Conneaut tennis camp teaches the basics

CONNEAUT — A lot has changed in the 21 years since Dave Simpson and Doug Hedrick started the Conneaut Tennis Camp.

Different courts is one big change, but something that hasn’t changed is the attempt to teach the basics of tennis and provide character lessons as well, Simpson said.

He said he was head tennis coach for Conneaut High School and Hedrick was the junior high coach at the time the camp started.

Simpson said the camp included 15 participants during week at the SPARC-Ricaurte Tennis Courts. The campers, who were from third to eighth grade, returned throughout the week.

“We emphasize different skills,” Simpson said of the varied drills that were also connected to fun competition.

He said the camp tries to provide fun activities and games for the students.

Simpson said Beth Thomas, Joe Zappitelli and Paul Kosner assisted in the camp.

“They are long-time tennis players,” Simpson said.

Simpson said the camp emphasized the importance of consistency in striking the ball, and the placement of the shot. He said those two skills can help tennis players become good.

Three other aspects to tennis were also discussed, including depth (how deep on the court the ball is hit), ball spin and power.

“The best players can play with power and control,” Simpson said.

He said there were daily character lessons, including listening, effort, and sportsmanship.

Hedrick said he did not think he would still be helping at the camp when it was started 21 years ago

“We have had a good run,” he said. “It is still enjoyable and I think they [the players] get something out of it.”

The program was sponsored by the Conneaut Recreation Department, Simpson said.