A group of children worked on their tennis serves for free in the Bronx Thursday.

About 40 boys and girls from the Police Athletic League hit the courts with the Gotham Tennis Academy at Stadium Tennis Center at Mill Pond Park. The young players received rackets and instruction in the basics of the game.

Officials hope the lessons will open a new world of possibilities.

"It's my first year, and I'm having a lot of fun," said new tennis player Yeilin Garcia. "This is something I've never tried."

The tennis lessons were part of the nonprofit Garden of Dreams Foundation's "Dream Week" event.