JUNIOR TENNIS
Tennis is a fantastic sport, which can be played and enjoyed for a lifetime. The physical and psychological benefits for children, particularly those who start playing at an early age, are immense; and once conquered, they can take this multi-faceted skill wherever they go. That’s why our junior tennis programme recognises the importance of introducing tennis in the early years and focuses on nurturing children appropriately as they grow.
Overall, tennis is a reasonably simple sport and taught well, it requires just a little concentration and a good learning environment. It’s also an individual and competitive sport so by playing, children will naturally learn the values of sportsmanship including discipline, competitive spirit, self-respect, fairness, respect for others, diligence and commitment.
At Galway Lawn Tennis Club we believe that lessons in life can be learned through sport!
There is no doubt that children love to play tennis and are naturally competitive. We have worked hard to ensure our junior tennis programme reflects this and will make sure that all kids on the programme are presented with the correct ways to grow physically and mentally.
We now offer Junior Tennis Camps, so players can keep improving throughout the school holidays. We have both Development and Tournament camps. The aim is for kids to improve their skills, make friends and enjoy playing tennis. Tournament camps are aimed more at kids that participate in tennis competitions around Ireland.
12 week Junior Tennis Development Coaching:
Mini Tennis RED
5 years to 7 years
12 weeks
Mini Tennis Red is played on a smaller court. At this early stage, children are encouraged to develop simple tactics and technique, with focus on getting the basics right. The classes include co-ordination work, coaching and an introduction to competition.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 15:00 – 16:00 |
| Wednesday | 15:00 – 16:00 |
| Friday | 15:00 – 16:00 |
Mini Tennis ORANGE
8 years to 9 years
12 weeks
Mini Tennis Orange is played on an 18m × 6.5m court using a slower orange ball. The slower ball, shorter and narrower court and lower net help children to develop an all-court offensive game, using more advanced tactics and technique. Competition includes slightly longer matches, which will follow singles, doubles and team formats.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 16:00 – 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 16:00 – 17:00 |
| Friday | 16:00 – 17:00 |
Mini Tennis GREEN
9 years to 10 years
12 weeks
At this stage, children will be bigger and stronger and able to cover a bigger court using a green ball. We emphasise continued technical and tactical development using increased power and spin, as well as specific athletic skills. Competition is both individual and team-based.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 16:00 – 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 16:00 – 17:00 |
| Friday | 16:00 – 17:00 |
Junior Tennis YELLOW
11 years to 13 years
12 weeks
Junior Tennis caters for serious or social players. The whole court game is now being developed tactically and technically, using a normal ball. Competition is both individual and team-based. Special squads for better junior players are available at this level.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 17:00 – 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 17:00 – 18:00 |
| Friday | 17:00 – 18:00 |
Teenage Tennis
13 years to 16 years
12 weeks
Junior Tennis caters for serious or social players. The whole court game is now being developed tactically and technically, using a normal ball. Competition is both individual and team-based. Special squads for better junior players are available at this level.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | 18:00 – 19:00 |
The following outlines plans for the Galway Lawn Tennis Club weekly Tennis Academy training programme.
Our Mission
To reach out and identify children with natural ability, desire, determination and the dream to become high achieving regional and national players to the sport. We will provide an improved pathway for player development based on a structured training and competitive opportunities.
Our Vision
Galway Lawn Tennis Club believes that the pursuit of success in sports can be a metaphor for life. The qualities that determines a true Champions: discipline, determination and commitment to excellence – translate into success in all aspects of a young person’s life. We know that when young players commit to mastering the game of tennis; working on their weaknesses and overcoming adversity – they will become winners, on and off the court.
Tennis has become one of the most demanding sports in the world. To be successful, a player must combine athletic ability, racquet skills and an aptitude for tactical problem solving. Therefore Galway Lawn Tennis Club will provide structured training for players who are committed to reaching their full potential.
What is The Galway Lawn Tennis Academy?
The Academy is the next step up from the development programme. The Academy trains athletes that aim to play tennis competitively. We use hand feeding to isolate areas the player needs to improve on. Racquet feeding simulates match-like variables of spin, pace, height, depth and shot selection. Live ball with other players and the coach helps the junior learn simple controls, point situations and simulated point or matchplay which all lead to problem solving in matches.
To go along with our world class on court structure, we provide a tournament ready fitness schedule that improves agility, balance, coordination, speed, cardiovascular, strength and flexibility.
Mental Skills Training will play a vital role too. It is an integrated part of our training system and takes a pro-active, strengthening approach.
Who is it for and What are the Requirements?
The Galway Lawn Tennis Club Junior Tennis Academy is by invitation only. Coaches make recommendations of potential performance players. Those players are then invited for a trial in one of our sessions. The Junior Tennis Academy are striving to provide a high level of service to players who are training to a performance level and are committed to improving.
This is what we expect from players:
- Undertake technical one‐to‐one lessons weekly.
- Arrive punctually for training squads, with appropriate clothing (not football trainers) etc with racket & drink.
- Comprehensive warm‐up before every lesson.
- Step on‐court, for every lesson, with the mindset to improve.
- Listen and respect players and coaches.
- Compete termly in Tennis Ireland competitions (minimum).
At our Tennis Academy we understand children and parents are looking for a fun, social and competitive environment.
With this in mind we have developed a 4 strand tennis pathway.
Each child goes through the 5 stages/colours depending on age. With each colour, the ball gets faster and the court and rackets bigger.
RED Stripes
5 years to 8 years Played on a smaller court. At this early stage, children are encouraged to develop simple tactics and technique, with focus on getting the basics right. The classes include co-ordination work, coaching and an introduction to competition.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 15:00 – 16:00 |
| Wednesday | 15:00 – 16:00 |
| Friday | 15:00 – 16:00 |
ORANGE Aces
9 years to 10 years Played on an 18m × 6.5m court using a slower orange ball. The slower ball, shorter and narrower court and lower net help children to develop an all-court offensive game, using more advanced tactics and technique. Competition includes slightly longer matches, which will follow singles, doubles and team formats.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 16:00 – 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 16:00 – 17:00 |
| Friday | 16:00 – 17:00 |
GREEN Spinners
9 years to 12 years At this stage, children will be bigger and stronger and able to cover a bigger court using a green ball. We emphasise continued technical and tactical development using increased power and spin, as well as specific athletic skills. Competition is both individual and team-based.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 16:00 – 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 16:00 – 17:00 |
| Friday | 16:00 – 17:00 |
YELLOW Hotshots
11 years and older Junior Tennis caters for serious or social players. The whole court game is now being developed tactically and technically, using a normal ball. Competition is both individual and team-based. Special squads for better junior players are available at this level.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 17:00 – 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 17:00 – 18:00 |
| Friday | 17:00 – 18:00 |
They will learn spins: Topspin, side spin and back spin.
There will be a greater emphasis on physical readiness.
Concentration levels will be tested.
A greater need for tactical awareness.
These players have gone through the Futures or Development pathway and have a level of skill that allows them to play in local external competitions.
They have good technical controls and are playing a tactical game.
These players have gone though the Futures strand and have shown an aptitude for competing.
They have high levels of concentration and focus.
They are physically, mentally, technically and tactically given the training that they need to compete at a national and international level.
This training is intensive and players train 8-10 hours per week and are expected to have practice matches once per week.
Camps are generally 3-4 hours long. Kids are advised to bring a packed lunch.
| Camp | Date |
|---|---|
| Hallowe’en | Takes place over the October mid-term. Tuesday 30th October to Friday 2nd November 2018. |
| Easter | 2 camps over Easter. |
| Summer | 7 camps over the Summer. Starting first week of July. |
At our Tennis Academy we understand children and parents are looking for a fun, social and competitive environment.
With this in mind we have developed a 4 strand tennis pathway.
Below find a description of each:
Each child goes through the 5 stages/colours depending on age. With each colour, the ball gets faster and the court and rackets bigger.
BLUE Stars
5 years to 7 years
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 15:00 – 16:00 |
| Wednesday | 15:00 – 16:00 |
| Friday | 15:00 – 16:00 |
RED Stripes
5 years to 8 years
Played on a smaller court. At this early stage, children are encouraged to develop simple tactics and technique, with focus on getting the basics right. The classes include co-ordination work, coaching and an introduction to competition.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 15:00 – 16:00 |
| Wednesday | 15:00 – 16:00 |
| Friday | 15:00 – 16:00 |
ORANGE Aces
9 years to 10 years
Played on an 18m × 6.5m court using a slower orange ball. The slower ball, shorter and narrower court and lower net help children to develop an all-court offensive game, using more advanced tactics and technique. Competition includes slightly longer matches, which will follow singles, doubles and team formats.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 16:00 – 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 16:00 – 17:00 |
| Friday | 16:00 – 17:00 |
GREEN Spinners
9 years to 12 years
At this stage, children will be bigger and stronger and able to cover a bigger court using a green ball. We emphasise continued technical and tactical development using increased power and spin, as well as specific athletic skills. Competition is both individual and team-based.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 16:00 – 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 16:00 – 17:00 |
| Friday | 16:00 – 17:00 |
YELLOW Hotshots
11 years and older
Junior Tennis caters for serious or social players. The whole court game is now being developed tactically and technically, using a normal ball. Competition is both individual and team-based. Special squads for better junior players are available at this level.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 17:00 – 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 17:00 – 18:00 |
| Friday | 17:00 – 18:00 |
They will learn spins: Topspin, side spin and back spin.
There will be a greater emphasis on physical readiness.
Concentration levels will be tested.
A greater need for tactical awareness.
These players have gone through the Futures or Development pathway and have a level of skill that allows them to play in local external competitions.
They have good technical controls and are playing a tactical game.
These players have gone though the Futures strand and have shown an aptitude for competing.
They have high levels of concentration and focus.
They are physically, mentally, technically and tactically given the training that they need to compete at a national and international level.
This training is intensive and players train 8-10 hours per week and are expected to have practice matches once per week.
The following outlines plans for the Galway Lawn Tennis Club weekly Tennis Academy training programme.
Our Mission
To reach out and identify children with natural ability, desire, determination and the dream to become high achieving regional and national players to the sport. We will provide an improved pathway for player development based on a structured training and competitive opportunities.
Our Vision
Galway Lawn Tennis Club believes that the pursuit of success in sports can be a metaphor for life. The qualities that determines a true Champions: discipline, determination and commitment to excellence – translate into success in all aspects of a young person’s life. We know that when young players commit to mastering the game of tennis; working on their weaknesses and overcoming adversity – they will become winners, on and off the court.
Tennis has become one of the most demanding sports in the world. To be successful, a player must combine athletic ability, racquet skills and an aptitude for tactical problem solving. Therefore Galway Lawn Tennis Club will provide structured training for players who are committed to reaching their full potential.
What is The Galway Lawn Tennis Academy?
The Academy is the next step up from the development programme. The Academy trains athletes that aim to play tennis competitively. We use hand feeding to isolate areas the player needs to improve on. Racquet feeding simulates match-like variables of spin, pace, height, depth and shot selection. Live ball with other players and the coach helps the junior learn simple controls, point situations and simulated point or matchplay which all lead to problem solving in matches.
To go along with our world class on court structure, we provide a tournament ready fitness schedule that improves agility, balance, coordination, speed, cardiovascular, strength and flexibility.
Mental Skills Training will play a vital role too. It is an integrated part of our training system and takes a pro-active, strengthening approach.
Who is it for and What are the Requirements?
The Galway Lawn Tennis Club Junior Tennis Academy is by invitation only. Coaches make recommendations of potential performance players. Those players are then invited for a trial in one of our sessions. The Junior Tennis Academy are striving to provide a high level of service to players who are training to a performance level and are committed to improving.
This is what we expect from players:
- Undertake technical one‐to‐one lessons weekly.
- Arrive punctually for training squads, with appropriate clothing (not football trainers) etc with racket & drink.
- Comprehensive warm‐up before every lesson.
- Step on‐court, for every lesson, with the mindset to improve.
- Listen and respect players and coaches.
- Compete termly in Tennis Ireland competitions (minimum).