What Is it like to Be a Ball Person at a Professional Tennis Championship?
What is it it really like to be a ball person at a professional tennis championship? For many ambitious tennis participants, being chosen to be a ball boy is no small accomplishment. Competition for these opportunities is fierce, and being chosen to be on the court with the champions of tennis is a dream come true.
It’s a low-paying job, and the least glamorous job on the court. But there is never a dearth of youth interested in having a shot at becoming a ball boy.
At the U.S. Open, tryouts last two months. The Unites States Tennis Association has a staff of approximately 270 ball persons, and many return from previous years. For the new positions that are available, there are almost four times as many candidates as positions. And getting hired isnt as easy as filling out an application and having a twenty minute interview.
In June, candidates have their first opportunity to show off their skills in chasing, picking up and throwing balls. There are two possible positions for ball boys. Some will retrieve balls hit into the net, which requires speed and coordination. Other ball persons work the back of the court, retrieving balls hit past the baseline. This position requires the ability to throw the ball accurately for distances up to the full length of the court.
In mid-July, the best candidates are invited to return for round two of tryouts. Drills are tougher, and only the strong will survive the heat and quickness required for the job.
Ball boys work in teams of six, and in two hour shifts with two hour breaks. The job requires stamina and alertness. It also requires focus, speed, and an effort to be as inconspicuous as possible while hoping for a chance to interact with players.
See what’s involved in trying out to be a ball boy at the U.S. Open at http://www.csmonitor.com/slideshows/2007/ballboy/.
