Tennis nation?

I heard a discussion on the radio yesterday in which it was concluded that Britain is not a 'tennis nation'. True, at least not insofar as we are a football nation, or even a cricket or rugby nation. We cannot therefore expect, the discussion continued, to have much representation at the top level. Why? Germany, Sweden, Czech Republic and Switzerland have all had multiple Wimbledon champions in the Open Era (Britain has had one - Ann Haydon) and are all better represented in the latter stages of this year's Wimbledon than Britain. None could be unequivicobly defined as 'tennis nations'.

The difference is that in Britain we are too willing to accept the status quo and not keen enough to find new talent. We sit back, trusting that an occasional star will emerge to reaffirm our policy of complacency. When this mystical process of osmosis fails us, we have a period of collective soul-searching before collapsing back into lazy habits. There is no reason why this should be the case.

If children could be identified as having an apptitude for tennis (and they could be, through simple and enjoyable physical exercises in PE lessons), then they could be encouraged to play for their school or join a club. They could create a group with other tennis playing youngsters in their area and practise together (as having a practise partner capable of hitting the ball back is a fairly fundamental requirement, and something which is not always easy to find outside of a club!) They could track their own progress and compare themselves to each other, and teachers and coaches could follow their performances and devise practise routines. All of this could be easily coordinated through the Xoolon software, and would enable the better identification of talent.

The aim is not to create some Soviet-esque production line of mechanical athletes, but rather to enable young people to discover their own potential. Experience tells us that most are keen to continue if they find a sport which they are good at. If not, then at least they gave it a go. That, really, is the key. Involvement and engagement. We may not be a 'tennis nation', but we can still be successful if only we have the will.

Oh, by the way... COME ON ANDY!!!