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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