Tennis began to actively develop in Russia at the end of the last century. It cannot be said that the game was completely unknown to Russians before that time, but it was not widespread. That is understandable. Tennis requires courts, coaches, and good equipment. And also – a fashion for playing this sport. It can be said that the fashion for tennis was introduced by the first president of Russia, B. N. Yeltsin. Following him, the 'whole country' took up tennis rackets, and, naturally, officials were ahead of everyone else.
The 'revolution' in Russian tennis began in 1990, after the country saw on television screens the president jumping at the tennis net with a racket in his hands. Moreover, it turned out that tennis is a serious and promising pursuit. Successful tennis players earn a lot of money, and the current freedom of movement implies and welcomes participation in international tournaments and competitions.
One can hope that the once-emerged fashion for tennis will not fade away, although the current president likes judo and alpine skiing, which now enjoy particular popularity in Russia. In general, the more beloved and popular sports, the better. Any sport serves the good cause of strengthening people's health, and where this health improvement takes place – on a ski slope, an ice rink, or a tennis court – is not so important.
It must be said that tennis is considered an activity for aristocrats. Many consider it too expensive a pleasure. Although the equipment of a hockey player, figure skater, or alpine skier is no cheaper, and building a swimming pool or a stadium with a football field is a more costly undertaking than creating several courts. Indeed, a tennis net immediately makes the court functional and in demand. At least, the main thing for the game is already there.
But without state-level care for the development of sports, it is difficult to expect truly great achievements. Sport should be accessible to everyone, especially children. To raise a truly top-class tennis player, work must start from early childhood. One can master all the secrets of the game if the first lessons begin at the age of 4-5. According to educators and psychologists, it is at this age that the athlete's personality is formed and the foundation for future success is laid. Tennis not only ensures excellent health and harmonious development but also strengthens personal qualities.
How are such young children taught tennis? Exactly as learning generally happens at this age: by effective example and demonstration. Tennis rackets, of course, must match the child's hand, be suitable in size and weight. A good coach at this stage teaches not the child's mind but their muscles, that is, repeatedly and persistently guides the child's hand along the technically correct pattern of a particular racket stroke. To do this, the coach stands behind the student, takes both of their hands, and guides them repeatedly along the required trajectory.
As strange as it may sound, such training develops not only the body but also the brain. Movements learned to the level of automatism allow one later, without being distracted by thinking about the movement, to make tactical and strategic decisions in the game. Children learn to analyze the situation, make split-second decisions, and change technique depending on the situation. The child becomes calculating, plays thoughtfully, sensing what the speed of the ball will be after a hit, anticipating the opponent's location on the court.
By the way, the psychological stability of future athletes is also laid down in early childhood. It is at a young age that people get used to working without paying attention to the reaction of spectators, to extraneous noise, shouts, applause, perceiving them as ordinary background accompaniment.
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