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India is #1 in many departments, but where does it stand in OLYMPICS ?

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Tennis Academy Review: Kiran's Tennis Foundation

Do you Tennis !? There goes the catch line of Kiran’s Tennis Foundation, (KTF), formerly known simply as The Tennis Foundation. And, it seems that a lot of the city’s junior junta is doing just that. Catching Tennis. A little birdie told me that there are over 40 tennis coaching centres spread over the city, with most of them catering to school children. However, KTF promises to be one with a difference. It has positioned itself as the place where beginners… absolute novices can turn to.Think of it as the play school near your house, to which you send your toddler to. It’s close, it’s cheap, and you can always quit and get a better one if you so want. The time your tot spends here is never going to be a waste, because he/she is going to learn at least something. But the second, and main reason why you can let your kid come here, is simple… At this level, it just does not matter. Later, when they grow up, they can go to the ISB, AIIMS, Oxford, Massachusetts or whatnot. KTF works very much in the same way. Its raison de etre, is to introduce complete beginners to the game, and they have no qualms over letting their students move on to get higher levels of training if they so choose.With 7 tennis courts spread over the city (4 clay + 3 synthetic), and more perennially in the pipeline, they gain greater proximity than centres located in just one area which might become a tad far off for some. 5 of these courts are in three schools, Bharti Vidya Bhavans, International School of Hyderabad, and Meridian School. The remaining two are at Kauvri Hills in Madhapur.KTF also comes across as an inexpensive alternative. At Rs. 1,500 for registration, (non-refundable), coaching also comes at a monthly fee of Rs. 1,500. Should you not want to play 6 days a week, you could go for the 3 day a week option at Rs. 1000. 2 days per week will cost you Rs. 500. A single day’s play for a guest (accompanied by a member) is Rs. 50, while those coming without a member will have to pay Rs. 100. All sessions last for an hour, but, depending on space and light, you could play on. The centres are closed on Sunday Evening and Monday mornings. You could also play 7 days a week if you so choose, at no extra charge, by going to a different centre on one of these days.So, it’s a win win deal. Youngsters (specially in Banjara Hills areas) scared off tennis for want of a court nearby or for the exorbitant fees charged, now have no excuse.There are 3 sessions of an hour each every evening. The first starts at 4.30 pm, the next at 5.00 pm, and the last one at 5.30 pm. There is a move on, to have flood lights at Meridian School, where adults can play and learn after dark.The coaches, 7 in number, are young but experienced. Most have the required certification. The foundation uses novel methods to teach, like asking the beginners to serve with their eyes closed, to develop better co-ordination. Started in 1996 with a prestigious contract of coaching at The Country Club, the Foundation has grown to where it is today. It now has the distinction of coaching the students even at the ISB. So, maybe where you put that toddler of yours does make a difference after all!KTF has a speed gun, along with a ball machine which they put to use or hire out for events, tournaments, or commercials. They are planning to install this as a regular feature at one of their playing areas, but logistics remains a huge issue.They hold events like Smash Tennis, where youngsters get to play against celebrities, professionals, and cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. All this, so that they can justifiably ask you, one Zany question. Do you Tennis !?