15-17 Years Old (Yellow Ball; Full Size Court; 26''-27'' Racket, and Standard Net Height - at the center 36")
Monday through Friday at 6:30 PM
Mentally, emotionally and socially, players of this age are able to concentrate for longer periods, so although they can follow and
develop the same task for longer, they also enjoy variation and new challenges. They are more self-assured and confident, so they
can enjoy the right level of competition. Now they are more independent and have decided for themselves that tennis is a sport they
wish to play, so coaches must make coaching sessions enjoyable and purposeful. At this stage they have responsibilities and
leadership skills, so coaches can use opportunities through tennis allows players to develop both.
The key skills that still need to be developed for 15-17 years old are:
BEGINNERS * Agility, static and dynamic balance and complex body/eye coordination * Strength and core strength flexibility,
linear and multi directional speed acceleration and deceleration * Endurance * Basic strokes: Forehands and
Backhands, Volleys, Serves and Overheads * Playing points and Scoring * Court Terminology
* Mini-Tennis/Match Play.
ADVANCED BEGINNERS * Students must be able to rally from the baseline and serve with more confidence, yet needs
improvement for match play * Positive stoke reinforcement and foot work drills are some of
the tools used to get the player to the next level.
INTERMEDIATE and HIGH INTERMEDIATE
Technically, players can now: * Hit the ball with height, spin and pace and make the ball bounce up at the opponent trying to move
them away from the baseline * Hit from all court positions * Use the incoming ball speed to create
pace * Contact the ball at a higher point on some shots, sometimes above shoulder height
* Adjust their body height to maintain a position of strength * Take the ball early .
Tactically, a player is likely to be able to: * Integrate more information into their decision making process * Understand the geometry
of the court * Know how to create space and time * Understand the strengths and
weaknesses of their opponent * Formulate a strategy to “beat” them by making it difficult
for them * Use anticipation cues to determine what their opponent is doing * Start to link
shots as part of this plan.
For example: They will understand that if they can hit a ball cross court with pace, height, depth and spin to the backhand,
the likely response will be a defensive shot.