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 [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
Hot Shots - Modified Coaching Program Explained [3-10 years]
Futures Hot Shots as seen at the Aussie Open exhibition match.
Serve, rally and score
The M.L.C. Hot Shots Program is designed for kids aged 3-10 years and is fun, exciting and socially interactive. Central to all classes is learning to serve, rally and score [Red Ball video]. Rallies can take on a different meaning depending upon ones age. The development of a rally may start without a partner e.g. a bump up box court rally and then progress into partner based rallies like: a roll rally along the ground, a under-arm throw rally, a tap rally with no net, a drop and hit and catch rally, a drop and hit and catch rally with a net and finally to a rally back and forth over the net in a red court. Once kids can start a rally they then need to understand the concept of "in" and "out" and the idea of scoring. These concepts flow on naturally and progressively from each other. When kids understand how to play the game they can learn the technique of how to play the strokes in context of the game. Technique based lesson traditionally were the other way around [learn how to hit a forehand, a backhand etc and then finally play a match]. MLC Hot Shots coaching has turned coaching on its head - and at the same time made learning the game more fun!
Tennis Skill Sets There are many sets of skills kids need to learn above and beyond the traditional role of coaching which was simply to produce sound technique. Fundamental motor skills, receptions skills, footwork skills are all pre-requisites for developing technical skill. Furthermore, an holistic approach to coaching requires pupils to develop: Cognitive skills: concentration, anticipation, problem solving Social/Emotional skills: co-operation, sharing, scores fairly, controls emotions Competitive skills: understand & implement strategy, great sport, loves the game
Teaching Aids / Activities The activites and teaching aids we use are designed to assist fundamental motor skills, reception and footwork development. They also add variety and fun to classes. Some of the equipment and activities are: stay ball stands for 3-5 years, big ball rallies [forehand and backhand rotation, recovery and team work], ball machine [repetition and aiming], fribees [backhand rotation], overhead throws with a variety of balls [serving], balance beams [dynamic balance], fast feet ladders [locomotor and footwork], circuits training with hoops and cones [co-ordination, body control] etc. We also offer Team Hot Shot squad players video analysis using Dartfish software program.
Junior Classes [11 years and older]
There are four levels of junior classes [6:1 ratio] and Junior Squads [4:1 ratio]: Futures 11-12 years, Challenger 13-14 years, Pro 15-16 years and Grand Slam 17 years and older. Junior classes are conducted on the full size court for beginner to intermediate players with no modifications. Classes run for 45 minutes and have 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. 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
Junior Squad [11 years and older]
Junior Squad is for pupils who have had some years of coaching or pupils who simply want to attend a better quality of coaching. Squads go for 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 the Hot Shots Program most pupils usually attend Junior Classes and then Junior Squad. All squads have a fitness component included in the program.
Futures TEAM Squads [Invitation only]
Futures Team Developmental Squads: players are selected from our Hot Shots program and represent the sixty best boys and girls [ten boys and girls in red, orange and green ball]. Squads go for one hour with five pupils per class. From our Developmental A and B squads we invite a teams of 24 players [each in red, orange and green] to represent Futures Tennis in our four Hot Shots Challenge Matches through out the year against: Vic Tennis Academy, TopTenn and Tie-Break Tennis Academy. We also have an end of year Super Masters event between all four academies held at the National Tennis Centre.
Futures Team Squads: are for the ten best boys and girls in each squad category. These squads go for one hour [or 1 1/2 hrs] and have small ratio of pupils per class. Futures Team players are invited to attend pre-tournament clinics called Boot Camps and are taught exclusively by our Head Coaches. We encourage these players to join inter-club competition as a team and we attend Tennis Victoria junior points tournaments also as a team.
Private & Semi Private Classes
Private classes are the best way to learn. They are ideal for:
- Players who lack confidence or are self conscious
- Advanced players who need individual work
- Beginner players who want to fast track their improvement
Call our office for availability and bookings.
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.
My Tour Book - Rewards & Loyalty Program
Futures Tennis Academy believes it is important to recognize and reward loyalty and improvement. Our My Tour Books Rewards program allows pupils to feel part of the ATP World Circuit by playing, progressing and understanding the different ATP tours. Pupils win rounds and, eventually, tournaments by enrolling into programs &/or acheiving success doing set tasks. Along the way pupils win trophies and sponsorships in prizes and free entry to programs. Check out some previous winners on our Fun Pages.