SMASH program ready to debut at SportPark

     By Tom Sullivan
     View columnist
      In celebration of National Tennis Month, the Cartoon Network SMASH Tennis event is coming to the All-American SportPark, 6730 S. Las Vegas Blvd., May 12 and 13.
      Presented in association with the Association of Tennis Professionals and the United States Tennis Association, SMASH Tennis is a fun way for children ages 4-11 to learn the skills of this fast-paced sport.
      The Cartoon Network's SMASH Tennis program includes a "cartoonized" touring truck equipped with transportable tennis courts, a portable stage, interactive inflatable games, classic Cartoon Network characters, including Scooby Doo, Fred Flintstone, Dexter and Elroy Jetson, and an audiovisual system that runs Cartoon Network footage.
      Inflatable games featuring different skills contests include the Bedrock Serve-A-Rama, a speed serve game; Dexter's Ultimate Serving Machine, which allows children the chance to work on their serve return; and the Jetson's Galactic Planet Blast, which gives kids the opportunity to work on their overhead smash.
      New for 2000, The Powerpuff Girls Super Villain Slam is designed to improve shot accuracy.
      Now in it's fourth year, the national touring program also features local USPTA teaching professionals and men's and women's professional tennis players interacting with kids in an environment that combines the fun of learning tennis with the Cartoon Network characters and programming.
      SMASH tennis is free. Those interested can contact the Nevada Tennis Association at 792-8384.
      The Nevada Tennis Association has several additional activities planned in celebration of National Tennis Month, including their free lesson program from May 15-30. Those interested can contact the association.
      n Tip of the Week -- Using a ball machine for practice has many advantages over hitting with a partner.
      The ball machine is extremely consistent. This means you can work on one particular shot over and over. Because the machine can be set for both depth and speed, you can start hitting relatively easy balls and then gradually increase the ball's speed and depth as you improve.
      However, it is important not just to learn how to hit the ball standing in the place you expect it to come. After mastering the shot in the stationary position, shuffle to the center after each hit so you can simulate hitting the ball in a real situation.
      It is important, though, to make sure your form is correct before practicing a shot with the machine. With the capability of hitting 800 balls in one hour, you can easily reinforce a bad habit and make it even more difficult to correct.
     
     USPTA Professional Tom Sullivan has been the director of tennis for Canyon Gate Country Club since 1995. Sullivan can be reached at 363-0303.