---

 
     
   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.

---