Junior Development

Youth Development

Our youth development programming covers the development of tennis skills in context with playing the game of tennis from the outset.  Geared for children ages 4- 17, programs are available with an emphasis on team participation as well as a pathway for competitive excellence. As with all our programs, emphasis on development of the athlete, tennis player and person will be noted.

Sessions Run 8 Weeks and are located at Patriots Park and Riverside Park. Please watch for location.

All One- Hour Classes are $80.00 each with $15.00 Drop In.

All 1.5 Hour Classes are $120.00 each, $240.00 twice per week with $20 Drop In.

*Please note many classes are offered twice a week.

*Prices will be prorated after start date.

Privates Lessons $50.00

Session 1:

Family Time (ages 3-4, Adult/Child) Tuesdays- 9:30pm-10:15pm   Patriots Park

Interactive adult and child playtime that introduces fundamental athletic, movement skills for tennis and all sports.  Parents/Adults – bring your tennis shoes – we want you to join in the fun on court!  Use of red felt and red foam balls on 36 ft. court. Racquet size: 17-19 inches

Are You Ready To ROGY?

At every stage of a junior players development, there is a combination of age appropriate programs, equipment, and events in the Columbia County Junior Tennis Pathway.

Red Ball, 8 and Under Slower Balls smaller courts, and shorter racquets enable young players to rally and play much sooner.

Orange Ball, 9-10 The shorter 60’-court and the slower, lower bouncing Orange ball gives players confidence in their ability to cover the whole court and to maintain rallies. Matches are longer and kids play both team and individual events.

Green Ball, 11-12, The slower lower bouncing Green Ball helps kids make the transition to the full-size court, allowing them to continue to develop good technique, movement and advanced skills. Both team and individual events are played.

Yellow Ball, 11 and over, once players have progressed through the Red, Orange and Green stages, they will prepare to train and compete with a traditional Yellow ball on regulation 78’court. Both team and individual matches are played.

Red Ball Kids (ages 4-5)Mondays              4:30pm-5:30 pm                                               Patriots Park

Focus is on developing the ABCs (agility, balance, and coordination) and introducing tennis FUNdamentals.   Through engaging activities, players will develop skills needed to get them ready to rally! Use of red felt and red foam balls on 36’ court. Racquet size:  19”-21”.

Red Ball Club(Ages 6-8)Mondays 4:30-5:30                                                                          Patriots Park

Players continue to develop athletic skills for tennis. Engaging partner activities and games are designed to build a player’s foundation in all the basic tennis strokes. Basic rallying, serving, and scoring skills are introduced. Players further develop ABCs and are introduced to more dynamic movement patterns. Activities and games focus on creating tennis PLAYERS who can serve, rally and score independently.  Use of red felt and red foam balls on 36’ court.  Racquet size: 19”-23.

Orange Ball Big Shots (Ages 7-10) Tuesday and Thursday 4:30-5:30                          Patriots Park

Sundays 3:00-4:00                                                               Riverside Park

This is designed for beginning players or those with limited tennis experience.  Focus is on developing ABCs for tennis and learning to rally.  With cooperative partner activities players will develop skills and make new tennis friends! Orange balls introduced. Racquet size: 23”-25”

Orange BallBig Shots Plus (Ages 7-10) Tuesdays and Thursday 4:30-5:30Patriots Park

Sundays 4:00-5:00Riverside Park

For players transitioning from our Big Shots program. Partner activities and games are designed to build a player’s foundation in all the tennis strokes and develop rally, serve, and scoring skills to prepare them for match play on the 60 ft. courts. Racquet size: 23-25 in

Orange Ball Club (Ages 8-10) Tuesdays &Thursday 4:30-5:30Saturdays 3:00-4:00                Patriots Park

Sundays 4:00-5:00Riverside Park

For players who have advanced past Red Ball level and demonstrate competencies for Orange Ball play. Movement skills, tennis activities, and games will focus on developing groundstroke consistency, serve direction, and transitioning to the net. Players are grouped by age/ability within each class. Players in this program are expected to compete in Junior Team Tennis and sanctioned tournaments. Use of Orange Ball on 60’ court. Racquet size: 23-25 inches

 

Green&Yellow Ball Jr. Development                                                                                      

Middle/High School (Ages 11 – 17)Tuesday & Thursday 5:30-7:00                                               Patriots Park

Sundays 1:30-3:00                                                                                                                                            Riverside Park

For players of middle and high school age who are new to the game.  Players will be introduced to the fundamentals of the game through a rally and game-based curriculum.  The focus will be on stroke mechanics, footwork, and the athletic skills needed to play the sport.  Players will learn how to keep score, sustain a rally and learn to play quickly.  Participation is recommended at least two days a week.

Yellow BallJunior Excellence

Middle and High School (Ages 11 – 17) Tuesday and Thursday 5:30-7:00                                  Patriots Park

Program is for players who are interested in playing for their middle or high school team and for those who play Junior Team Tennis and USTA tournaments.  Players will focus on developing more sophisticated shot selection and tactics and strategies, as they continue to learn with a rally and game-based curriculum.  Players will refine their footwork and athletic skills needed to play at a competitive level.  Participation is recommended at least two days a week.

Youth Plus Match Play Fridays 4:30-6:00 pm                                                                                       Patriots Park

Will focus on competitive match play with strategic and tactical elements added during play.  Coaches will provide consistent feedback on performance during play to all participants.  Players will be grouped based on age and ability levels.  Match Play will complement the training program to prepare each player for competitive play.