As we’ve just announced registration for our first Red Ball Program, we wanted to take parents behind-the-scenes of our brand new junior tennis pathway.
Tennis is an early initiation sport, meaning the earlier kids gets involved, the more likely they will succeed in the sport competitively and also be able to enjoy a lifesport throughout their years.
We have spent the last year working with USTA and Net Generation to bring about these junior tennis pathway programs to our area. Tennis teaches core values to kids, such as character, courage, honesty, sportsmanship, integrity, commitment, humility and excellence and we feel these programs will promote these values.
There are 3 pre-academy junior tennis pathway phases that will lead to our full academy. Players can register for these phases to be introduced to the sport of tennis. Each player may find this sport to their liking and pursue it through all of the phases/programs and into our full academy. Others may not pursue full academy, but will be rewarded with a great introduction to this amazing individual sport.
Phase 1
Ages 4-8
(K-2nd Grade)
- Red Court (36’ x 18’), mini-nets, red felt ball
- Recommendation: group drills once per week
- Session Length: 1 hour
- Group Size: 4-12
Phase 2
Ages 7-10
(2nd-4th Grade)
- Orange Court (60’ x 21’), orange felt ball
- Recommendation: group drills once per week
- Session Length: 1 hour
- Group Size: 4-12
Phase 3
Ages 9-11
(4th-6th Grade)
- Regular Court, green felt ball
- Recommendation: group drills once per week + individual programs
- Session Length: 1 hour
- Group Size: 4-12
At the end of each stage, players will receive certificates of completion and graduate the program. We guarantee graduates a spot in the next junior tennis pathway program. Generally our graduation ceremonies will take place at the beginning of a local UTR tournament or USPTA Junior Circuit Event.
After graduating the green ball program, players will then have the opportunity to join the academy and take part in regular yellow ball group drills, private lessons, and classes. The yellow ball phase (full academy) is for junior players ages 11-18.
- Parents of children ages 4-8 (grades K-2) who are interested in getting their child enrolled in our red ball program, live registration is happening now (limited to only 12 players).
- Parents of children ages 7-10 (grades 2-4) who are interested in getting their child enrolled in our orange ball program should fill out an application online. You will be contacted when this program officially opens for registration.
- Parents of children ages 9-11 (grades 4-6) who are interested in getting their child enrolled in our green ball program, should fill out an application online. You will be contacted when this program officially opens for registration.
If you have further questions, please contact me!
Shane Staley is the founder of Staley Tennis and a USPTA-certified trainer, Accredited Professional Coach and instructor.
