COACHING Parent Guide
Contents Welcome
Page 3
MLC Tennis Hot Shots
General information
Page 4
Green Stage
Enrolments
Page 5
MLC Tennis Hot Shots - Squads Page 14
General Information
Page 6
Grand Slam League
Page 15
Junior Development Squad
Page 16
Junior Development
Page 13
Coaching Pathway
Page 9
Academy
Page 17
Launch Pad
Page 10
Other Kids Tennis Programs
Page 18
Programs for Adults
Page 20
Calendar and Coaches
Page 22
MLC Tennis Hot Shots Red Stage
Page 11
MLC Tennis Hot Shots Orange Stage
Page 12
Welcome Danielle Borle Head Coach Welcome to Sporsci Tennis Academy. We have embarked on a new structured coaching pathway for our junior players. Our coaching pathway is aligned with Tennis Australia’s player development model and is closely aligned with the state and national development pathways. It is through this structure that we hope to see players from our program competing one day at Melbourne Park in the Grand Slam of Asia/Pacific or simply learning to love the game of a lifetime – the game of tennis.
Our coaching team at Sporsci Tennis Academy is passionate and dedicated and aims to make a difference to each and every one of their players. I hope to see you out on the courts very soon.
Danielle Borle Tennis Australia Certified Coach
General Information Coaches Our coaches are all accredited Sporsci Tennis Academy coaches with many years experience on the court. They follow stringent rules and guidelines and have working with children checks and level 2 first aid. Our coaches have, or are in the process of, obtaining a Tennis Australia coaching qualification. Appropriate classes for your child We have classes for a variety of age groups and levels beginning with our MLC Tennis Hot Shots starter program. This program has four levels: 1. Launch Pad - children aged three and over. 2. MLC Tennis Hot Shots Red Ball. 3. MLC Tennis Hot Shots Orange Ball. 4. MLC Tennis Hot Shots Green Ball. As a general rule one level is achieved each year in the Launch Pad to orange levels (obviously this will vary from player to player). Levels above orange ball will generally take longer to advance through. Players then progress to the Yellow Ball and Junior Development Squad program and then to the Tennis Academy program. Competition No coaching program is complete without a parallel competition pathway for players to participate in. Junior players are encouraged to get Involved in a variety of competitive opportunities available through the coaching programs. Competition assists with their game development, social skills, self-esteem and confidence. This is one of the reasons for tennis lessons, where players are encouraged to commence competition as soon as they are ready. A wide range of opportunities are available for players and these will be advised throughout the year. Sporsci Tennis Academy Grand Slam League is run on a fortnightly basis for MLC Tennis Hot Shots red ball, orange and green ball levels. There are also Saturday morning junior teams that are entered in the Melton District Tennis Association competition and Junior Development Series Tournaments. Players are generally ready for team competition when they reach a strong green ball level stage.
Enrolments Coaching enrolments must be accompanied by term fees. There is a convenient term invoice option for all of the term coaching programs. The term rate payment option ensures a place in a class and is a cheaper alternative than paying weekly. Re-enrolments Re-enrolments open two weeks prior to the end of each term. Parents are responsible for the re-enrolment of their child. If re-enrolment is missed, a position is not guaranteed for the following term. Fees must be paid in full at the time of re-enrolment. Payment All coaching fees must be paid at the time of enrolment. Cash, direct deposit, postal money orders and cheques made payable to Sporsci, are accepted. Enrolments can be made via post, email, telephone or in person with your Sporsci Tennis coach. Fees Refer to the enrolment brochure, our website or call 0429 887 753 for all the current coaching fees. Fees for group classes where a player joins midway through a term are pro-rata. Cancelled classes Classes may be combined or cancelled or class times and teachers changed at the discretion of Sporsci Tennis Academy. A full refund will be provided if a class is cancelled for the term and the student is unable to be placed in an alternative class. Cancellation/non-attendance/absentee/missed lesson protocol Sporsci Tennis Academy is under no obligation to make-up missed lessons nor to credit them for future terms. Refunds or credits do not apply for non —attendance. The exception is for medical illness or injury (with a medical certificate) or a school camp (with a letter from the school). In these circumstances the pupil will be entitled to a credit from the following term’s fee. If you know in advance your child will not be able to attend their session please call 0429 887 753 as soon as possible on the day to let the coaching team know.
General Information Customer details Full contact details of parents are required, including a mobile phone number and an email address, along with the date of birth of all junior players. Please advise the Sporsci Tennis Academy team which method of communication you prefer. All customer information will be stored securely and will not be released to anyone else. Attire and equipment (what to wear, what to bring, what is provided etc.) Tennis balls, coaches and all teaching aids are supplied for each lesson. As the lessons take place on the hard courts or synthetic grass used for competition tennis, all tennis shoes need to have non-marking soles for all coaching sessions. All players should bring their own water bottle and if participating in squad programs bring along a skipping rope, spare racquet(s), hat, sunscreen and a towel. Players in the starter program utilise modified equipment with racquets supplied for Launch Pad and MLC Tennis Hot Shots red ball levels. There is a complete range of competitively priced racquets and equipment available from your Sporsci Tennis Academy coach. Safety rules and code of behavior (unless designated volunteers) are not permitted on either the tennis courts or in the gym during coaching sessions; Please ensure you keep all siblings from entering the court playing area while µ coaching sessions are on. This is for their own safety and the disruption it causes during a class; Do not bring food on the tennis courts; µ Players should bring a drink bottle and re-hydrate at designated breaks in the µ sessions. Players are not to leave the courts for drinks; Parents of younger players should ensure they have been to the toilet prior to µ the session; The squad program is designed to be a highly focused training environment and µ all players are expected to be on time to sessions. A courtesy phone call to 0429 887 753 to let the coaching team know you are running late (or not coming) is both appreciated and expected; Players are expected to give their best efforts; µ Disruptive behavior to others in a program will not be tolerated and Sporsci µ Tennis Academy reserves the right to sit players out (a five minute time-out rule), move players or refund their fees; In the event of extreme heat or weather a decision will be made by the academy µ and players or parents will be notified via text message. Parents µ
Parenting to tennis players
“My parents would rarely come and watch me practice. It was something that I did and was self-driven.” Alicia Molik
“It is fair to say that what I wanted was for my father to be my father, not a tennis coach or mentor.” Andre Agassi
Parents play a very important role in a child’s tennis activity. Their positive support and reinforcement is crucial, but should not extend to unnecessary pressure on the child. Focus on the fun and positive aspects of tennis, but remember that it is important for the child to have their own passion for the game. A goal for all tennis parents is to hold realistic expectations and to compare the progress of their child against their own capabilities and goals and not against other players. Remember the coach is a professional and their advice is invaluable.
Some feedback from our coaching customers
“You have the some of best and most dedicated coaches in the world ... wouldn’t change a thing ... coming to tennis coaching has become the highlight of the week. Congratulations on running a great program ... joining your coaching program is one of the best decisions I have ever made.” “We are so grateful for your help and look forward to more great tennis in the coming year.” “The children have had a great year, they are so happy there and for that I thank all of the coaching team.” ”His confidence has zoomed and he’s ready to hit the summer tournaments with great gusto. Thanks to all the Academy coaches.”
Junior Development Coaching Pathway The coaching pathway As part of Sporsci Tennis Academy’s new criteria based junior coaching program we have introduced learning objectives (or “I am able to...”) for players in these programs. This has been done to help both players and parents get a better understanding of the expected skills, levels and learning outcomes for each part of the program. On the following page is a brief description of each stage in the Sporsci Tennis Academy coaching pathway, with a more detailed explanation of the learning outcomes at each stage.
Develop
Progress
Perform
Compete
Yellow Age: 13 - 18 yrs
Junior Development Squad
Hight Performance Academy
Sanctioned Tournaments JDS / OJT / AR
Green Age: 9yrs+
Green Team Age: 9yrs+
Green Performance Squad
TV JDS Tournaments Hot Shots Challenge Tournaments STA Grand Slam League Comp
Orange Age: 8 – 10yrs
Orange Team Age: 8 – 10yrs
Orange Performance Squad
Hot Shots Challenge Tournaments STA Grand Slam League Comp
Red Age: 5 – 8yrs
Red Team Age: 5 – 8yrs
Red Performance Squad
Hot Shots Challenge Tournaments STA Grand Slam League Comp
Launch Pad Age: 3 – 5yrs
MLC TENNIS HOT SHOTS
Launch Pad 30 minute session µ entry level 3+ years µ no µ
prior tennis experience necessary fun-based environment µ 19” – 21” racquet µ develop tennis skills µ develop fundamental and perceptual µ motor skills use modified equipment – foam balls, µ balloons and red low compression balls, mini nets basic stroke awareness µ group interaction µ spatial awareness µ tracking µ coordination µ positive self-esteem. µ Learning Outcomes At this stage of the young player’s development they should be able to do the following to move up to MLC Tennis Hot Shots red ball: run µ
in different directions and be spatially aware start activities from a ready position µ put the ball in play with a throw or underarm µ serve hit a ball over the net on forehand and backhan µ volley a ball over the net with a simple blocking µ action follow instructions and cooperate with others. µ
MLC Tennis Hot Shots Red Stage 30-45 µ
minute session; For graduates from Tennis µ Minis with Launch Pad; 5 - 8 years; µ 21”– 23” racquet; µ Mini nets; µ Develop ball skills and court µ awareness; Perform basic swings – forehand, µ backhand, serve and volley; Develop perception and µ concentration skills; Understand the need for warm-up; µ Do fun based court exercises. µ Learning Outcomes At this stage of the young player’s development they should be able to do the following to move up to MLC Tennis Hot Shots orange ball: µ Move quickly in different directions and stop on balance; µ Direct the serve over the net using an underarm or overarm serve; µ Use a low to high action on both forehand and backhand; µ Keep the ball in play for 10–15 shots when rallying with a partner; µ Make a simple approach and volley with a short forward movement; µ Listen actively to instructions and feedback; µ Enjoy competition in a variety of formats.
MLC Tennis Hot Shots Orange Stage 45 minute µ For µ
session;
graduates from MLC Tennis Hot Shots red ball
23”– µ
25” racquet;
Orange µ Half µ
balls;
to three-quarter tennis court;
Improve µ Ability µ Good µ
ball skills and court awareness;
to rally with a partner;
control of the racquet;
Consolidate µ Ability µ
swing patterns;
to adjust to different ball trajectories.
Learning Outcomes At this stage of the young player’s development they should be able to do the following to move up to MLC Tennis Hot Shots green ball: Maintain µ
balance during dynamic movements
Serve µ
with a balanced and rhythmical service action
Keep µ
the ball in play for 10–15 shots when rallying with a partner
Effectively µ Control µ
the direction of a volley and overhead
µ Understand µ Enjoy
use spin in a groundstroke rally situation the concept of fair play and the main rules of the game
competition in a variety of formats.
MLC Tennis Hot Shots Green Stage MLC Tennis Hot Shots Green Ball: 45 minute µ For µ
- 1 hour session;
graduates from MLC Tennis Hot Shots orange
ball; 25”–26” µ Green µ Full µ
racquet;
balls;
tennis court;
Good µ
ball skills and court awareness;
Establish µ Start µ
swing patterns;
to develop weapons and strategies to exploit other player’s weaknesses;
Advance µ
concentration skills.
Learning Outcomes At this stage of the young player’s development they should be able to do the following to move up to the Sporsci Tennis Academy Junior Development Squad program and Yellow Ball Program: React µ Keep µ
quickly and adapt footwork and movement patterns;
correct posture and maintain body balance;
Differentiate µ Rally µ Use µ
speed and spin on first and second serves;
crosscourt for 10–15 shots varying height, depth, speed and spin;
approach, drive volley, volley and overhead in an offensive way;
Identify µ Enjoy µ
game style (strengths and weaknesses);
competition in a variety of formats.
MLC Tennis Hot Shots - Squads 1.5hrs µ
session For students in MLC Tennis Hot Shots Program µ Red, Orange and Green balls µ Mini, 3/4 and full sized tennis court µ Good ball skills and court awareness µ Development of sound footwork µ Start to develop weapons and strategies to exploit other player’s weaknesses µ Advance concentration skills. µ Learning Outcomes At this stage of the young player’s development they should be able to do the following to move up to the three levels of MLC Tennis Hot Shots Squads: Maintain balance during dynamic movements µ Demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning µ Display respect for other players and coaches µ Beginning to effectively use spin in a groundstroke rallies µ Beginning to understand match tactics and fundamentals µ Understand the concept of fair play and the main rules of the game µ Enjoy competition in a variety of formats µ Fitness, movement and training patterns to improve footwork µ
Grand Slam League 1.5 hrs session µ For students in MLC Tennis Hot Shots Program µ Red, Orange and Green balls µ Mini, 3/4 and full sized tennis court µ Learning Outcomes Whether you are just starting on your Mini Tennis journey or have been playing for a few years there are a lots of opportunities to get involved in fun and enjoyable competition. Mini Red, Orange and Green competitions are graded to help you find the right tournaments for your playing standard starting with local tournaments all the way to a national level. Once you have started playing in tournaments your results go towards increasing your Grand Slam Tennis Rating which is used to help track your progress and assist with entry into competitions.
Junior Development Squad Junior Development Squad 1.5 hour session, recommended two times per week; µ For graduates from the MLC Tennis Hot Shots green ball; µ 25”–27” racquet; µ Full court; µ Normal balls. µ Junior Development Squad is Sporsci’s introduction to squad training. It takes a holistic approach to a player’s development and aims to teach professional habits in each and every session. At this stage of the player’s development, it is recommended for them to attend two sessions per week in the program. We are committed to ensuring each player gets the utmost enjoyment out of the game and has a pathway for improvement.Players at this stage of their development should also aim for one hour per week of individual lessons. Learning Outcomes At this stage of the young player’s development they should be able to do the following to move up to the High Performance Academy program: Set simple goals; µ Follow basic game rules and scoring; µ Demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning; µ Display respect for other players and coaches; µ Implement in match play what has been practiced in drills; µ Direct serves to different parts of the service box with a rhythmic action; µ Rally with a partner with both ground strokes for a total of 20 shots; µ Construct points to their advantage; µ Hit a forehand or backhand with a variety of stances and a smooth action; µ Judge and respond to ball trajectories from all areas of the court; µ Compete in six to eight tournaments annually. µ
Academy High Performance Academy 2 hour sessions, recommended a minimum two times per week µ For graduates from Junior Development Squad or players from other programs µ with tournament experience and a commitment to the game of tennis. This program aims to take players to the next level in a team training atmosphere. Sporsci’s philosophy for the High Performance Academy program is simple: hard work brings rewards. It strives to foster and encourage a training environment that is second to none. High intensity, committed athletes, motivated coaches all striving to succeed. The original high intensity training High Performance Academy program was implemented seven years ago. Since then many High Performance Academy players have gone on to be school and club champions, providing the program with a proven track record. Players at this stage of their development should also be doing one to two hours per week of individual private lessons. Learning Outcomes While players continue to train in the High Performance Academy program some of the objectives they are striving towards include: Setting measurable goals; µ Implementing a game plan; µ Demonstrating a positive attitude towards learning; µ Hitting a variety of serves; µ Rallying with a partner cross court with both ground strokes for a total of 20 µ shots; Strategically constructing points; µ Performing a basic match analysis; µ Effectively using topspin and slice at appropriate moments; µ Hitting a forehand or backhand using a variety of stances; µ Volleying correctly; µ Skipping at high speed with at least three footwork combinations; µ Throwing an appropriate weighted medicine ball over measurable distances. µ
Other Kids Tennis Programs Available Yellow Court Program 45 minute - 1 hour session µ For graduates from MLC Tennis Hot Shots green ball µ 27” racquet µ Yellow balls; µ Full tennis court; µ Good ball skills and court awareness; µ Establish swing patterns; µ Start to develop weapons and strategies to exploit other player’s weaknesses; µ Fitness and match play; µ
Learning Outcomes At this stage of the player’s development they should be able to do the µ following; Able to perceive cues related to player's court position, racquet µ preparation/swing and body alignment; Able to better hold shot and play behind moving opponent; µ Able to hit with increasing velocity off all supports; µ Able to hit heavy topspin and slice shots and serves, as well as flatten out strokes µ at high speed; Able to control half-volleys to all court widths and lengths and drop shots to all µ court widths.
Kids Cardio Tennis Cardio Tennis uses tennis drills to create an aerobic exercise workout. Created for adults, it proved so popular that Kids Cardio Tennis was developed to help parents and children looking for a fun, healthy way to exercise. Kids Cardio Tennis features drills run by a coach that keep your heart rate elevated over the course of a 30 minute session. Lots of action and up-tempo music highlight this program. The program was developed in conjunction with health and fitness experts to address the physiological traits of children, making it a safe way for them to exercise. To address attention spans and skill levels, Cardio Tennis programmers make the program 60 percent fun and 40 percent exercise and follow the MLC Tennis Hot Shots guidelines for age- and skillappropriate equipment.
Teckno Tennis Taking place within your standard tennis lessons, Teckno Tennis is a coaching concept unlike most traditional tennis lessons. Music & Professional coaching coupled with high intensity activities make Teckno Tennis sessions more like a party than a tennis class! Teckno Tennis is the perfect way to begin playing the sport as anyone can play it! Specifically for children between 4 – 12 years of age. The program is designed to allow children to rally and play ‘real’ tennis from the very beginning, ensuring that they have heaps of fun whilst learning a skill for life!
Also Available: programs for Adults! Cardio Tennis Cardio Tennis is a fun, social, group tennis-fitness program for people of all ages and abilities. It’s more about getting a great, high-energy workout than pure tennis technique. You don’t have to be Rafael Nadal or Sam Stosur to enjoy the energising workout that is Cardio Tennis! Constant movement is the focus as a Tennis Australia qualified coach guides you through a series of fun and heart-pumping drills that cater for all abilities and fitness levels.
An average a Cardio Tennis workout runs for 45 to 60 minutes and is comprised of: 5-10 minute warm-up µ 30-50 µ
minute cardio tennis segment with drill-based and play-based activities 5-10 minute cool down µ
Participants wear heart rate monitors, exercise to music, use low-compression balls and a variety of equipment, including agility ladders. And, at the end of your session, you can check your stats on the heart-rate monitor to find out just how hard you worked!
Lose weight, get fit, have fun Cardio Tennis is enjoyed best with friends – male or female. If you like exercising in a group, then you will find Cardio Tennis the perfect motivator. Get a group of mates together or make some new friends in a fun and active atmosphere!
As well as being social, it’s a great way to boost your fitness and lose weight. According to the Tennis Industry Association, during a Cardio Tennis session, women will burn between 1260 and 2100 kilojoules per hour, and men will burn around 2100–3360 kilojoules per hour (on average).
Calendar and Coaches Tournament calendar There are many tournaments catering for all levels of players, from Coloured Ball Challenges to national ranking tournaments. Sporsci Tennis Academy encourages players to participate in these events where possible. The Sporsci Tennis Academy coaches are available for tournament scheduling advice and you can find a comprehensive list of more than 250 tournaments on tournaments.tennis.com.au or tennis.com.au/vic. Coach profiles Danielle Borle A Tennis Australia Club Professional Tennis Coach, Australian Sports Commission Certified Coach, Head Coach Sporsci Tennis Academy, Bachelor Applied Science (Human Movement) - Exercise and Sports Science, Biomechanics.
Mallory Marsh Tennis Australia Certified Junior Development Tennis Coach, fulltime Sporsci Tennis Academy Coach.
Ebony Miles A Tennis Australia Junior Development Coach, Australian Sports Commission Certified Coach, full time Sporsci Tennis Academy
Sporsci Tennis Academy P: 0429 887 753 E: info@sporscitennis.com.au W: www.sporscitennis.com.au Arnolds Creek Tennis Centre Claret Ash Boulevard, Melton West VIC 3337 Eynesbury Tennis Centre Eynesbury Road Eynesbury VIC 3338 Hillside Tennis Club Community Hub Hillside VIC 3037 www.tennis.com.au/hillsidetc Melton South Tennis Club Northcott Street Melton South VIC 3338 www.tennis.com.au/meltonsouthtennis