We love tennis and think a world filled with more tennis players is a wonderful thing. As long as they’re good ones. With that in mind, The Athletic Clubs’ Tennis Academy is passionate about creating the next generation of great tennis players. And by great, we don’t necessarily mean the next Rafael or Serena (although we certainly have our share of prodigies), we mean kids who know the rules and techniques to play this game well for the rest of their lives.
Here is why our approach works for kids of all ages and skill levels.
Pathway: You can get there from here.
We provide a clear pathway for all players to progress from the beginner, recreational level to the highest competitive level.
Approach: Learn to play. Play to learn.
We apply a game based-approach to learning tennis, where players learn to play immediately, but also learn sound fundamentals in the technical, tactical, and mental aspects of the game.
Technique: Proven methods. Proven results.
We teach all players the optimal technique from the start, using scientific biomechanical principles based on Dr. Brian’s Gordon’s B.E.S.T. program.
Assessment: We assess. They improve.
We monitor all players’ progress to ensure that they have the tools to maximize their potential.
Parent Education: Keeping them in the game. And you in the loop.
Parents are an integral part of the learning process and should be kept informed of their child’s progress as well as areas that need improvement.
Competition: Play better competition. Get better results.
Competition drives improved performance and innovation on the court. We compete – in lessons, at Play Days and in state, regional and national tournaments.
Learning Environment: We believe that every player should have the opportunity to LEARN the game of tennis in a fun, supportive and safe environment.
Team Environment: We believe that providing a TEAM environment gives each player a support system to help them achieve their goals.
Life Skills: We believe that tennis is more than just a game and provides an opportunity to teach kids important LIFE skills, such as competing, problem solving, overcoming adversity, setting and achieving goals and dealing with success and failure.
The goal of Tennis Tots is inspiring young children in a fun and nurturing atmosphere and teaching them developmentally sound and age appropriate physical skills (including coordination, balance, agility, reaction, jumping, skipping, throwing, catching, tracking, handling the racquet and hitting). Group size is limited to 3 students and parent participation is encouraged.
Age Guideline: 3 – 4 Class Length: 60 minutes
From the moment they step on the 36 foot court, kids learn the physical skills necessary to rally the ball and play the game of tennis, including coordination, balance, agility, reaction, jumping, skipping, throwing, catching, tracking, handling the racquet and hitting with biomechanically sound technique. Both introductory and more advanced classes are offered. Class size is limited to 4 students.
• Stars: This class is designed for beginning players. Stars spend a large percentage of their time learning the physical skills necessary to play tennis. They also participate in competitive games and limited point play. Class is limited to 4 students.
Age Guideline: 4 – 6 Class Length: 60 minutes
• Aces: Aces players are continuing to develop basic skills introduced and practiced in Stars. Players work on technical stroke production, movement, and point play when able to rally balls. The players who have started to play points and rally would enjoy and benefit from playing USTA Team Tennis. Class is limited to 4 students.
Age Guideline: 5 – 7 Class Length: 60 minutes
Playing on a 60 foot court, kids hone their skills and stroke technique. Both introductory and more advanced classes are offered. Class size is limited to 5 students.
Age Guideline: 7 – 10 Class Length: 60 minutes
• Orange Ball: Classes are designed for beginning players and players who have progressed from Red Ball classes. Players work on the physical skills necessary to play tennis as well as stroke biomechanics, consistency and movement. Players with more tennis experience continue to work on technical stroke production and point play. They also are introduced to point and match play and taught basic tactics and strategy. These students would enjoy and benefit from USTA Team Tennis and novice tournaments. Class size is limited to 5 students.
Green Ball is designed for players who have aged out or leveled up from Orange Ball. Players in Green Ball groups range from beginners to tournament level players. Each participant will be grouped according to tennis experience and ability. Now on a full size court, players work on the physical skills necessary to play tennis as well as troe biomechanics, consistency, and movement. They also participate in competitive games and point play. Class size is limited to 5 students.
Age Guideline: 9-11 Class Length: 60 minutes
This class is for players who have developed the basic skills taught in Green Ball. Students work more on technical stroke production and point play. They also are introduced to match play and taught basic tactics and strategy. Many of these students would benefit from playing USTA team tennis and tournaments. Class size is limited to 6 students.
Age Guideline: 12+ Class Length: 60 minutes
Many of our Orange, Green and Yellow Ball students participate in an invitation only program called Performance Academy. This advanced training is geared toward tournament players and focuses intensely on stroke biomechanics, game strategy, fitness and competitive play. If you would like to know more about Performance Academy, please contact one of the Tennis Academy Directors.
Small groups are formed based on age, size, experience and, when appropriate, the all-important friend request. To schedule your child’s FREE EVALUATION, contact Will Campbell, 501-551-0997.
USTA Junior Team Tennis is one of our most popular youth tennis programs. It brings together 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U boys and girls to play singles, doubles and mixed doubles against other coed teams. For more information, please contact our Junior Team Tennis coordinator, Leslye Gibbens.
We periodically hold non-sanctioned “practice” tournaments for our Tennis Academy players to prepare them for USTA tournament play. Academy students will receive details regarding time, place and entry fee via email. Please be on the lookout.
It's okay to have a million questions! We're happy to answer them.