„I believe that every child simply must try both team and individual sports. We are all different, and only by trying can we understand what suits us. Tennis is quite different from many other sports. The most important thing is that it is an individual game, through which children develop not only physical but also many psychological qualities,“ says E. Liachovičiūtė.
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It’s never too late to start
The academy has 34 tennis and 3 physical training coaches working with children, and the training programs cover the entire path – from the first acquaintance with the court, racket, ball, and rules to high-level sports mastery.
For the youngest children, E. Liachovičiūtė advises starting to get acquainted with tennis from 4-5 years old. However, if the goal is simply to learn to play tennis, there is practically no age limit. Beginner groups at the academy are formed up to 18 years old.
„It’s never too late to start playing tennis. Of course, if we talk about the dream of becoming a professional, we recommend starting by 7-8 years old or even earlier. If there are no such thoughts, tennis as a sport or hobby for life can be discovered at any time. And it can even be combined with other clubs and other sports,“ says the coach.
Tennis is a fairly complex sport, but the modern training methodology applied by VTA allows children to start playing from the very first moments on the court. Age-appropriate equipment and courts are used, and techniques are learned through playing. According to the VTA head coach, the most important thing is not to rush and not to overload young children with too much strain and expectations.
„Still, over time tennis can offer various paths for a child. For example, a professional career, studies at a US university, or simply a hobby and great leisure time with friends,“ says E. Liachovičiūtė.
Experienced coaches in the VTA team
One of the most prominent personalities in the VTA team is this year’s addition, the best Lithuanian tennis player of all time, Ričardas Berankis. The former world No. 50 is an academy coach and consultant, working with its most promising pupils and sharing his knowledge gained in professional sports with VTA coaches.
This summer, R. Berankis took another step in his coaching career – he completed the International Tennis Federation (ITF) “Level 2” coaching courses. After six weeks of remote training, he successfully passed theoretical and practical exams in Valencia.
Other academy coaches continuously upgrade their qualifications both in Lithuania and abroad.
Tennis that can last a lifetime
According to E. Liachovičiūtė, VTA’s goal is not to turn every child who comes to the court into a professional. It is more important to help find a sport that can accompany the child for many years.
„We want as many children as possible to come and try tennis, and for coaches to help them discover this sport through professional work. So that tennis becomes their lifelong companion. And for those who choose the athlete’s path, we will help them improve and achieve victories not only in Lithuania but also on courts worldwide,“ says the VTA head coach.
According to her, tennis strengthens children’s physical fitness, develops self-confidence, discipline, and perseverance, and expands their circle of friends and acquaintances. Therefore, the first step does not necessarily have to be a decision to choose tennis for the long term – first, it is worth giving the child the opportunity to try it.
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