<p>Ace Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna launched his tennis academy for children, Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy (RBTA), with a three-day clinic that began here on Friday.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The academy will cater to children aged between 4 and 14 with an emphasis on improving fitness.<br /><br />Bopanna has also roped in former South African tennis player and Olympic silver medallist Pietie Norval, who will assume the role of mentor-coach, and fitness coach Yash Pandey.<br /><br />Speaking at the launch, Bopanna discussed the idea behind focussing on fitness.<br />“If you have to compete at the highest level especially against the Americans and Europeans, fitness is a key factor to match up to them. Indians have good skill sets but our fitness needs to be improved. The physical development of the children is what we need to focus.”<br /><br />While Bopanna was of the belief that RBTA could offer a little extra in terms of professional touch, he also made a call for various academies to work together, having a common goal of improving quality of players in the country.<br /><br />“Having people like Piete and Yash really helps since they come on board with a wealth of experience. Right now in Bengaluru we are trying to involve everyone (other academies) and work as a team and improve tennis in general. Not really compete with each other.”<br /><br />Norval, who will be assisting the coaching staff and overlooking the entire process, opined that there was a general responsibility for coaches to try and get the best information to help children.<br /><br />“We definitely will be taking a more holistic approach towards coaching and ensuring that we help the kids play at whatever level they want to play.”<br /><br />RBTA is located in Yelahanka and will start its operations from April 10. For details log on to rohanbopannatennis.com.<br /></p>
<p>Ace Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna launched his tennis academy for children, Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy (RBTA), with a three-day clinic that began here on Friday.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The academy will cater to children aged between 4 and 14 with an emphasis on improving fitness.<br /><br />Bopanna has also roped in former South African tennis player and Olympic silver medallist Pietie Norval, who will assume the role of mentor-coach, and fitness coach Yash Pandey.<br /><br />Speaking at the launch, Bopanna discussed the idea behind focussing on fitness.<br />“If you have to compete at the highest level especially against the Americans and Europeans, fitness is a key factor to match up to them. Indians have good skill sets but our fitness needs to be improved. The physical development of the children is what we need to focus.”<br /><br />While Bopanna was of the belief that RBTA could offer a little extra in terms of professional touch, he also made a call for various academies to work together, having a common goal of improving quality of players in the country.<br /><br />“Having people like Piete and Yash really helps since they come on board with a wealth of experience. Right now in Bengaluru we are trying to involve everyone (other academies) and work as a team and improve tennis in general. Not really compete with each other.”<br /><br />Norval, who will be assisting the coaching staff and overlooking the entire process, opined that there was a general responsibility for coaches to try and get the best information to help children.<br /><br />“We definitely will be taking a more holistic approach towards coaching and ensuring that we help the kids play at whatever level they want to play.”<br /><br />RBTA is located in Yelahanka and will start its operations from April 10. For details log on to rohanbopannatennis.com.<br /></p>
