Tennis ace serves up advice

Serve, volley, return, baseline, lob, smash.

When it comes to tennis, it’s hard to find a local more enthusiastic, experienced and knowledgeable than Jane Rafferty.

Given the role tennis has played in her life, it’s easy to see why.

“I’ve played tennis all my life. My first competitive tournament was at under-10 level. I come from a tennis-playing family,” she enthused.

Mrs Rafferty cannot remember a time she wasn’t a keen tennis player, and represented Eastern Transvaal throughout her school years.

Coaching at provincial level was the extent of her formal training.

“They do a lot more coaching these days, much more than when I was young. I actually feel children today are over-coached.”

In her final years of school, Mrs Rafferty was selected as junior provincial player for Eastern Transvaal, also formed part of the Durban Varsity team, where she studied.

After relocating to Newcastle in the ’80s, she found renewed tennis success.

“In that time, the town was very active in respect of club level tennis leagues. I was then included in the country districts side, representing Northern KZN.”

With a wry smile, Mrs Rafferty agreed her passion had been passed down to her children, whether or not they were winning.

She also played a role in junior tennis teams for some years.

“I hoped to create future interest in tennis.”

Mrs Rafferty described herself as a steady and determined player, with strong ground strokes and plenty of endurance for longer rallies.

In fact, she enjoys the rhythm of continuous play.

“I started playing with wooden racquets so I don’t use as much power.”

A champion of the single-handed backhand, Mrs Rafferty explained tennis was a conditioned game, extolling the value of professional coaching for young players.

To her, it teaches mental fortitude, and maturity associated with an individual sport.

“Tennis is a difficult game and you have to hone skills, which leaves many frustrated.”

While emotions factored into a match, Mrs Rafferty showed there was a gap between tennis offered at school level, and translating that into tennis beyond tertiary education.

She believes there is a place at all levels of life for tennis.

“Social tennis develops talent and how to interact with others in a polite manner.”

Offering advice for prospective players, Mrs Rafferty said the first step was to be coached on the basic tennis strokes.

She also emphasised watching professionals on television.

“I am addicted to watching tennis on television. Rafael Nadal is a gusty, feisty and tough player. Tennis is character-building and Nadal never quits. Roger Federer is a role model and legend. He changes his style of play and really plays with feeling.”

If tennis sounds like your ball game, why not contact the Pavilion Tennis Club on 081 270 7873, or on 082 885 6197?.