Monday, April 26, 2021
Private/Semi Private Tennis Lessons now available in 2021
Private/semi-private lessons are available for most ages, but the most progress can be seen when players reach the ages of 10+. However, every student progresses differently, and age alone does not dictate the level of proficiency. For example, my 9-year-old grandson can hit and move better on a court than many middle school players.
For more information about lessons, please send me an email so I can reply with all scheduling and rate information.
Since the weather is getting nice, the time to begin scheduling lessons is NOW!
Sunday, March 21, 2021
Update: No Spring tennis session for 2021
Trish and I once again have decided: to not risk the safety of parents or children; to not compromise our program by offering a "watered-down" session. Therefore, the Spring session of tennis this pandemic year of 2021 will not be offered. We will see what the future brings in the Fall of 2021.
Thank you to those who have expressed interest in our program. We hope there will be a way, later in the year, to feel good again about what we offer the community. Until then, stay safe, stay healthy, and play tennis. Outdoor courts, when shared by family members, can be a safe and healthy environment both physically and mentally. Tennis is actually one of the best social distancing sports.
If you need some advice on how to begin tennis with young children, don't hesitate to contact me and I'll be happy to help.
Ron & Trish Miller
Monday, January 18, 2021
The year is 2021, and although it remains to be seen if things will really be happy, we have little choice but to be optimistic.
As far as tennis for this year, many things need to be taken into consideration as we begin a vaccination rollout, open schools and businesses, and loosen restrictions all around. One thing is certain, however. We at Gotta Play Tennis will never compromise safety over the ability to run group programs or private lessons.
If you've been a supporter of our programs in the past, Thank you. If you a looking to get either yourself or your children involved, feel free to contact me and we will see if there is something available for you.
Let's hope that 2021 will be a good year to be back on the tennis court.
Sunday, October 11, 2020
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
UPDATE: No Fall session for Gotta Play Tennis Kids in 2020
After much discussion and soul searching, Trish and I decided to not risk a Fall session of tennis this pandemic year of 2020. We will see what the future brings in the Spring of 2021.
Thank you to those who have expressed interest in our program. We hope to see you next year provided life gets safer and better.
Ron & Trish Miller
Thursday, July 9, 2020
NEWS: NJ Health Department lists tennis as a "low risk" sport for exposure to Covid-19
Has there ever been a better time to play tennis? If you are still not convinced, read this 2018 New York Times article entitled "The Best Sport for a Longer Life? Try Tennis." Or check out the clinical features of tennis by Jack Groppel, PhD and Nicholas DiNubile, MD in a paper entitled "Tennis: For the Health of It!"
Still not sure? Try it! Tennis rackets and balls are inexpensive, so the barrier to entry is low. But let me make a recommendation: do not buy optic yellow tennis balls in a tube. These are essentially the same speed and bounce used by professionals. Are you a professional? If not, then try either Orange or Green balls. They bounce at 50% and 75% of a standard tennis ball, and they are available at sporting goods stores, big box stores, and online. Your playing experience will be much more enjoyable with a ball that is more beginner-friendly.
Saturday, June 27, 2020
Private lessons now available (with safety protocols) updated 6/27
These lessons are NOT part of GlouTwp. Recreation and are provided independently by Ron Miller, PTR certified instructor with over 30+ years experience teaching tennis skills to adults and children alike.
See link to Private/semi-private lessons for more information.
Safety protocols:
Off-court (my practices)
- a mask is worn whenever present in public spaces
- regular daily temperature checks completed
- awareness and avoidance of any local hotspots of virus spread
- initial temperature checks of participant(s) and coach
- hand sanitizer usage after each drill or activity and at end of lesson
- separate ball pick-up baskets tagged for each participant
- baskets sanitized with antibacterial wipes
- social distancing in effect for all activities
- most activities are facilitated on opposite sides of the net
- masks are NOT worn on-court (by either player or coach) as they restrict the breathing of any participant who will accelerate their breathing upon exertion
- no fist bumps, high fives or elbow rubs; only verbal cues and spoken praise
- participants are recommended to keep their hands away from their face at all times
- players provide their own racket and beverage
Monday, May 18, 2020
When will we see tennis again? (Updated 5/25)
All Spring classes and registrations are now canceled until further notice. The online platform Community Pass has been disabled for public viewing of classes. As we move forward, we will add classes once we are told by the CDC that group activities are safe. CDC is recommending no groups larger than 10 for the next 8 weeks currently. Group activities sponsored by the Twp are canceled until further notice. As of right now we are not doing any registrations, sponsored events or programs. We are encouraging our residents to practice social distancing. Running any classes would completely contradict that. DO NOT offer private programs, classes, etc. that contradict CDC recommendations on any social gatherings. If we are notified that a program, lessons, or any events, etc have taken place, you will no longer be welcome as an instructor. Please stay safe and healthy!
Hello everyone. Trish and I hope you are all staying safe during this crisis period in our state's history.
When will tennis once again be available? That is THE question. The true answer is "I don't know." Obviously, all scheduled programs were canceled due to the state shutdown. Parks have just reopened recently, but tennis courts have not (UPDATE 5/25: GlouTwp. Community Park & Point Ariel Park Tennis Courts are now OPEN to the public). Even if they were, no social gatherings are permitted and that includes organized sports.
Therefore, we will all just need to take a wait-and-see posture as the weeks go by toward summer.
Once I know something, I will make sure to post information to help us moving forward.
Thanks, and continue to social distance, wear masks when around others, and please don't assume we are business, as usual, anyy time soon. Let us not forget that our state currently has lost over 10,000 people to Covid-19.
I love tennis, and it will return. When it does, I hope to hear you say "I was born ready."
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Happy Holidays & Thanks
Katrinna Mills
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Fall 2019 Schedule adjustments (update November 9)
The 2019 Fall session is now completed.
Due to unseasonably cold weather (30+ degrees), the consensus of the parents was to accept November 2nd as our last session.
We're confident you enjoyed the over 7 hours of fun and instruction on the courts.
Keep playing tennis and we hope to see you
in the Spring.
----------------------------------------------------
Fall 2019 Tennis
Schedule Adjustments
No session on October 12 or 26
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
NEWS: Fall QuickStart Tennis 2019 session dates scheduled in Gloucester Township
at GlouTwp. Recreation Center
(5 weeks)
Wks. 1-4 (Saturdays)
Wk. 5 (Saturday)
This format of kid-sized 10-and-under Tennis promotes quick success and lots of fun on the court. Through enjoyable activities and skill-based play, participants get an introduction to strokes, terms, movement, and scoring. Instructional games, scaled-down courts and nets, and youth racquets and balls are all designed for the size of a young child. Parents are encouraged to participate in family-friendly weekly activities. All equipment is provided.
(optional with an additional fee of $15 player 1, $20 player 2 or more)
Introducing Red Ball tennis competition with the focus on:
- Team play
- Parent involvement
- Challenges to a new player's tennis skills
- Family Pizza party (includes player(s) and their family)
Time: 10:45 - 12:45PM
IN-PERSON REGISTRATION:
September 5 (residents)
September 9 (non-residents)
$75 per student + $10 per student (GlouTwp fee)
Non-residents add additional $10 (per student) to cost (GlouTwp fee)
2nd student discount:
2 students for $140 + $20 per student (GlouTwp fee)
Monday, July 22, 2019
Weather Alert: July 22; Schedule change
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Weather Alert: July 19
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Weather Alert: July 18
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Weather Alert: July 17
Friday, June 28, 2019
2019 Youth Tennis Olympic Challenge
— No previous tennis experience necessary —
2 students for $120 (plus $20 GlouTwp. Fee)
NOTE: Rain date may be July 19
REGISTRATION and PAYMENT MUST BE COMPLETED IN-PERSON
at GlouTwp. Recreation Center
Players divided into teams will use their agility, balance, and coordination, along with some learned basic tennis skills, in Olympic-themed competition with their peers. Our goal is to provide a fun environment of group participation in tennis-related games and activities that promote teamwork, on-court problem-solving, fitness, and cooperation among players. Teams will win Gold, Silver, or Bronze awards based upon their success.
- Tug of War Balance
- Tennis Miniature Golf
- Triple Play (feed, hit, catch)
- Cone Catchers
- Koosh Ball passing
- Rollball On Goal
- Ring Bounce Scoring
- Ball and Racket Balance
- Topple the Tower
Monday, June 17, 2019
NEWS: 2019 Spring Youth QuickStart Tennis program closes with Red Ball Team Challenge
A special thank you to those parents who were able to attend and provide on-court assistance at our now annual Spring Red Ball Team Challenge. The competition was low-key and enjoyable. Kids got the opportunity to exercise the skills they learned in our QuickStart session, and parents were directly involved with youth sport perhaps unlike any other experience they've had with the more recognized soccer, baseball, etc.
The pizza party that followed the RBTC was tasty, and we consumed about 8 delicious pies, and plenty of ice cold water, for which our small registration fee helped to cover costs. Our thanks to Mario's pizza, located on South Black Horse Pike in Blackwood, for working with us and discounting and delivering the scrumptious slices.
Special recognition goes to:
- Coach/Trish Miller (my wife)
- Without all her hard work, this event (and all the tennis sessions themselves) would not be possible. She thinks of all the small things I forget, helps me bounce around ideas for our lesson plans (pun intended), and she provides organization to what could easily be chaos and confusion. Thank you, honey!
- Dave Wojcik
- Assistant coach Dave is always there early to help set up the courts, and he always stays late to help clean up as well. In addition, we throw tasks his way, without warning, and he always takes the challenge in stride. His daughter River has been attending these sessions for a few years now and continues to improve on her skills.
- Our wonderful teen assistant coaches/Travis Cina and Katrina Mills
- Not sure what more I can say about these terrific, dedicated, and skilled coaches. Their work in the court with the kids speaks for itself, and I hope parents realize how valuable they have been both in their guidance and leadership.
- Newly minted Junior Coaches/Jayden Miller, Kylie Galantic, and River Wojcik
- As we understood the need to develop younger students to eventually replace our teens, who will be moving on to bigger challenges in the near future, we looked to students who showed dedication, spirit, and levels of skill required to act as positive models to other players. These three have shown this, and we hope to help them develop even more leadership as they continue to grow and learn. Special recognition to Jayden Miller as his never-give-up approach on the court (much of which Trish and I have seen when we hit with him) makes us very proud grandparents indeed. Although a bit under the weather during this event, he still pushed forward as much as possible to keep things moving. Thanks, Jayden! We love you lots.
Feel free to comment on this post. Also, take advantage of the online program evaluation that was sent to your email.
Sunday, May 19, 2019
Youth Spring 2019 QuickStart Tennis
Wks. 1-4 (Saturdays)
Time: 9:00 - 10:45AM
Wk. 5 (Saturday)
Time: 9 - 9:30AM
Red Ball Team Challenge (optional with additional fee)
Introducing Red Ball tennis competition with the focus on:
- Team play
- Parent involvement
- Challenges to a new player's tennis skills
- Family Pizza party
Time: 10:15 - 12:15PM
Gloucester Twp. Recreation
Friday, April 5, 2019
Coming this Spring 2019 to Gloucester Twp. and surrounding areas: Adult Mini Tennis
SELFFtime™ Adult Mini Tennis
Tired of the same old repetitive exercise routines
Why not reward yourself with something fresh, but yet classic!
- Promotes health and fitness while focusing on what you want most—FUN!
- Teaching Agility, Balance, and Coordination through engaging group activities
- Uses equipment such as hoops, cones, ladders, rings, koosh balls and more (along with rackets and balls of course!)
- Scaled-down court sizes and rackets
- Softer and slower tennis balls
- Builds the foundations of the lifetime sport of Tennis
- PTR (Professional Tennis Registry) Certified instructor with 30+ years of experience
- All equipment provided
- Wear comfortable clothing, bring water and smiles!
(we welcome Washington, Monroe, Deptford, and any other surrounding townships to join us!)
DELAYED
— New Dates announced —
May 28 - July 2
Click HERE for pre-registration page
Since many activities are partner-based, why not sign up with a friend, spouse or loved one.
A. Courts can be either 42' deep and 27' wide OR 36' deep and 18' wide. A traditional court is 78' deep and 36' wide. The size of the area is small enough to accommodate those who want to run more (playing 1 on 1 singles) or those looking for less steps (playing 2 on 2 doubles).
Q. Isn't SELFFtime just like Pickleball?
A. Tennis uses a strung racket while Pickleball uses a hard paddle. Also, the ball used in Pickleball is similar to a whiffle ball while tennis balls (of all varieties) share a softer felt exterior while maintaining an inner rubber core that creates a "bounce". Taking away the strings, and eliminating a tennis ball bounce, creates an entirely different experience that is more like large-scale ping-pong than tennis.
Q. Is the entire program just hitting tennis balls back and forth?
A. Tennis skills are built on the maturation of agility, balance, and coordination development. While hitting tennis balls with a racket is an essential part of what takes place, other activities are designed to challenge both mind and body in a way that helps sculpt a person's skills—regardless of using tennis as a healthful activity, competitive venture, or both.
Q. What would I need to bring?
A. Since all equipment is provided, all you will need is a water or sports drink bottle and a towel. Wear sneakers and loose seasonal clothing. Apply sunscreen as needed.
(copied from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/40847392_Tennis_For_the_Health_of_It)
Tennis is a sport with numerous health benefits for individuals of all ages. It is also a tremendously effective fitness activity.
Regular participants experience a wide variety of health-related physical and mental benefits, from improved cardiovascular, metabolic, and bone health to improved agility, coordination, and even stress and anxiety management.
Based on the scientific evidence available, it is difficult to find an activity that offers as wide a range of overall health benefits as tennis, and individuals who take up tennis reap tremendous rewards.
Click HERE for 34 specific reasons to consider playing tennis regularly
Health Benefits of Tennis: Why Play Tennis?
by Jack L. Groppel, PhD
Saturday, March 16, 2019
NEWS: Spring QuickStart Tennis 2019 session dates scheduled in Gloucester Township
This provides valuable information which we use to modify
our tennis program to accommodate ages and skill levels.
at GlouTwp. Recreation Center
No session on June 8
Wks. 1-4 (Saturdays)
Time: 9:00 - 10:45AM
Wk. 5 (Saturday)
Time: 9 - 9:30AM
Red Ball Team Challenge (optional with additional fee)
Introducing Red Ball tennis competition with the focus on:
- Team play
- Parent involvement
- Challenges to a new player's tennis skills
- Family Pizza party
Time: 10:15 - 12:15PM
PRE-REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLE!
Pre-registration online form
IN-PERSON REGISTRATION BEGINS:
March 25 (residents)
April 1 (non-residents)
$75 per student + $10 per student (GlouTwp fee)
Non-residents add additional $10 (per student) to cost (GlouTwp fee)
2nd student discount:
2 students for $140 + $20 per student (GlouTwp fee)