Welcome to the Futures level in the Junior Competition program at Five Star Tennis! Tailored for beginner juniors aged 12-18, this level is skill-focused, irrespective of age, and perfect for those with limited match play experience. Our emphasis is on refining technique, enhancing shot execution, and strategic improvement through engaging drills and match play. Join us as we group participants based on ability, creating an optimal environment for your tennis journey. Get ready for a dynamic and skill-enhancing experience on the court!
Competencies – What we teach our players
Agility
- Maintain balance while moving side to side and forwards/backwards
- Multi-directional movement with efficiency
Balance
- Jump side-to-side and forward/backward with balance
- Hop on one leg over a line with balance
Coordination
- Two ball juggling with variations
- Catch a ball one-handed overhand with no bounce with right and left hand
- Catch a ball one-handed with palm down off of one bounce
Speed
- Run with arms coordinated, posture, and land on the balls of the feet
- High skips while maintaining running form
Ready Position/Recovery
- Athletic stance with wide base, knees bent, shoulders back, eyes forward, and on balls of feet
- Racquet above wrist with elbows away from body
- Recovery after shot behind the baseline near center
Serve
- Serve with a coordinated, balanced, and rhythmical action
- Use a continental grip
- Be able to begin points with minimal double faults
Volley
- Volley with the racquet above the wrist while stepping across the body
Groundstrokes
- Initiate movement with a split step and unit turn
- Use of eastern or semi-western grip on forehand
- Use of continental (dominant hand) and eastern (non-dominant hand) grips on backhand
- Swing with a medium loop with contact in front and to the side of the body creating topspin
- Rotate body through swing and finish with an extended follow-through
- Be able to contact the ball in the strike zone off of varying depths
Game Play
- Initiate the point with an overhead serve or a drop and hit second serve
- Rally 3-5 shots consistently with a player of similar level
Score
- Call the ball in or out
- Demonstrate where to stand when serving and returning
- Understand the main rules of the games
- Know the scoring system (15, 30, 40, deuce, regular and no-ad scoring) and the parts of the court
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
Attitude
- Use of positive emotions
- Being positive in challenging situations