Welcome to the exclusive Academy Green Ball at Five Star Tennis! Admission is by invitation-only or with approval from the Program Director – a crucial step for those aspiring to transition into the High-Performance program. Get ready for an unparalleled tennis experience designed for excellence and growth!
Competencies – What we teach our players
Agility
Maintain balance during multi-directional movement and change of direction
Balance and Coordination
Maintain balance during single leg exercises
Show complex coordination of hands and feet
Jump rope
Speed
Sound running form
Ready Position/Recovery
Use of ready position with racquet above hands and elbows away from body
Use of cross-over and shuffle steps depending on distance from recovery position
Recovery after shot based on optimal position and situation
Serve
Serve with a continental grip with a coordinated, balanced, and rhythmical action
Control the serve to different positions based on tactical decisions
Use of flat, slice, and topspin serves
Groundstrokes
Modify stance and court position for first and second serve returns
Rally with varying heights, spins, and speeds
Understand the need to create time on defensive balls
Recognize short, neutral, and deep balls and be able to find the appropriate strike zone
Take balls on the rise
Use various forms of footwork: open, semi-open and square stances depending on situation
Build points with the purpose of creating open space
Use of passing shots, drop shots, lobs, and swing volleys when appropriate
Net Play
Use a continental grip with rm wrist at contact while getting the outside leg behind the ball
Volley with consistent depth to a baseline player during a cooperative rally
Recognize a short ball and move into the net quickly
Use of front foot hop, forward transfer, and/or carioca (backhand slice) footwork to approach
Follow the direction of the ball to the net and close in to finish to the angle
Be able to get behind the ball on overheads to hit to the deuce and ad court
Slice
Use backhand slice when appropriate
Score
Keep score in matches and be able to work out disagreements with opponent in a calm manner
Sportsmanship
Show respect for opponents, coaches, officials, and yourself during practice and competition
Give your best effort at all times
Engagement
Listening to the coach
Trying to execute the drill the correct way
Energy and Effort
Run for every ball
Maintain effort throughout the entire duration of the practice
