Perhaps tennis will never become as popular as baseball or football, but the US Tennis Association is trying to awaken an interest in this beautiful sport among the young and youngest. Wednesday, July 25, saw the opening of "Rally Ball" (or team tennis) at Bayville's West Harbor Beach, and it looks as though the two tennis courts will see much activity during the rest of the summer.

Ruth Coschignano, a US Tennis Association certified teacher, explained that since private tennis lessons are unaffordable for most families, the idea of "Rally Ball" or team tennis was conceived and put into practice. Rather than limit the game to singles and doubles, any number of participants will be divided into two teams and line up on either side of the net. They will hit the ball, or balls, back and forth between them. The aim is to develop basic tennis skills and encourage teamwork. The coaches will instruct groups, as well as give individual attention. Assisting Ruth Coschignano are coaches Debbie Capodiferro, Marietta Nunez, Steve Har and junior coaches Craig and Austin Capodiferro, Gus Nunez and Mark Baydarian.

Children between the ages of 6 and 8, and teens from ages 13 to 18, will meet on four Wednesdays through August. During September, after school classes will meet from 4 to 6 p.m. for children from 4 to 14 years of age. Who knows, perhaps a future US tennis champion will have gotten his or her start at Bayville's West Harbor Beach tennis courts.

For information and registration call Village Hall at 628-1439.