Welcome to Super Excellence Plus, an exclusive class designed for players with varsity standing actively participating in USTA tournaments, Jr. Grand Prix tournaments, and/or USTA Jr. Team Tennis. This class mirrors the structure of our esteemed High-Performance program, prioritizing live-ball drills, and comprehensive training in singles and doubles strategies. Players in this program are encouraged to maintain their competitive spirit by participating in USTA and In-House tournaments during their non-high school season periods.
Competencies – What we teach our players
Agility
- Maintain dynamic balance during multi-directional movement and change of direction
Balance
- Maintain dynamic balance during single leg jumping exercises
Coordination
- Two ball juggling with footwork variations
- Jump rope variations
Speed
- Sound running form with rapid acceleration
Ready Position/Recovery
- Use of ready position with racquet above the hands and elbows away from body
- Use of quality split step and first step to the ball
- 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
Net Game
- Modify stance, court position, and targets 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 early or on the rise to take time away from opponent
- 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
Groundstrokes
- Use a continental grip with firm 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
- Manage tactics based on the score
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