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Raise Your Game: What is the role of the ball boys and girls?

Anne Rundle: The role of the BBG's (ball boys and girls) is an important, but invisible role. They are there to assist the players and to make the whole match run smoothly. They are responsible for feeding the balls to the players, making sure the balls are at the correct end and they have to change the balls when necessary. Other roles include changing towels and supplying refreshments to the umpires and players. We always say that if no-one notices that they are there, they are doing a really good job.

RYG: What qualities do you look for in selecting potential candidates?

AR: We look for self-discipline, self-confidence and good decision making. It's being able to deal with the unexpected, as well as being able to work as part of a team.

RYG: Can you give an example of dealing with the unexpected?

AR: Sometimes if a player has served an ace they'll want that ball back and you've got to be ready to make sure that happens. It's dealing with anything that is not exactly in the set routine. You've got to be able to make quick and good decisions and be able to deal with it quietly and efficiently.

RYG: What does a typical training session involve?

AR: In the beginning we concentrate on improving set skills such as hand/eye coordination, rolling and feeding of the ball. We then start to focus on increasing stamina through set exercises devised by one of our physios to build up fitness. We are currently using bean bag relays to get them used to the speed. Skills exercises include long rolling into a bucket and short rolling by knocking over cans in a straight line.

We then go onto court and practice set pieces. We have a lot of ex BBG's and they mimic some of the tantrums of the players and we get them throwing the racquet shouting and testing the BBG's by asking "Was that ball in?" while knowing that they shouldn't respond. You just have to smile sweetly and just pretend that you have no idea where the ball went.

RYG: How strict is training?

AR: It is very strict. We set firm guidelines and we demand the best. Our BBG's are the first to set the scene, they are the first on court. We always say to them "You must look the part." Hair has to be tied back, shirts tucked in and no hands in pockets. They also have to walk to the left, one behind the other and in a synchronised file.

RYG: What wider skills can you gain from this training?

AR: Maths plays an important part in tennis in terms of scoring. You need to know your multiples of six for the tie break and you need to be confident in adding up so that you can work out when the next ball change is.

Communication and the ability to concentrate and listen is very important. You need to be aware of the signals from the umpire, the players and your fellow team mates. It's training yourself to be thinking ahead all the time. What's happening after the next point, are the balls going to change or are the players, whose serving in the next set or tie break.

In the end they learn to work with others and that being part of a team is about using people's strengths and overcoming weaknesses.

RYG: Take us through a day at Wimbledon as a BBG?

AR: They arrive early morning, changed and ready to sign in. We begin with a briefing which sets out the day's events and the court rota.

BBG's are on court for an hour at a time. Four teams of six are responsible for Centre and No.1 Courts, six teams of six rotate around the other show courts and the remainder in teams of six rotate around the rest of the courts. When not on court they can wait downstairs in the complex where we have table football, games and some tennis books.

After the first day, one of our staff goes out with a camcorder and records the different BBG teams. We then show them the highlights in the next day's briefing. This is good because they all sit down and talk about the days' matches and analyse it together in terms of what was good, what needs improving.

RYG: So there is a great social aspect to being a BBG?

AR: Absolutely and some of them make lifelong friends. It's a chance to meet new people from different schools and different backgrounds and it's about learning from each other and being part of a team.

RYG: Can these skills be transferred into other areas of their lives?

AR: The self-discipline and self-confidence will stay with them. Having done it once they know they are capable of achieving.

RYG: What advice would you give to young people wanting to get involved in tennis?

AR: Go out there and try it. A lot of our BBG's now play tennis when they didn't in the beginning. It's a great social skill if you can play tennis as you can get involved with your local club. Ask your school if you can set up short tennis in your lunch or break times. It's about doing something you like and enjoy with other people.