Indonesia
Ball Boy in Tennis Court
Ball boy or girl (BBG) on a tennis court is an attendant –usually youth– who collects or retrieves the ball when it is out of play. Due to the nature of the sport, quick retrieval of loose balls and delivery of the game balls are necessary for quick play. So, the activities of BBG help to speed up play by reducing the amount of inactive time.
In a prestigious tournament, the BBGs recieve rewards other than just being on the same court with Roger Federer or professional players and celebrities. Sometimes the top or famous players get involved with the ballboys, whether it be teasing them or interacting with them in an interesting light.
To be a BBG for professional tournaments, we must have special training with positionings and movements designed for maximum efficiency whilst not interfering with active play. Then, we’ll be positioned as Nets on either side of the net to retrieve balls that are trapped by the net. Or, we’ll be positioned as Bases at the end of the baseline at either end of the court. We also must have special training for Feeding (to give the balls to the players).
If we can’t get involved with Wimbledon, Autralian Open, US Open, or other master series, we may work at local tennis court. Being a BBG, we can earn money from the player or court owner. At the same time, we have an opportunity to freely practice our tennis skill.
TEGUH WAHYU UTOMO
PHOTOS: PHOTOS
