Junior Clinics
Westboro Tennis and Swim Club has adopted and supports the USTA guidelines for Junior Tennis Development. These guidelines dictate the use of different tennis balls and court size combinations to teach juniors. Our progression is generally from Red Ball, to Orange Ball, to Green Ball and finally to traditional tennis balls. The concept of the progression is that each colored ball has different bounce properties, to facilitate rallying and learning to hit more quickly in order to allow children to have more fun while playing. While this is a general format, some classes may differ due to coaches discretion and class composition. The maximum ratio of students to instructors is 6 to 1 unless otherwise noted.
Questions? Contact Chris Roginski
Mini-lobbers (Ages 4-6)
Students start to develop basic essential skills – handling and swinging a racket, throwing, rolling and catching a ball. Students will focus on basic movements: running, jumping and balance. The main goal of the class is to develop body control using tennis-based activities and to have fun! The maximum ratio of student to instructor is 4 to 1.
Quick Start: Red Stage 1 (Ages 6-8)
Players will be using a 36’ court and Red Balls. Basic stroke shape will be introduced along with proper movement and recovery. Students will focus on receiving and sending the ball as well as developing overall agility. Players will work together in cooperative activities. Players will be introduced to competitive situations using skill-based tasks performed in teams. The maximum student to instructor ratio is 4 to 1.
Quick Start: Red Stage 2 (Ages 6-8)
These players are expected to be able to maintain control rallies on 36' court. Main focus will be on proper form on groundstrokes and volleys. Students will continue working on developing an ability to generate topspin. The concept of underspin will be introduced. Students will be encouraged to start match play. Max ratio of student to instructor is 4 to 1. (Instructor permission required)
Quick Start: Red Stage 3 (Ages 6-8)
The class is intended for players with a solid foundation in tennis fundamentals. In this level, we focus on advancing players' skills and preparing them for more competitive play. Players will refine their strokes, including forehand, backhand, volleys, and serve, with an emphasis on technique. Footwork and court movement drills will help players develop agility and speed. Our goal is to nurture a love for the sport while fostering a competitive spirit and good sportsmanship in a supportive and encouraging environment. (Instructor permission required)
Quick Start: Orange Stage 1 (Ages 8-10)
Players will be introduced to the 60' court and the Orange Ball. Students will focus on developing correct swing patterns. Consistency and footwork are emphasized. The concept of spinning the ball will be introduced. Students will learn match format and scoring with Match Play.
Quick Start: Orange Stage 2 (Ages 8-10)
Players will be working on developing more consistency using the orange ball and 60’ court. More advanced aspects of tennis technique are being covered. Control of spins and direction of the shots are being developed. The basic tennis strategy and play patterns are introduced. Students are encouraged to participate in competitive match play. (Instructor permission required)
Quick Start: Green Stage 1 Beginners (Ages 11-12)
Green Ball Beginners will learn basic form and stroke mechanics. The main goal is to establish form and timing of all major shots. Basic footwork will be emphasized as well.
Quick Start: Green Stage 2 (Ages 11-12)
Students will play on the full 78' court. Students will develop more consistency and directional control. The concept of topspin and underspin will be introduced. To move to the next level, students are expected to demonstrate consistency and the ability to rally using a variety of shots. Pre-screening is required for signup.
Quick Start: Green Stage 3 (Ages 11-12)
Students will play on the full 78' court but will primarily use a Green Ball. Students will develop more consistency, power and control of spins. Students will work on mixing up pace and spin. To move to the next level, students are expected to play out points using a variety of spins and play patterns. Pre-screening is required for signup.
Older Beginners (Ages 13-18)
Older Beginners will learn basic form and stroke mechanics. The main goal is to establish form and timing of all major shots. Basic footwork will be emphasized as well. Green balls may be used as appropriate.
Older Intermediate (Ages 13-18)
Students will develop more consistency and directional control. Students will work on both topspin and underspin. Singles and doubles strategies will be introduced. The main goal of the class is to prepare students to play on Varsity teams.
Junior Aces (Ages 12-14)
Students will transition to the yellow ball. Students will continue working on adding variety to their game. Students will learn how to generate spins and control power using a yellow ball. Significant time will be spent on footwork and court coverage. Doubles strategies will be introduced. To move to the next level, students are expected to play out points using a variety of spins and play patterns using a yellow ball. Students have to be prescreened to sign-up for this class. (Players who have not participated in this class before may only sign-up for this class with the permission of the instructor)
Varsity Prep. Program (Ages 12-14)
This program is for players who can hit with consistency and power from the baseline and net; developing topspin and/or underspin. They are beginning to develop a spin serve, can hit overheads for winners and are starting to use underspin on volleys. Aces will learn to play more advanced singles and doubles. They will begin to learn serve and volley techniques and more sophisticated strategy.