2017 Summer Camp Information

 

Summer Tennis Camp registration is now open for the weeks of June 5-9, June 26-30, July 10-14, July 24-28, & July 31-August 4. Please use this link to register.  

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http://srtennis.wufoo.com/forms/w1orttp71vumio2/

 

Staff Directory

 

Matt Harness is the Director of Tennis for the Sunnyvale Raiders Youth Sports Association.  Matt is a certified teaching member of the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR).  Matt believes everyone can develop tennis skills and enjoy competing on their school teams.  He is married to Paula, and has two daughters who played tennis in college, Megan and Brittany. Matt can be reached at 972-965-8179 or harnessmatt@gmail.com.

 

Lance Groves is the Director of Junior Development and also a PTR certified Instructor.  Past experience includes junior tennis, college player, and highly ranked adult amateur player.  Lance has instructed both youth and adults and believes that tennis builds confidence, promotes a healthy lifestyle, and can be a life-long sport. He and wife Jolynn reside in Sunnyvale. Lance can be reached at 972-413-0847 or lancegroves@yahoo.com.

 

 

A Parent’s Guide to Junior Tennis Development

 

Sunnyvale Tennis Academy operates three levels of tennis lessons:  Quick Start, Intermediate, and Advanced.

1.  What is Quick Start Tennis? Tennis with age-appropriate equipment and courts for kids ages 5-10.  The kids use right-sized rackets and lower compression balls.  The court is shortened to match the skill levels.  The “red ball” is the lowest compression ball used and the game is played on a 36 foot court.  The coach emphasizes hand-eye coordination, creative drills, and games.  The “orange ball” is the next stage in skill development and the game is played on a 60 foot court.  Players advance to the Intermediate group based upon the coach’s recommendation.  Please visit www.10andundertennis.com for more information.

 

1. What is Intermediate tennis?  Ages 11-18.  The intermediate class emphasizes skills for long-term development.  Our focus is on stroke development.  We emphasize strategies for singles and doubles success through innovative court drills and match play.  Players are encouraged to have a primary individual coach to assist in one-on-one lessons to work on individual needs.  Players advance from the Intermediate to the Academy. 

 

1. What is the Academy? USTA Championship & Super Championship qualified players, and Varsity High School Players.  A comprehensive program designed to maximize potential through regular training combining line and fed ball drills, situational tactical training, singles and doubles match play and a rigorous conditioning program.  A team coaching approach allows players to receive the benefit of all of our highly skilled staff. Players are encouraged to have a primary individual (private) coach to assist in weekly one-on-one lessons.  Coaches also guide the player and parents through the pathway best suited toward each player's tennis related goals. 

 

 

Competitive Junior Tennis

 

How does a player get better? The common answer would be to practice more.  But practice does not make you better; only perfect practice makes you better!  Bad habits are reinforced when you practice poorly; skills are advanced when you practice with a good coach. Competitive junior tennis has four key parts.

1.  Group & Personal Lessons.  Tennis is a skill sport.  You must have tennis skills to get better.  There is nothing better than individual attention.  A series of six private lessons is recommended to build the proper foundation.

2.  Practice.  The adage that “practice doesn’t make perfect, only perfect practice makes perfect” is true.  Bad habits are hard to break even when the intentions are good.  Practicing under the trained eye of a coach helps develop good habits.  The player who is motivated to get better stays on the court practicing serves and finds other players who want to practice the right way.  

3.  Match Play.  Players should play others who are slightly better and play against those less skilled than themselves.  This strategy is called playing up and down. In the DFW area, you have several opportunities to play competitive matches.  The DPTA offers monthly tournaments on Saturdays based on skill level.  The Texas USTA also offers monthly tournaments based on three levels of ability: ZATs, Champs, & Super Champs.  Middle and High School team tennis provides another outlet for competition. 

4.  Fitness.  This is one area you have control over.  Fitness inspires you with confidence.  Your workout should include strength training, long- and short-distance running.  While you are watching TV, try using resistance bands to build your upper body strength.  Resistance bands are ideal for tennis fitness.

 

 

Helpful Links

 

Here are important links to help you become a better tennis player.

 

Texas USTA, www.texas.usta.com:  Whether you are a Junior or Adult, this is the main site for tennis action in Texas.  This site is where you will find all tournament schedules and rankings.  You must join the USTA before you are allowed to participate in sanctioned tournaments.  A junior membership costs $19.  Visit http://membership.usta.com/section/Individual-Family-Memberships/101.uts

 

Dallas Professional Tennis Association (DPTA), www.dptatennis.org:  For Dallas area residents, this site has the monthly tournament (one Saturday a month only!) schedule for junior players.  Recommended for beginners who want to experience a tennis tournament or for other players who want to improve their games.

 

Tennis Outlet, www.atennisoutlet.com:  Call for the best prices.

 

OncourtOffcourt, www.oncourtoffcourt.com:  Good source for Quick Start supplies.