Monday, October 13, 2014
13 Tennis Tips to Make a Difference in Your Next Lesson
13 Tennis Tips to Make a Difference in Your Next Lesson
1. Safety comes first - please remove balls from under & behind other participants
2. Warm-up for 2 minutes to prepare and prevent muscle strains
3. Listen and learn
4. Help others
5. Have FUN 😊
6. Don't compare yourself... Get a little better each time
7. Book your next lesson in your calendar
8. Ask for homework
9. Become a student - take notes, read articles, watch tennis.
10. Adopt a methodology. www.waldencc.blogspot.com
11. Make the wall & ball machine 2 new friends
12. Just begin, enjoy your journey, and never give up. It's not where we start that counts, it's where we finish.
13. Bring a friend who can join us in your journey.
Thank you for being a member. Your participation, feedback, and ideas help us serve you better.
*The TIA -
Tennis Industry Association released a recent article stating tennis teaches more life lessons and skills to develop our children into well adjusted adults than any other sport. Tennis is now being used to ace Autism and assist with other diseases and disabilities.
By Craig L. Bobo,
Director of Tennis, USPTA Elite Professional & PTR Professional
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Zone 1-2-3 Tennis - An Easy Guide for Parents & Professionals to Teach Proper Preparation, Positioning, & Stroke Production
Zone 1-2-3 Tennis is a quick and easy way of teaching students what type of backswing and what type of footwork is needed to get to the ball and to hit the best shot possible. I came up with this methodology approximately 15 years ago as I was teaching a lesson and I was struggling to teach a student how to choose the correct backswing and footwork based on where they may intercept the ball. As a result, I broke the body down into 3 Zones.
Our Zone 1-2-3 Methodology differs for players as they move from the back-court to the mid-court and on to the front-court. Our goal is to build our players skills in all 3 zones and all three areas of the court. We see so many players today that are very developed in the back-court, but struggle in the mid-court and/or front court areas.
Our methodology on stances vary based on where you are in the court. We teach that a student should definitely utilize an "Open Stance" for wide balls in the back-court to save time and distance and incorporate more spin on the ball. However, our students typically use more of a closed stance when they are centered in the court and also as they move forward toward the net.
Our preferred grip for the forehand is far eastern to semi-western, and we typically start our students out with a 2 Handed Backhand. As they move forward, we prefer the continental grip for volleys and overheads.
*WE TEACH ZONE 1-2-3 TENNIS BY HAVING THE STUDENTS UNDERSTAND THEIR ZONES ON THEIR BODY, TAKE NOTES ON NOTE-CARDS TO REINFORCE THEM MENTALLY, AND BY UTILIZING HAND TOSSED FED DRILLS (as Emilio Sanchez is using below) INITIALLY TO DEVELOP THE PROPER FOOTWORK, BACKSWING, STANCE, CONTACT POINT & FOLLOW-THROUGH. WE ARE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO MAKE QUICK CORRECTIONS, PLUS THE HAND TOSSED METHOD OFFERS VERY LITTLE BALL SPEED & PRESSURE RESISTANCE TO ACCOUNT FOR, SO THAT THEY DEVELOP THEIR TECHNIQUE & MUSCLE MEMORY, PRIOR TO THE RACQUET FED AND LIVE BALL DRILLS.
(*We use the 10andUnderTennis.com Balls, Equipment, & Courts for the appropriate ages prior to moving them on to the regular sized court, racquets, and balls... See my blog "Ten & Under Tennis Is Fun").
IN THE BACK-COURT
ZONE 1-2-3
A. Zone 1 shots, which are shots below the knees, require a short backswing close to our hips, typically using a neutral to closed stance with a lunge step for balance and control as we accelerate through the ball from our low center of gravity. A big loopy backswing would be very hard to accomplish in this position, as well as, hard to control the contact and follow through. We utilize a toss feed from the same side of the court as the student from the service "T" to teach our students the footwork, stroke preparation, and muscle memory for a Zone 1 FH & a Zone 1 BH.
B. Zone 2 - Knees to Shoulders. These shots can be closed or open stance with a longer backswing and longer follow-through. Zone 2 is our ideal hitting zone which allows us the greatest margin of error and offers us a variety of spins and drives from low-to-high and also from high-to-low as we move inside the baseline. We prefer for our students to take as many shots as possible in Zone 2, but we must teach them how to hit both offensive and defensive shots from all zones and all areas of the court. We utilize both "Dead Ball" Drills with toss feeds and racquet feeds, as well as, "Live Ball" Drills that reinforce both Closed & Open Stances, proper racquet preparation, and proper muscle memory.
C. Zone 3 - Above the Shoulders. In the backcourt can also be closed or open stance, the stroke starts high and backswing is abbreviated and finishes high and around the opposite shoulder. Zone 3 is a defensive position that when properly executed can either neutralize or turn the tables from defensive to offensive opportunities.
IN THE MID-COURT
This is a transition area where we may hit any variety of Shots, Zones, and Stances as we look to move in and take control of the net. Our goal with our Mid-Court Shots is to set ourself up to finish the point. We always teach a 2 or 3 Shot Finish on the Offensive End and a 2 or 3 Shot Pass on the Defensive End. Most of our Low (Zone 1) Mid-Court shots will go low and down the line unless our opponent is in that position, then they use a Change-of-Direction Tactic. If the ball is in Zone 2, we want to take on the rise and look for the open court to take time and position away from our opponent. If the ball is in Zone 3, we may hit high-to-low, or take it in the air as a volley and follow our shot.
*Change of Direction Tactics Shots & Tactics are important shots we practice with racquet fed drills and Live Ball Drills. For example: A Change of Direction Drill might be a Down-line-Feed from my backhand and my student has to run over and hit a cross-court forehand. Cross-court Change-of-Directions should be used 80% of the time, because the net is the lowest in the middle of the court and the cross-court angle is the greater length of the court, thus making it the safest shot that can pay big dividends if executed correctly by opening up the court with a short reply and plenty of vacated space by our opponent. However, the top athletes must also practice and learn how to execute the Down-the-Line Change of Direction, which should only be used when in position, balanced, and set. We say that this shot should only be used approximately 20% of the time.
AT THE NET aka THE FRONT-COURT
Zone 1 Volley - is a low volley or half-volley from our feet to our knees, stepping diagonally across into a lunge position with our arm out in front of our body and a slight shoulder turn, using a catching like position with a small punch toward our target, while staying low through the shot and keeping our eyes on our contact point until we the ball has left our racquet. We can practice this by low toss feeds from the opposite side of the net, to a number of racquet fed drills and games.
Zone 2 - Traditional Volleys waist to shoulder high can be closed or neutral stance with a step forward and the rack and wrist up, elbow tucked in at the side and a more aggressive punch from high-to-low from the outside toward the inside of the belly with the palm facing out at contact and after the short follow-through.
We teach with toss feeds and racquet fed "Dead Ball" & "Live Ball" Drills.
*As players advance we also introduce the Swinging Volley as an option in Zone 2 & Zone 3 as they are closing the net.
Zone 3 - At the Net, which is anything above the shoulders, The Overhead Smash, or Swinging Volley, is an offensive shot. We ask students to get into the trophy or throwing position with their non-dominant hand pointing up for the shoulder tilt and for tracking the ball, keep their head up as they reach up and utilize and forward-downward swing with a wrist snap over the top and down the back side of the ball while the head is still up the side of contact. We describe the contact and follow-through as a Snap and Under-Arm Tuck. We also ask our students to use an imaginary clock in their mind to their dominant contact side, and imagining themselves making contact out in front of the 12 o'clock position with a Downward Snap and follow-through. This often practiced in racquet fed drills. *We also like to teach our students how to hit the inside-out overhead and the cross-court overhead.
-We play tennis with our FEET and our MIND, so we need to learn great footwork and position skillsets, as well as, great muscle memory and tactical skillsets. We teach our students to become "Students of the Game" by Note-cards, videos, match-play notes, reading books, and watching tennis, because we learn quickest by using three criteria: 1. Hearing, 2. Seeing, & 3. Writing/Reading. We find that those who study the game improve more rapidly and achieve greater standards in the game.
THE BIG 3's:
A. Zone 1-2-3
B. 1. The Back-court, 2. The Mid-court, 3. The Front-court
C. 3 Types of Spins: 1. Topsin, 2. Slice or underspin, 3. Flat
D. 3 Types of Shots: 1. Offensive, 2. Defensive, 3. Neutral
C. 3 Way's to Become a Better Student: 1. Move your feet, 2. Play the Ball, 3. Have FUN
D. The 3 Most Important Shots: 1. Serves, 2. Return of Serves, 3. The Forehand
E. 3 Way's to Pass the Test: 1. Figure out your opponent's weaknesses & strengths, make mental & even written notes on change-overs, 2. Develop a Game-plan in the early stages of the match, 3. Maintain a positive test-taking mindset, asking yourself positive "How to" Questions in order to implement the proper tactical plans... -(Try to Think like a side-line coach).
F. 3 Keys to a Great Serve by Definition are: 1. Routine, 2. Rhythm, 3. Smart Decisions
G. 3 Off-Court Keys to Great Tennis: 1. Sleep, 2. Nutrition, 3. Fitness
THE SERVE - is a shot that we should work hard to make our biggest weapon, because we get the first strike. The serve is made up of location, tempo, and spins.
If we can master the flat, slice, and topsin aka kick serve, to all 3 areas of the deuce & ad box, then all we have to do is break our opponents' once per set. We recommend that a player practice their serve, take notes, and watch video on the serve several times a week. Serving buckets of balls at targets is just as important as a baseball pitcher practicing his pitches.
We usually start a player with a continental to eastern-backhand grip for the serve. As they build their serve they may slightly change their grip for different spins, locations, sides, and to accommodate for the wind.
We teach that you must have 3 Keys to have a great serve: 1. Routine - (Nick Bollettieri says all great players have a Service Routine to prevent from rushing & to keep them calm under pressure). 2. Rhythm - Like the beat of a drum... Our serve should flow, as we start with our weight forward and say Down together, up together, hit. We also must keep our head up as we make contact and finish with the snap and under arm tuck, which we also use in the overhead smash. The difference between the overhead smash and the serve is the following: We want our feet about shoulder width apart for the serve and use our knees as we push off and uncoil. On the overhead smash, we want to use a wider stance for balance as we snap downward more aggressively than the serve, On the serve we accelerate up and out through the ball, prior to the downward wrist-snap. -And #3. Smart Decisions is two fold: Develop a strategy of where to serve and don't waste your serves by hitting bad tosses... we can toss it as many times as needed.
*Purchase some cones in any Sports Section and practice serving at targets on your own or with a partner several times a week.
Andy Roddick made millions by developing a great serve.
THE RETURN OF SERVE
The Return of Serve is the Second Most Important Shot in Tennis, because like Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and many other tennis greats they could neutralize a great server by their superior return game. We practice our returns in lessons by the Inside-Out & Cross-Court Return Drill. You can also practice your return game with a partner, against the wall, with a Ball Machine, and by Live Ball Practice Points & Sets. We teach to move toward the serve using a short backswing and a long follow-through. Your spins and tactics on the serve should be varied based on situation and location. Practice your returns several times a week too and watch how quickly you improve your game.
*The Zone 1-2-3 Methodology also applies to service returns, as we will experience low wide serves, defensive returns, as well as, high kicking serves we must learn to take on the rise and drive from high-to-low.
*Look at how Novak is watching the ball all the way in the a compact backswing. As a returner, we tell our students, you are like a Baseball Hitter in the cage waiting for the pitch to come at you. A service returner is in a smaller more defined/confined area of the court with the serve coming towards them. We must practice the pivot, develop quick first steps and good hand-eye to become a good service returner. We tell our kids to set return goals each match and to speak positive words, such as "All Returns in Play", "Good Serve" when it's due, and Next to clear the mind and get re-focused on what lies ahead rather than what happened in the past.
Not only can a server practice serving at targets, but a returner can also practice returning at the 3 Targets: Cross-court, Middle, & Down-the-line
Find you a partner who will do this with you for 30 minutes 2-3 times a week.
Our 15 Components of Becoming a Good Tennis Player:
1. Take Private Lessons
2. Get involved in Group Drills
3. Hit off the Wall - (Play the wall matches)
4. Serve & Return
5. Use the Ball Machine
6. Develop a Nutrition & Fitness Plan
7. Play full 2 of 3 sets practice matches
8. Sets some written goals with your coach
9. Develop a Tournament Plan with your coach (Play both Singles & Doubles every chance you get)
10. Become a student, and Keep Learning & Growing, Learning more from your losses than your victories.
11. Have Fun & Enjoy the Journey
12. Acknowledge the other players' good shot(s) & be a good sport whether it's your day or not
13. Develop yourself a set of note-cards with key points to remember & tactical plays, just like a football or basketball coach would have on the field with them
14. Come prepared with everything you might need during a match. Water, snacks, electrolytes, band-aids, tape, ibuprofen, icy-hot wraps, grips, cap/visor, change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, extra racquets that are strung...
15. Never Give Up... The finish line is often closer then you think, so Press On!!
*Key terminology to take away from this article & do more research on:
1. Palm Down
2. Palm Out
3. Change-of-Direction Shots
*REMEMBER, WATCH THE BALL... -AND FOLLOW THE BALL... -AND PLAY THE BALL... -NOT YOU'RE OPPONENT.
Please pass our blog on to others that you think might benefit from our teaching.
Good luck on this awesome journey you've embarked on... See you on the Courts, Coach Craig
See Coach Craig's Bio up above to the right.
*Zone 1 is from your feet to your knees
*Zone 2 is from your knees to your shoulders
*Zone 3 is from your shoulders & up
 |
| Zone 1-2-3 Tennis |
Our Zone 1-2-3 Methodology differs for players as they move from the back-court to the mid-court and on to the front-court. Our goal is to build our players skills in all 3 zones and all three areas of the court. We see so many players today that are very developed in the back-court, but struggle in the mid-court and/or front court areas.
Our methodology on stances vary based on where you are in the court. We teach that a student should definitely utilize an "Open Stance" for wide balls in the back-court to save time and distance and incorporate more spin on the ball. However, our students typically use more of a closed stance when they are centered in the court and also as they move forward toward the net.
Our preferred grip for the forehand is far eastern to semi-western, and we typically start our students out with a 2 Handed Backhand. As they move forward, we prefer the continental grip for volleys and overheads.
*WE TEACH ZONE 1-2-3 TENNIS BY HAVING THE STUDENTS UNDERSTAND THEIR ZONES ON THEIR BODY, TAKE NOTES ON NOTE-CARDS TO REINFORCE THEM MENTALLY, AND BY UTILIZING HAND TOSSED FED DRILLS (as Emilio Sanchez is using below) INITIALLY TO DEVELOP THE PROPER FOOTWORK, BACKSWING, STANCE, CONTACT POINT & FOLLOW-THROUGH. WE ARE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO MAKE QUICK CORRECTIONS, PLUS THE HAND TOSSED METHOD OFFERS VERY LITTLE BALL SPEED & PRESSURE RESISTANCE TO ACCOUNT FOR, SO THAT THEY DEVELOP THEIR TECHNIQUE & MUSCLE MEMORY, PRIOR TO THE RACQUET FED AND LIVE BALL DRILLS.
(*We use the 10andUnderTennis.com Balls, Equipment, & Courts for the appropriate ages prior to moving them on to the regular sized court, racquets, and balls... See my blog "Ten & Under Tennis Is Fun").
 |
| Emilio Sanchez Demonstrating the Hand-Toss Feed |
IN THE BACK-COURT
A. Zone 1 shots, which are shots below the knees, require a short backswing close to our hips, typically using a neutral to closed stance with a lunge step for balance and control as we accelerate through the ball from our low center of gravity. A big loopy backswing would be very hard to accomplish in this position, as well as, hard to control the contact and follow through. We utilize a toss feed from the same side of the court as the student from the service "T" to teach our students the footwork, stroke preparation, and muscle memory for a Zone 1 FH & a Zone 1 BH.
 |
| Roger Federer taking the ball on the rise |
B. Zone 2 - Knees to Shoulders. These shots can be closed or open stance with a longer backswing and longer follow-through. Zone 2 is our ideal hitting zone which allows us the greatest margin of error and offers us a variety of spins and drives from low-to-high and also from high-to-low as we move inside the baseline. We prefer for our students to take as many shots as possible in Zone 2, but we must teach them how to hit both offensive and defensive shots from all zones and all areas of the court. We utilize both "Dead Ball" Drills with toss feeds and racquet feeds, as well as, "Live Ball" Drills that reinforce both Closed & Open Stances, proper racquet preparation, and proper muscle memory.
IN THE MID-COURT
This is a transition area where we may hit any variety of Shots, Zones, and Stances as we look to move in and take control of the net. Our goal with our Mid-Court Shots is to set ourself up to finish the point. We always teach a 2 or 3 Shot Finish on the Offensive End and a 2 or 3 Shot Pass on the Defensive End. Most of our Low (Zone 1) Mid-Court shots will go low and down the line unless our opponent is in that position, then they use a Change-of-Direction Tactic. If the ball is in Zone 2, we want to take on the rise and look for the open court to take time and position away from our opponent. If the ball is in Zone 3, we may hit high-to-low, or take it in the air as a volley and follow our shot.
*Change of Direction Tactics Shots & Tactics are important shots we practice with racquet fed drills and Live Ball Drills. For example: A Change of Direction Drill might be a Down-line-Feed from my backhand and my student has to run over and hit a cross-court forehand. Cross-court Change-of-Directions should be used 80% of the time, because the net is the lowest in the middle of the court and the cross-court angle is the greater length of the court, thus making it the safest shot that can pay big dividends if executed correctly by opening up the court with a short reply and plenty of vacated space by our opponent. However, the top athletes must also practice and learn how to execute the Down-the-Line Change of Direction, which should only be used when in position, balanced, and set. We say that this shot should only be used approximately 20% of the time.
AT THE NET aka THE FRONT-COURT
We teach with toss feeds and racquet fed "Dead Ball" & "Live Ball" Drills.
*As players advance we also introduce the Swinging Volley as an option in Zone 2 & Zone 3 as they are closing the net.
-We play tennis with our FEET and our MIND, so we need to learn great footwork and position skillsets, as well as, great muscle memory and tactical skillsets. We teach our students to become "Students of the Game" by Note-cards, videos, match-play notes, reading books, and watching tennis, because we learn quickest by using three criteria: 1. Hearing, 2. Seeing, & 3. Writing/Reading. We find that those who study the game improve more rapidly and achieve greater standards in the game.
THE BIG 3's:
A. Zone 1-2-3
B. 1. The Back-court, 2. The Mid-court, 3. The Front-court
C. 3 Types of Spins: 1. Topsin, 2. Slice or underspin, 3. Flat
D. 3 Types of Shots: 1. Offensive, 2. Defensive, 3. Neutral
C. 3 Way's to Become a Better Student: 1. Move your feet, 2. Play the Ball, 3. Have FUN
D. The 3 Most Important Shots: 1. Serves, 2. Return of Serves, 3. The Forehand
E. 3 Way's to Pass the Test: 1. Figure out your opponent's weaknesses & strengths, make mental & even written notes on change-overs, 2. Develop a Game-plan in the early stages of the match, 3. Maintain a positive test-taking mindset, asking yourself positive "How to" Questions in order to implement the proper tactical plans... -(Try to Think like a side-line coach).
F. 3 Keys to a Great Serve by Definition are: 1. Routine, 2. Rhythm, 3. Smart Decisions
G. 3 Off-Court Keys to Great Tennis: 1. Sleep, 2. Nutrition, 3. Fitness
THE SERVE - is a shot that we should work hard to make our biggest weapon, because we get the first strike. The serve is made up of location, tempo, and spins.
If we can master the flat, slice, and topsin aka kick serve, to all 3 areas of the deuce & ad box, then all we have to do is break our opponents' once per set. We recommend that a player practice their serve, take notes, and watch video on the serve several times a week. Serving buckets of balls at targets is just as important as a baseball pitcher practicing his pitches.
We usually start a player with a continental to eastern-backhand grip for the serve. As they build their serve they may slightly change their grip for different spins, locations, sides, and to accommodate for the wind.
We teach that you must have 3 Keys to have a great serve: 1. Routine - (Nick Bollettieri says all great players have a Service Routine to prevent from rushing & to keep them calm under pressure). 2. Rhythm - Like the beat of a drum... Our serve should flow, as we start with our weight forward and say Down together, up together, hit. We also must keep our head up as we make contact and finish with the snap and under arm tuck, which we also use in the overhead smash. The difference between the overhead smash and the serve is the following: We want our feet about shoulder width apart for the serve and use our knees as we push off and uncoil. On the overhead smash, we want to use a wider stance for balance as we snap downward more aggressively than the serve, On the serve we accelerate up and out through the ball, prior to the downward wrist-snap. -And #3. Smart Decisions is two fold: Develop a strategy of where to serve and don't waste your serves by hitting bad tosses... we can toss it as many times as needed.
*Purchase some cones in any Sports Section and practice serving at targets on your own or with a partner several times a week.
Andy Roddick made millions by developing a great serve.
THE RETURN OF SERVE
The Return of Serve is the Second Most Important Shot in Tennis, because like Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and many other tennis greats they could neutralize a great server by their superior return game. We practice our returns in lessons by the Inside-Out & Cross-Court Return Drill. You can also practice your return game with a partner, against the wall, with a Ball Machine, and by Live Ball Practice Points & Sets. We teach to move toward the serve using a short backswing and a long follow-through. Your spins and tactics on the serve should be varied based on situation and location. Practice your returns several times a week too and watch how quickly you improve your game.
*The Zone 1-2-3 Methodology also applies to service returns, as we will experience low wide serves, defensive returns, as well as, high kicking serves we must learn to take on the rise and drive from high-to-low.
Not only can a server practice serving at targets, but a returner can also practice returning at the 3 Targets: Cross-court, Middle, & Down-the-line
Find you a partner who will do this with you for 30 minutes 2-3 times a week.
Our 15 Components of Becoming a Good Tennis Player:
1. Take Private Lessons
2. Get involved in Group Drills
3. Hit off the Wall - (Play the wall matches)
4. Serve & Return
5. Use the Ball Machine
6. Develop a Nutrition & Fitness Plan
7. Play full 2 of 3 sets practice matches
8. Sets some written goals with your coach
9. Develop a Tournament Plan with your coach (Play both Singles & Doubles every chance you get)
10. Become a student, and Keep Learning & Growing, Learning more from your losses than your victories.
11. Have Fun & Enjoy the Journey
12. Acknowledge the other players' good shot(s) & be a good sport whether it's your day or not
13. Develop yourself a set of note-cards with key points to remember & tactical plays, just like a football or basketball coach would have on the field with them
14. Come prepared with everything you might need during a match. Water, snacks, electrolytes, band-aids, tape, ibuprofen, icy-hot wraps, grips, cap/visor, change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, extra racquets that are strung...
15. Never Give Up... The finish line is often closer then you think, so Press On!!
*Key terminology to take away from this article & do more research on:
1. Palm Down
2. Palm Out
3. Change-of-Direction Shots
*REMEMBER, WATCH THE BALL... -AND FOLLOW THE BALL... -AND PLAY THE BALL... -NOT YOU'RE OPPONENT.
Please pass our blog on to others that you think might benefit from our teaching.
Good luck on this awesome journey you've embarked on... See you on the Courts, Coach Craig
See Coach Craig's Bio up above to the right.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Walden 10u Tennis Program Guide for Parents & Players
10 & UNDER TENNIS IS FUN
WELCOME!! 10andUnder Parents & Players:
This blog is designed to introduce our staff to you, as well as, educate you about 10andUnderTennis and our pathway to progression in 10andUnder and beyond.
Our Director, Craig Bobo, is a PTR Certified Professional & USPTA/USTA/USOC Ten & Under Certified Professional. Craig & his staff are committed to keeping up with the changes in the game, and the best methods & practices of teaching those changes to your children. Although 10andUnderTennis has been around a few years now, it is still not mainstream to all teaching professionals. As we have become more educated on the 10andUnder Game, we can say that we have never been more excited about the future of tennis. -And we are loving teaching the 10 & under programs here at Walden Country Club on Lake Houston.
To learn more about our director of tennis and his background, expertise, certifications, and accomplishments, please go to: www.craigbobo.usptapro.com
First off, we have FUN. Second, Tennis has finally done what other sports did a long time ago, size the balls, equipment, and playing field, or court in our case, just right based on your son or daughters age/size.
Ages/Levels/Equipment/Balls
Our 3-5 year olds start with a Foam Ball designed for Tennis, then 5-8 year olds graduate or start with the Red Ball & Play on a (36x18 Size Court with a 2'9" Center Net) & up to a 23" Racquet. (Our Orange Ballers play with an Orange or Orange Dot Ball, 60 Foot Court for Singles with a 3'0" Center Net & up to a 25" Racquet, and our (Green Ballers play on a 78 Foot Court with Racquets above 25" but less than 29").
*Note: Some players advance through the levels by our Coaching Advancement & by USTA Playing Advancement Qualifications.
As your child starts his/her Tennis adventure with us, there are the following opportunities/questions to take into consideration.
1. Junior Classes & Camps - are offered year-round for all ages & abilities on weekdays and Saturday mornings. TRY 2 SESSIONS FREE ON US
2. Private Lessons - are also offered year-round by appointment. We will pair you up with a Private Instructor who can meet your needs. Lesson Rates vary by instructor level/expertise & by length of session.
*We offer great LOYALTY PROGRAMS for those who purchase our Monthly Programs and also for those who purchase our PRIVATE LESSON PRE-PAID PACKS
Q. Should my son/daughter(s) take classes and/or private lessons? You know your child best. Both pathways have their strengths. Based on the child's excitement/time available/commitment, we will recommend both to some parents, while others may start with one of the other. Ask one of us to develop a CUSTOMIZED PLAN for your child that best meets your needs.
Q. When are they ready to compete? Initially, we will recommend they compete with us at the club play-days, Jr. Team Tennis, & local play-days and Gran Prix's. We will guide you through your decision-making. Here are several sites to help you understand more about 10 & Under Tennis.
Helpful Sites:
www.10andundertennis.com
http://www.houstontennis.org/files/MSDLPDF/JKR_10_and_Under_-_4-1-13-4.pdf
http://www.texas.usta.com/10_and_under_tennis/?intloc=headernav
3. Competitions - are on weekends
a. Club Play Days & Carnivals - we will hold weekend play-days, plus carnivals from time to time
b. USTA Jr. Team Tennis - we form teams by age and level to play against other clubs in the area
c. USPTA Jr. Gran Prix's - Please visit www.kingwoodtennis.org for this Summer's Tournament Schedule
d. USTA & USPTA Play Days - Please visit www.houstontennis.org for upcoming 10u Play-Days
e. ZAT's - Zat's stand for Zone Area Tournaments. Your child can compete in (1) ZAT per month in our area, or anywhere in Texas should you be going to another Texas market to see friends & family and want to compete their, you can do so. Please visit www.texas.usta.com for Tournament Schedules.
*Beyond ZAT's, your children may pursue a continued advancement to the Championship Level & Super-Championship Level in Texas, National Ranking, ITF Tennis, College & Professional Tennis.
*To start competing, they will need a USTA Number. USTA also known as The United States Tennis Association is the governing body of tennis here in our country. You will need to go to the 2nd or 3rd site above for a membership, or go to: www.usta.com You can also speak to a live person @ 1.800.990.USTA & ask about a 10 & Under Membership. Once you have your membership number, you can register for Jr. Team Tennis and for USTA Tournaments in the area.
*Our next 10u Parent/Player Orientation is this Saturday @Walden Tennis Shop @11am. Please register with Craig Bobo @ cbobo@waldencc.com
Additional Topics that will be covered at the meeting:
Goals of Progression with the different balls - Foam Ball, Red Ball, Orange Ball, Green Dot Ball, and Regular Ball.
When should you start practicing with the next ball? Should you ever practice with a real ball? -And how can they practice at home, away from the club, or on courts that do not have the lines or the correct balls?
Setting expectations: for kids, for parents, & for coaches
As kids advance, should they be worried about the level of their practice partners?
Additional Q & A:
Additional Notes:
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WELCOME!! 10andUnder Parents & Players:
This blog is designed to introduce our staff to you, as well as, educate you about 10andUnderTennis and our pathway to progression in 10andUnder and beyond.
Our Director, Craig Bobo, is a PTR Certified Professional & USPTA/USTA/USOC Ten & Under Certified Professional. Craig & his staff are committed to keeping up with the changes in the game, and the best methods & practices of teaching those changes to your children. Although 10andUnderTennis has been around a few years now, it is still not mainstream to all teaching professionals. As we have become more educated on the 10andUnder Game, we can say that we have never been more excited about the future of tennis. -And we are loving teaching the 10 & under programs here at Walden Country Club on Lake Houston.
To learn more about our director of tennis and his background, expertise, certifications, and accomplishments, please go to: www.craigbobo.usptapro.com
First off, we have FUN. Second, Tennis has finally done what other sports did a long time ago, size the balls, equipment, and playing field, or court in our case, just right based on your son or daughters age/size.
Ages/Levels/Equipment/Balls
Our 3-5 year olds start with a Foam Ball designed for Tennis, then 5-8 year olds graduate or start with the Red Ball & Play on a (36x18 Size Court with a 2'9" Center Net) & up to a 23" Racquet. (Our Orange Ballers play with an Orange or Orange Dot Ball, 60 Foot Court for Singles with a 3'0" Center Net & up to a 25" Racquet, and our (Green Ballers play on a 78 Foot Court with Racquets above 25" but less than 29").
*Note: Some players advance through the levels by our Coaching Advancement & by USTA Playing Advancement Qualifications.
As your child starts his/her Tennis adventure with us, there are the following opportunities/questions to take into consideration.
1. Junior Classes & Camps - are offered year-round for all ages & abilities on weekdays and Saturday mornings. TRY 2 SESSIONS FREE ON US
2. Private Lessons - are also offered year-round by appointment. We will pair you up with a Private Instructor who can meet your needs. Lesson Rates vary by instructor level/expertise & by length of session.
*We offer great LOYALTY PROGRAMS for those who purchase our Monthly Programs and also for those who purchase our PRIVATE LESSON PRE-PAID PACKS
Q. Should my son/daughter(s) take classes and/or private lessons? You know your child best. Both pathways have their strengths. Based on the child's excitement/time available/commitment, we will recommend both to some parents, while others may start with one of the other. Ask one of us to develop a CUSTOMIZED PLAN for your child that best meets your needs.
Q. When are they ready to compete? Initially, we will recommend they compete with us at the club play-days, Jr. Team Tennis, & local play-days and Gran Prix's. We will guide you through your decision-making. Here are several sites to help you understand more about 10 & Under Tennis.
Helpful Sites:
www.10andundertennis.com
http://www.houstontennis.org/files/MSDLPDF/JKR_10_and_Under_-_4-1-13-4.pdf
http://www.texas.usta.com/10_and_under_tennis/?intloc=headernav
3. Competitions - are on weekends
a. Club Play Days & Carnivals - we will hold weekend play-days, plus carnivals from time to time
b. USTA Jr. Team Tennis - we form teams by age and level to play against other clubs in the area
c. USPTA Jr. Gran Prix's - Please visit www.kingwoodtennis.org for this Summer's Tournament Schedule
d. USTA & USPTA Play Days - Please visit www.houstontennis.org for upcoming 10u Play-Days
e. ZAT's - Zat's stand for Zone Area Tournaments. Your child can compete in (1) ZAT per month in our area, or anywhere in Texas should you be going to another Texas market to see friends & family and want to compete their, you can do so. Please visit www.texas.usta.com for Tournament Schedules.
*Beyond ZAT's, your children may pursue a continued advancement to the Championship Level & Super-Championship Level in Texas, National Ranking, ITF Tennis, College & Professional Tennis.
*To start competing, they will need a USTA Number. USTA also known as The United States Tennis Association is the governing body of tennis here in our country. You will need to go to the 2nd or 3rd site above for a membership, or go to: www.usta.com You can also speak to a live person @ 1.800.990.USTA & ask about a 10 & Under Membership. Once you have your membership number, you can register for Jr. Team Tennis and for USTA Tournaments in the area.
*Our next 10u Parent/Player Orientation is this Saturday @Walden Tennis Shop @11am. Please register with Craig Bobo @ cbobo@waldencc.com
Additional Topics that will be covered at the meeting:
Goals of Progression with the different balls - Foam Ball, Red Ball, Orange Ball, Green Dot Ball, and Regular Ball.
When should you start practicing with the next ball? Should you ever practice with a real ball? -And how can they practice at home, away from the club, or on courts that do not have the lines or the correct balls?
Setting expectations: for kids, for parents, & for coaches
As kids advance, should they be worried about the level of their practice partners?
Additional Q & A:
Additional Notes:
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