JUNIORS
College Racquet Club
Beginner (10 and under)
CRC runs the 10 and under similar to the USTA design. This is 3 stage program from complete beginner to intermediate player. The goal is to help these young kids develop their eye-hand coordination, movement skills, physical dexterity, love for tennis and confidence. In order to keep kids interested in learning it also has to be fun as well as challenging. CRC tries make it both ! It is generally aged based but we elect to move kids ahead as their skills warrant.
Red, orange and green balls are of different size and hardness (bounce) and progress toward a regular tennis ball. Our 10 and under program is described in more detail below:
RED BALL
AGES (5-7)
This first stage of the 10&U program is designed for young kids who have never been on a tennis court. The red ball bounces lower and moves through the air slow, which allows beginners a chance to set up and take a good swing at the ball. Courts at this level are 36 feet long and 18 feet wide, with a net that is 2-foot-9. This allows the kids to actually play the game from the start. This in turn keeps them motivated to learn and develop more skills!
ORANGE BALL
Ages 7-9
This is the second stage as the players get comfortable and proficient at the red level, players graduate to playing at the orange level. Orange felt balls bounce higher and move faster than the red ball and the court is still smaller than the traditional court at 60 X 21 the orange balls move faster and bounce higher which requires better judgement and movement. The CRC pros continue to make it Fun while helping the players develop advancing towards the yellow tennis ball and the regulation court. Strategies and patterns are introduced as well as better stroke production. More technique is emphasized as the player’s physical ability allows.
GREEN BALL
Ages 9-10
The green ball is very similar to the traditional yellow tennis ball but with a slightly lower compression so it rebounds lower off the court after a bounce. The green court is the same dimension as the traditional yellow court. Players start to master patterns and begin to understand the strategies and how to use them. Shot are now hit with a purpose to try to challenge their opponent. Players work on becoming more aggressive and also playing more at the net. Better movement skills are necessary to advance and compete. Therefore, the CRC pros emphasize movement to be able to control the ball and the shot in order, to be able to construct points.
Competitive Ladder Pathway
Four Principles
In all of the CRC competitive programs we take a holistic approach to developing all of the important skills to compete. Each program is designed for that particular level using the 4 main areas of concentration. All of the CRC pros have certifications and we incorporate ideas from many associations, academies and pros that are tested and proven. We strive to get the most for our players. Each program is designed to lead our players to the next higher level. These programs form a roadmap to playing at ones peak ability. They feed into one another and participation on a year round basis results in consistency in each player improving and attaining their goals.
Four Principles
Technique. Proper technique is instrumental in developing into a high level player. Form, balance and Timing are critical to success.
Conditioning & Movement. To compete at a high level, players must be fit. CRC pros stress footwork, endurance, quickness, balance and change of direction throughout the classes. The ability to perform for long periods of time and a high level requires the body to be flexible as well as strong.
Point Construct. Once you get passed how to hit the ball you must begin to determine where & when to hit the ball. Patterns & Court Positioning that should be used in matches are developed and emphasized. This is an expanded Strategy and tactics.
Mental Game. Players experience all forms of pressure. How each player reacts to these pressures will help determine the outcome. We will address this through Mental Training Exercises to help each player develop relaxation and focus skills to help them on & off the court. In addition, we teach how to create Pressure for your opponents.
Pathway Clinics
I. Tournament Training & Tournament Training II
Juniors ages 8-12 & 10 -14
Preparing for competition in high school and USTA level 2 & 3 tournaments using the 4 principles these players improve and challenge themselves in competition.
II. High Performance
Juniors ages 12-15
A skill level above tournament training. Juniors who have ambition to play college tennis or above. Again using the methods of the principles these juniors learn to compete at a very high level honing their physical, mental and emotional skills.
III. Elite High Performance
Juniors ages 13-17
Aspiring to play high level college tennis, USTA regional & national tournaments and perhaps ITF events. This class will be by invitation only and each student must play at least 12 tournaments a year, demonstrate a serious approach to the group and set and achieve self-goals.