JUNIOR CLASSES
Beginner Levels:
BUNNIES (Age 4- 7)
Usually, the students from BUNNIES classes have got no previous tennis experience and most often no other sports experience. The lessons are due to introduce tennis to children through games and fun activities. Children learn the basics of tennis including how to rally using lots of adapted equipment such as balloons, beach balls, big balls, red tennis balls, low compression balls
TIGERS (Age 5-8)
Students can already hit basic strokes with limited abilities, while the balls are fed by the coach. The lessons have got the scope to do the transition from hitting balls from static position to dynamic hitting and moving around the court. Basic footwork and correct positioning to the ball is being introduced. To pass this level the students need to be able to start playing very short rallies and to understand the basics of the game of tennis.
LIONS (Age 6-10)
Students has already got through all the different shots in tennis and they understand and can use the basic footwork while playing on the court. They understand the basics of the game of tennis and they are willing to play more competitive games during the lessons. The coaches start on this stage to insist more than before in developing a basic serve
SHARKS (Age 7-13)
Students can already do short rallies with reasonable confidence from all around the court. They can understand the court positioning, the court geometry and they can use basic footwork to move to the ball and recover after the shots. The serve is developed even further than in the LIONS' stage, so the students are able to start using it during the matches without feeling as being a liability. The students who pass through this stage have been prepared to start playing Interclub matches and other low-level tournaments.
Advanced Levels:
RUBY Grade (Age 9-18)
The students have got more consistent when hitting medium-paced shots, but not always comfortable with all strokes and they lack execution when trying for directional control, depth, or power. The most common doubles formation is one-up and one-back. To get through and pass this stage the students need to improve stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots and improve depth and variety. They need to exhibit more aggressive net play, improved court coverage, and develop teamwork in doubles.
PLATINUM Grade (Age 10-18)
Has got dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides on moderate shots, plus the ability to use lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with some success. Occasionally forces errors when serving and teamwork in doubles is evident. Rallies may be lost due to impatience.
To get through this stage the students should start mastering the use of power and spins and begin to handle pace, has sound footwork, can control depth of shots and begin to vary game plan according to opponents. They should be able to hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve. They might still tend to overhit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play should start to be common in doubles.
DIAMOND Grade (Age 13-18)
Students have got good shot anticipation and frequently have an outstanding shot or exceptional consistency around which a game may be structured. Can regularly hit winners or force errors off short balls and can put away volleys, can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys and overhead smashes and have good depth and spin on most second serves.
During this stage, the students are developing more power and/or consistency as a major weapon. They can vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive situation and hit dependable shots in a stress situation. Students have got extensive satellite tournament experience.
PRO grade (Age 17+)
Extensive tournament experience on the international stage. The players are making their living from tournament prize money.
Skill level: Sky is the limit