Why Tennis is Great for Families! | Greenwich Moms

Tennis is not only the most popular sport in the world, but it is also fun, exciting, and best of all, it is the perfect physical activity for the family to stay active together.

The new Chelsea Piers Tennis Director Jonathan Engeltbretch knows the lifelong benefits of tennis and its impact on families better than most. We interviewed him to learn more about his experiences teaching his daughters the sport of a lifetime.

WHEN DID YOU GIVE YOUR GIRLS THEIR FIRST TENNIS RACQUETS?
They were 18 months old. We would walk around the driveway just pushing the ball along the ground.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU PLAY TENNIS WITH YOUR FAMILY?
Every weekend we play family doubles. We first started with no scoring, to now playing three sets, one with a new partner and the last being our girls taking on my wife and myself. The girls keep track of their wins against us, and I would not like to share that record publicly!

WHY DO YOU ENJOY PLAYING TENNIS WITH YOUR KIDS?
It teaches us so much about the challenges, the highs, and lows that one might encounter in other life experiences. It prepares you for an ever-changing world. It teaches you how to react in certain situations. Sometimes you can take more risks because you are ahead, and sometimes you need to be defensive until the momentum turns back in your favor. These are all hidden nuances that are embedded in the confines of the game.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT PLAYING TENNIS WITH YOUR FAMILY?
My favorite part is just looking back at how far the girls have come from a tennis perspective and a look back at how far we have come from a parent’s perspective. The ultimate moment is after the last point, we all give hugs and kisses. As a Dad, nothing could make my day more than that moment!

HERE ARE A FEW MORE REASONS WHY TENNIS IS GREAT FOR FAMILIES:

KEEPS THE FAMILY ACTIVE
Tennis is a game that everyone in your household can get excited about. It’s engaging, simple to get started playing, and can keep your family moving for hours. Tennis provides all the benefits of working out in a gym,with a fun competitive twist. And as a low-impact and non-contact sport, children of all ages in the family can play together..

TEACHES TEAMWORK
Playing tennis together helps develop you and your kid’s ability to communicate, coordinate and work together as a team. It also helps kids learn to be good sports when they lose.

PROVIDES YEAR-ROUND FUN
Many family sports and activities can only be played during one season of the year. However, the indoor tennis courts at Chelsea Piers Athletic Club are available for year-round fun. This makes it so much easier for families to establish a routine that they can stick to and stay engaged and active year-round.

TENNIS AT CHELSEA PIERS ATHLETIC CLUB
Chelsea Piers is the premier place for adults and juniors to learn tennis through clinics and private lessons, play recreationally, and compete year-round. Safety is our top concern, and we will follow all CT State and USTA guidelines for tennis. Visit https://www.chelseapiersct.com/tennis to learn more.

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