Excited Perth Grammar pupils made a racket last week as star tennis coach Judy Murray paid a visit to launch a new sporting project for Scottish schools.
The mother of tennis greats Andy and Jamie Murray has partnered with Education Scotland to create an online tennis resource for teachers and practitioners that will give children the opportunity to receive tennis training without any special equipment.
The new service comes in the form of an online training resource for children aged five to 18.
Judy will lead the online lessons herself, explaining different games, techniques and drills which improve tennis performance.
The resource will also help teachers develop physical skills and understanding across a whole range of other sporting activities.
Perth pupils also got the chance to try out the training routines with Judy in person on Tuesday.
Judy has 30 years of experience in teaching tennis from club volunteer to player box at Wimbledon and is regarded as one of the world’s best skill developers.
Speaking after Tuesday’s visit, Judy commented: “I’m a big believer in learning through play and I’m convinced that teachers are the key to growing tennis across Scotland as they will give many more children and young people the chance to get involved.
“I understand what tennis demands of the new starts and I know the challenges of teaching tennis to large, mixed-ability groups in a range of school environments.”
She added: “The content in the resource does not require a tennis court and can be adapted to work in whatever space is available.
“It’s a mix of skill-building activities and fun games that develop understanding and confidence as well as the basic physical skills that underpin all sports.”
Head teacher at Perth Grammar School Fiona Robertson added: “It has been great to learn how different skills and techniques improve ability in the sport.
“Not only has what she produced going to prove an excellent support to coaches and teachers across Scotland but the concept encourages progression.
“She explains that the basics of tennis can take place in a relatively small space and seeing this in action has been really impressive. As head teacher I am delighted to see the start of an exciting tennis journey at Perth Grammar which I am sure will become a model for other schools.”
