With the US Open coming to town, there’s never been a better time to pick up a racquet and play tennis with your children. Before you sign up for any family tournaments, however, there are a few skills moms and dads can go over with their tykes to set the game off in a good way. Start out by checking the video tutorials at Playsportstv for great visual aids to get the junior tournament rolling. You’ll discover that you can begin lessons by simply tossing a ball to your little guys and gals, helping them acclimate to the court and encouraging hand-eye coordination. We also have some advice from NYC-based tennis pro Esther Forrester of ELF Tennis: First, she reminds moms and dads that even the most high-energy kiddos won’t be able to play for long when learning. Start with shorter sessions – 15 or 30 minutes – and foam balls and a portable net. In no time, your family will be heading out to Central Park, Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, or other local courts for a rousing match. Check out NYC Park web site below for a more comprehensive list of area courts.