Junior Program Information

Our  junior program runs from September to June. To enroll in a program a player must achieve appropriate competencies as assessed by the Kamloops Tennis Centre coaches. The  programs are based on Tennis Canada’s  “Long Term Athletic Development”.  We also cohere to  Tennis Canada's Quality Standards for Kids Tennis which aims to raise the quality and consistency of children's tennis programs to provide safe environments and positive experiences that promote life-long participation.

The yearly sessions are as follows:

Fall session – September to December
Winter session – January to March
Spring session – April to June
Summer session – July and August (junior camps)

There are no lessons scheduled on public holidays.
 

RED BALL

This program is recommended for players 5-8 years old. With different levels of play we have divided the program into 2 levels.

1/2 court - Out rally opponent

For each level we have objectives and goals that need to be mastered before advancing.

Be physically active, learn to love sport Introduce tennis with the appropriate size balls, racquet, court

Develop the 5 fundamentals - grip, setup, contact, hitting zone, recovery
Introduce hand eye coordination skills as well as movement skills
Promote confidence and self esteem in a caring environment
Introduce fundamental movement: walking, running, jumping, catching, throwing
Introduce fundamental motor skills: agility ,balance, coordination, reaction, dexterity
To show the players how to play the game

Once a player enrolls it will generally take approximately 2 years to acquire the skills in order to move up to Orange Ball Development. 

ORANGE BALL 

For the next level of development the players move to 3/4 court which we call Orange Ball Development. We recommend this level for 8 -10 year old's that have completed the Red Ball program. The tactical focus of the Orange Ball Program is;

 'pressure through consistency'  - outlast your opponent

Like Red Ball we have objectives and goals that need to be mastered before advancing to full court tennis.

Develop motor skills
Conformity of the 5 fundamentals
Introduce tennis with the proper sized equipment
Develop players tactically and technically
Aquire mental skills, focus, commitment, passion, attitude and effort
Develop competitive skills
Have fun!

Players who have developed the proper skills at this level will be able to have confidence at the baseline and develop into their full potential. The average player will need 2 years to acquire the skills in order to move up to full court. 

GREEN DOT 

The next level of development is the full court Green Dot program. This level is recommended for 10 to 12 year old's that have completed the Orange ball program. The objectives for this level are;

Consolidate all fundamental tennis competencies (tactical ,technical) in match play
Develop basic psychological skills; focus, emotional control, effort level, positive attitude
Develop competitive skills
Participation in other sports (diversification)
Develop decision making skills
Learn to give more effort
Understanding how to beat opponents

The average player will need 2 years to acquire the skills in order to move up to full court. After completing this stage of development players will either move into Futures or Youth Development. 

FUTURES 

This program is for players who have completed the Green Dot program and are playing regular ball tournaments. We look to develop the 'love of tennis' - playing, practicing, competing. We work on developing a calm and positive player, managing mistakes, good sportsmanship and respect, develop good practice habits and focus and engagement in practice and competition. The objectives for this level are;

Develop and consolidate fundamentals
Ability to focus, compete, emotional control
Develop competitive skills
Participate in other sports
Develop decision making skills
Develop work ethic
Basic Anticipation

When training in the program, the parent/guardian, player and coach should decide on the direction of the player, either tennis for life (recreational stream) or competitive stream. Players may continue in a recreational program such as Youth Development and improve. However if they meet the criteria they may move into Youth Competitive.
 

CHALLENGER

This program is geared for developing players who aspire to compete provincially and beyond. We work on maintaining enthusiasm and enjoyment in practice and competition. Develop an identity of a tennis player, motivated to train and compete, always trying to find a way, no excuse mentality, ability to stay in process when competing and not focused on outcome. In order to enroll in this program the player will need to have;

Recommendation from the Head Coach
Compete in 2 star and higher tournaments

The objectives for this level are;
Optimize development of physical elements - flexibility, speed, aerobic endurance, coordination, strength
Consolidate skills in practice and use in competition
Balance training demands
Refine technical skills
Consolidate a specific game style
Introduce concept of recovery and pre-habilitation
Consolidate decision making skills

COMPETITOR

This program is for the player who has made a conscious decision to compete in junior 3 star and above tournaments, junior ITF's and pursue a potential college scholarship. The sessions focus is to have consistent quality sessions in practice and competition. 

Objectives of the program;

Develop and fefine technical skills
Learn to compete when facing adversity
Improve the implementation of skills in competitive situations
Performing in an ideal performance state
Focus on performing well mentally
Eating well, recovery
Develop physical skills
Pre-habilitation
Recovery techniques