Junior Coaching Programs
Junior Coaching Programs
Futures Coaching Programs are systematic and sequential offering all players an opportunity to reach their individual potential. Through-out each stage in the program players can see the Pathway [see Futures Coaching Pathways] they need to take for their future development and improvement.
TO ENROL IN ANY OF OUR PROGRAMS CLICK HERE OR CALL TO BOOK ON 9528 6375
Stage One - Little LEGENDS - Modified Coaching Program
Futures Coaching Philosophy?
Every pupil is a Little LEGEND! The Futures Tennis experience starts with Little LEGENDS Mini court and progresses to the Little LEGENDS Mega Court Coaching and Competitions. Both these programs are designed specifically for kids aged 4 to 9 years. The Little LEGENDS Program incorporates the very best aspects of other modified coaching programs but is mostly based on the International Tennis Federation [ITF] Mini Tennis Programs which has produced such players as the World Number One Woman player, Justine Henin. Modified balls, racquets and nets have been around for a long time the difference is the Little LEGENDS program has all these elements brought together in a much more systematic and sequential approach than ever before.
What is the Program?
The Little LEGENDS Program is fun, exciting, socially interactive and sequentially teaches pupils the basic fundamental motor skills [depth perception, movement, eye – hand co-ordination, tracking, throwing etc] which are the core skills pupils need to learn along with basic stroke production. Therefore we teach real strokes from the first class and emphasize the five major strokes of tennis: forehand, backhand, serve, volley and smash – through out the program. Our goal is to build a sound foundation and a love of the game so pupils can progress to the next stage in their development. We do all this with our holistic based approach to learning emphasising both match play and coaching to create a fun and success driven environment.
How long do the programs go for?
Different pupils progress at different speeds, therefore we feel all pupils graduating at the end of a term, or, after a set length of time isn’t practical. Pupils and parents, along with the coach, normally decide when the time is right for the next stage in the program to commence. We allow new pupils to join into our programs at a level suitable to their age and experience and have an ongoing intake. Mini Court [1/4 court] classes run for half an hour. Our experience which spans seventeen years of running modified coaching suggests this is the ideal length of time for this very young age group. Classes have a small ratio of four pupils per coach.
We modify the equipment by using various low compression balls recommended by the ITF which slow down play and allow for a safer environment. We use a modified lower net and play horizontally across the courts in ¼ court tennis. For some pupils we also offer the unique “stay ball stand” which allows pupils to hit a stationery ball before progressing to coach thrown strokes. Mega Court [1/2 court] is the next progression using both service boxes of the court with the net dropped lower. A slightly different low compression balls is used. Classes run for 45 minutes and have a higher ratio of pupils. Central to all classes is learning to rally.
Can pupils of this age learn the game?
The most formative and important stage of our cognitive development happens before approximately seven years of age. Therefore the earlier the intervention, the faster the development of all life’s skills, especially hand – eye co-ordination which is the basis of all ball sport. Of course a four year old learns at a four year olds pace, so expectations must be realistic. Andre Agassi started playing tennis at three years of age and of course there are examples in other sports which we are all familiar with Tiger Wood … Even if you consider your child to be not “quite” as gifted as these superstars the earlier you start the better their basic fundamental motor skills will become.
Little LEGENDS The Game: Friday Night “Blast Off” Competition
The Little LEGENDS Singles “Blast Off” comp is played on the Mini Court with the same modified equipment and emphasizes fun and the fundamentals of match play. We have a party night at the end of the season for all competitors. We have Qualified Tennis Australia Coaches who supervise matches. Rules are modified by allowing an under-arm serves and the scoring system is also simplified. We offer A and B grade based on experience. The comp emphasizes participation and is the first step towards becoming an independent player. Most Little Legends who can start a rally should consider playing Little LEGENDS “Blast off” Comp.
Stage Two - Junior Classes
Junior classes are conducted on the full size court for beginner to intermediate players with no modifications. Classes run for 45 minutes and there are 6 pupils per class. The program steps up in intensity as pupils are taught our holistic approach to coaching including traditional biomechanics and sound technique. This program covers all aspects of tennis including footwork, technique, basic strategy and match play. Of course kids also want to have fun and we are masters of enjoying our coaching, after-all, we are among some of the luckiest people on Earth being paid to teach what we love. Our teaching aids include: Sam Ball Machines, Stay Balls Stands, Fast Feet Ladders and each coach has their own colour coded teaching aid pack including: Targets, Place Mats, Frisbees etc
Stage Three - Junior Squad
Junior Squad is for pupils who have had some years of coaching or pupils who simply want to attend a better quality of coaching. Junior Squad is either one hour with five pupils per class or 45 minutes with four pupils per class. The program is a little more advanced than our Junior Classes and the lower ratio allows for more personalised tuition. Straight out of Little Legends most pupils usually attend Junior Classes and then Junior Squad. All squads have a fitness component included in the program.
Stage Four - Futures Elite Training Squads
Futures Elite Training squads are by invitation only and are for the serious or talented pupils. The best of these pupils are sometimes given sponsorship and may attend pre-tournament clinics and are usually taught by our Head Coaches. These squads go for one hour and have small ratio of pupils per class.
Practice Training Squads
Training squads offer pupils another practice session per week at almost half the cost. Training squads are not coaching but instead an intense work out whereby pupils hit heaps of balls to practice what they have been taught in coaching. Pupils must be a current participant in coaching to be able eligible to train in Practice Squads. Practice Squads are for all age groups, male and female and offer pupils that vital extra hit per week. Training Squad coaches often do fitness and ball machine work out with pupils and our desire is all pupils leave knowing they have “worked their pants off”!
Private Classes
Hi Futures, Just letting you know that both Ben, and I, were delighted with David's coaching. Ben was a bit apprehensive having changed academies and having a new coach but he quickly felt at ease and had a wonderful lesson. Please pass on my thanks to David. Kind Regards, Jane [14-8-07] |
Private classes are the best way to learn. The benefits of private classes are obvious. They are ideal for:
Players who need time to work on specific individual weaknesses
- Players who lack confidence or are self conscious
- Advanced players who need individual work
- Beginner players who want to fast track their improvement.
Private Houses
If you have your own court we will come to you. We conduct classes seven days a week therefore we can organise a coach to attend your place at whatever time you wish. Call us for all bookings.
Rewards & Loyalty Program
We believe it is important to recognise and reward loyalty to our academy therefore Futures Grand Slam Vouchers are handed out to all pupils at the end of each term’s coaching. As pupils acquire more vouchers they win another leg of the Grand Slam [the most prestigious tournaments on the World Calendar] and with it another trophy or prize. The longer a pupil remains in coaching the better the prizes become. Check out some of our previous Grand Slam winners on our Fun Pages.