LAWRENCE — Justin Belanger holds the racket with both hands, as Barbara Ullman places her hand on top of his and gently raising them, swinging back in a single stroke.
"That was good," Ullman told Justin, 7, a student at Frost School. He sighed in relief and then smiled.
Justin was one of several members of the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club Beacon Street site who learned the fundamental rules of tennis from Ullman.
Ullman taught tennis using the U.S. Tennis Association Quick Start method, which uses foam balls and low-pressure tennis balls and are easier to track.
"Kids learn the game faster, become less frustrated and most importantly have fun learning this lifetime skill," she said.
The children played on the basketball court, using a piece of yellow tape tied to a chair as a net because there were no tennis courts.
The children, ages 5 to 12, did not mind.
"It's really fun because it keeps you moving all the time and you get a lot of exercise," said Christopher Ruiz, 10, who played for the first time this summer.
Those words are music to Ullman's ears.
"I want to bring tennis to the youth and make it a sport for all," she said. "Lawrence has fine athletes and many are diamonds in the rough. Tennis is a sport that anyone can learn, so why not the kids from Lawrence?"
Ullman, 58, of Haverhill, is working with Nelson¬ Ortiz¬ at the city Recreation Department.
"Tennis is a lifetime sport that can help kids in college" Ullman said. "They're learning patience, and their good behavior is acknowledged with positive words, which shows that they are very valuable."
While most city youngsters play baseball, basketball, football and soccer, Ullman said tennis can also become a sport of choice.
She admits tennis, like golf, is still considered an elitist sport. But that does not deter her from wanting to develop a junior tennis team in the city through the U.S. Tennis Association.
After learning the rules, 9-year-old Jovanny Jerez's goal was to always hit the ball with the racket.
"I see a lot of people playing, and I've learned from them and tried what they do."
Christopher said his ultimate goal is to play professionally.
"I want to be good so I can play in a tournament. I have a lot to learn, but I think I can do it. This is America and anybody can follow their dreams."
Carlos Cintron is glad his son, Carlos Jr., 6, is learning how to play tennis.
"This is another alternative they have, which opens another world for them," Cintron said.
Ullman said teaching tennis is an extension of her medical profession.
She was the assistant women's tennis coach at Lawrence High School and will be teaching at Esperanza Academy, an all-girl middle school, Community Day Charter School on Prospect Hill and St. Mary of the Assumption School, all in Lawrence.
Ullman began playing tennis at age 8, after watching a friend take lessons.
Born and raised in California, she has a degree in physical education from University of San Francisco and a degree in nursing from Bunker Hill Community College in Boston.
She has worked as a physical education/health education teacher using her clinical nursing and holistic health knowledge.
She also enjoys running, golf, swimming and yoga.
"I feel the most alive when I'm out in the court. It rejuvenates me," she said. "When you're on the court, you form a relationship with the other player and can learn so much from the other person by the way they play."
How to play and learn
Contact: Barbara Ullman at 978-376-2433 or visit her Web site, www.lawtennis.webs.com
Lessons: Free and will be scheduled after school
