errani

According to the Women's Tennis Assocciation (WTA) the current #1 women's doubles team is Sara Errani (Italy) and Roberta Vinci (Italy). Together, they've won the 2012 French Open, US Open and Australian Open. To say the least, 2012 was a very good year for the team. Vinci is ranked #11 in Singles while her doubles partner, Errani, is ranked at #6. In 2012, Vinci made it to the quarterfinals in women's singles at the U.S. Open, but her partner Errani edged her out, 6-2, 6-4. Errani went on to lose to Serena Williams in the semifinals, 6-0, 6-1.

Sara Errani was born in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy and has trained as a teenager in both Florida and Valencia, Spain. Errani is right-handed, with a two-handed backhand. She's know as a "clay-court" specialist and is "renowned for her use of strategy on the surface—including her tendency to position herself well, and to return serves early." She won the 2012 French Open (on clay) in singles defeating Maria Sharapova. Learn more about Sara Errani.

Roberta Vinci was born in Taranto, Italy. Vinci has won 27 WTA Tour titles, eight in singles and 19 in doubles. She is right-handed with a one-handed backhand. Vinci is self-described as nice, clever, polite. Learn more about Roberta Vinci.

Class Recap: Beat the Pro!

After record heat all week, we got a little break for Saturday's class. At Sumner site, volunteers worked one-on-one with the kids and started to show them how to serve. Marcy and Lafayette Gardens site continue to practice rallying and service.

Even though the heat was down, the kids at Tompkins site made the volunteers work up a sweat as we played "Beat the Pro" on all three courts, our youth athletes rotating to each court after each point (win or loss) to take on a different volunteer, the Pro. It was impressive to watch the older kids rally with the volunteers 14, 15, 16 times back and forth before an error or a winning shot. Even the younger kids were able to keep the ball in play for a few hits. It really made me realize the power of the fundamentals. Power, accuracy, trick shots like topspin and slicing will come with time, but having a solid forehand and backhand means that these kids can play real legitimate tennis and it's awesome! Not every player beat the pro or won ten points, but they all played excellent tennis.

Here are a few photos from Tompkins class. To view more, visit the KCTL Facebook page.

Don't forget: Our fundraiser is happening soon on August 15th! If you're in NYC, come celebrate with KCTL and learn more about and support this amazing program. If you're too far away to join, please consider making a donation to the program. To buy tickets or make a donation, visit our EventBrite page.

VIDEO: Youth Tennis Inspiration

We're approaching mid-season, and I thought that instead of just posting the usual video tutorial, I'd post a few inspiring videos. KCTL is determined to bring tennis to the kids because we truly believe kids can learn so many things about themselves and life through the game of tennis, and that everyone should have the opportunity to play if they so choose.

Here's a quick video from the USTA highlighting that yes, Under 10 youth tennis is definitely real tennis. And these kids are yes, real tennis players. If you disagree, swing by the KCTL courts the next time we have a public event. We'll change your mind!

For more inspiration, here's a video of Serena Williams playing at age 12.

Lastly, here's a video from PlaySportsTV for our players and coaches. Sometimes it can be hard for younger kids to keep the ball in the court as they begin to rally with each other. Try a "juggle rally" to keep the ball in play longer. Watch the video on YouTube.

Class Recap: KCTL on Brooklyn News12!

Attendance was lower than usual at last Saturday's class as the previous night's rain kept many kids indoors. Those who did come out got a special treat as Brooklyn News12 were on the courts at Marcy and Tompkins sites to film a short news feature on the program. The news story played at 6:00pm and 10:00pm on Saturday!

During class, we did a quick review of the forehands and backhands since we had last week off for the July 4th holiday. Then we moved into the kids rallying "Against the Pro" and occasionally with each other. We urged the kids to maintain good strokes while they played our points.

Hoping for heave beautiful weather next Saturday!

Also, we just announced our 4th Annual Fundraiser! Tickets are on sale now at Eventbrite. Get your tickets now and support a really amazing program in BedStuy!

KCTL 4th Annual Fundraiser - August 15!

Pro Tennis: Andy Murray

On Saturday, July 6, Andy Murray broke a 77-year dry spell for Britain. He won London's grand slam, Wimbledon aka The Championships, by beating Novak Djokovic 6-4 7-5 6-4. It was an impressive match, you can watch match highlights here.

Andy Murray is Scottish and British and currently ranked #2 in the world. The past year has been a solid one for him, he won the gold at the 2012 Olympics beating Roger Federer, and Murray won the 2012 US Open beating Djokovic.

Murray's been playing tennis competitively since the age of 11. Later at 16, he was diagnosed with bipartite patella, where the kneecap remains as two separate bones instead of fusing together in early childhood. During matches, you'll see Murray frequently hold his knee due to the pain caused by the condition. It's incredible that he can play and win with an ailment like that!

Murray's playing style includes groundstrokes with low error rate, an nuanced ability to anticipate and react and quick transitions from defense to offense. Murray is one of the top returners in the game, returning fast serves with his excellent reach and ability to anticipate. For this reason, Murray is rarely aced. Murray is known for being one of the most intelligent tacticians on the court, often constructing points. It's also been suggested that Murray has the best lob in the game.

For more information, visit his Wikipedia page.

Friends, Supporters, Donors and more...

Gather round, gather round, we are very excited to announce that the 4th Annual Kings County Tennis League Fundraiser will happen Thursday, August 15 at the DumboLOFT. More details coming soon!