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From young beginner to player: Finding the best tennis development path

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It’s a common and often contentious debate among tennis instructors: should we train young players with the standard yellow tennis ball or use the progressive red-to-orange-to-green approach? The latter—which relies on slower, less compressed tennis balls–is gaining momentum worldwide. In fact, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) recommends this approach because it better hones players’ developing skills and makes the game more fun.

Still wondering whether this is the more effective method? According to a recent study, the answer is “yes.”

A proven approach for young players

A team of instructors from Tennis Australia had some of the best players in the country alternate matches playing with a green ball (75 percent compression) and a standard yellow ball (100 percent compression). Nineteen matches were recorded from 7 different angles to analyze shots and results.

Here’s what happened:

  • Rallies lasted the same number of shots, but were played at a higher tempo using the green ball (5.25 shots) vs. yellow ball (5.35 shots).
  • Contact was made above the shoulder twice as often with the yellow ball than with the green ball. Striking the ball at repeated high contact points can lead to improper form and technique.
  • More errors characterized as 1.5 meters or more out were made using the yellow balls (27 percent) than green balls (20 percent).
  • More green balls were struck in front of the baseline (39 percent) – which allows for more attacking and point control –than yellow balls (27 percent)
  • The benefits of learning with a larger and lighter green ball go on and on – including an increased positive attitude among players.

Evidence versus opinion

Many instructors who prefer the standard yellow tennis ball for developing young players argue that choice of ball is just personal preference. The Tennis Australia study proves them wrong. Players using the green ball made fewer errors, had longer rallies, were better able to implement proper form and technique and developed it faster than with the yellow ball.

So for instructors trying to decide on green versus yellow, there’s no debate. Opt for green and give your young players the go-ahead for better development from the start…and for beginning a lifelong love of the game!

7 Key Points for Choosing the Right Tennis Camp

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School is almost out and soon children will be gleefully immersed in swimming, playing outside, and — if they want to focus on tennis — tennis camp. With so many options available, how do you find the best fit and the best instruction for your child?

Here are the most important factors to consider … to help find the perfect tennis camp for your little player!

  1. Personal recommendations – Get help from people you know and trust. Ask friends, family and colleagues which tennis camps they’ve sent their kids to, and any others they know about first-hand.
  2. History –The more established the camp is, the better. A proven track record will tell you a lot. For example, All-City Junior Tennis Camp is the City’s oldest and most established junior tennis program and offers some of the finest coaching in the East.
  3. Staff – Find out the experience level of staff members and the staff-to-camper ratio. The ratio tells you how much attention your player will get on the court and during camp throughout the day – as well as the general amount of supervision. The experience level is a good indication of the quality of instruction offered.
  4. Appropriate instruction – Look for a camp that meets players at their own level, with separate classes for beginners, intermediates and more experienced players. Also look for real instruction, with coaching and attention to detail, versus just a place to play. You want to make sure your child is getting the right instruction, learning and having fun!
  5. Proper focus – Beginners and intermediate players need to focus on the fundamentals of the game. More advanced or tournament players will benefit more from match play, coaching and emphasis on the strategic aspects of tennis.
  6. Activities –Some campers may want to play tennis 1-2 hours a day, while other more competitive players may want 4-5 hours a day. Some kids thrive on variety, others do not. Ask your child what he or she really wants and then make sure there’s enough variety to meet their needs.
  7. Facilities – Check out the courts and other facilities. If your child loves swimming, ask to see the pool. Ask about a place for field sports, games and quieter activities – anything your child would enjoy.

Tour the camp, ask questions, check things out — whatever it takes to be sure your child has a great camp experience and an unforgettable summer!

Advantage Camps branching out for summer!

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Calling all campers – and their parents!  We are delighted to announce more camps, more facilities – more ways for boys and girls to learn, play, grow and make new friends this summer.  There’s tennis for players who’ve never held a racquet before…all the way to a program for elite tournament players.  Plus arts, other sports and much more. The four Advantage camps offer four different, and fantastic, camp experiences.  So there’s sure to be just the right one for your camper.  To learn more look for an article as seen in NY Metro Parents »

7 Reasons Why Summer Camp is Great!

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We love campers. So we’re always coming up with ways to make them even happier and to make their summers even more unforgettable. Yes, camps are fun, but they are also important. Here are 7 reasons why every child should go to summer camp:

  1. Summer CampGet Physically Active – Camp provides an opportunity to be outside and active. Kids can try a new sport or, improve their skills in a sport they already play. Camp lets kids take a break from computers, video games, texting and become more active.
  2. Develop Social Skills – Camp teaches children to be better communicators and to work together as part of a team. It offers children a sense of belonging and allows them to establish social skills that will help him or her have respect for others.
  3. Build Confidence – Camp helps kids build self-confidence and self-esteem. When kids are at camp parents aren’t there to help them meet new people or try new activities. Learning how to play tennis, or taking up art makes a child realize how capable he or she is to learn and grow.
  4. Discover New Interests – Camp provides the right nurturing counselors, facilities and equipment for kids to enhance their sports abilities, budding artistic talents or learn a new skill. With so much to do, campers get the opportunity to try different things and discover new hobbies or passions.
  5. Gain Independence – Camp is a great place to encourage self-development and also develop independence. Campers can manage their daily activities in a safe and nurturing environment.
  6. Make Great Friends – Camp offers children the opportunity to deIMG_7750velop new and personal friendships. Building these friendships over the summer helps to teach children to be more socially confident – a skill they can use over and over.
  7. Create Lasting Memories – Camp builds good memories for the future – to enjoy the summer playing tennis, rock wall climbing, learning a new sport and making new friends. Camp is a time of learning, self-discovery and fun!

Advantage Camps are located in mid-town Manhattan, Throgs Neck and Roosevelt Island. Campers enjoy many activities at every Advantage Camp – from playing tennis, to swimming, rock climbing, arts & crafts and more!

To learn more go to advantagecamps.net.

It’s Not About Winning All the Time

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“When you stay in the process is when you win – not when you get into the end results.”
Billie Jean King, former No. 1 women’s tennis player in the world and holder of 39 Grand Slam titles

Billie Jean King is right. Winning is important, but when it becomes your # 1 goal — whether it’s on the tennis court, golf course, basketball court or football field — then you’re likely focusing your energy and mind on something you can’t completely control.

Control what you can. Let go of what you can’t.

Concentrate on the tennis fundamentals you’ve worked on your entire life. That’s what got you where you are now. Focus on what you can control and everything else will take care of itself.

It worked for Billie Jean King, just as it worked another former No. 1 tennis player in the world, Andy Roddick. Heading into the 2001 French Open, his mantra was, “If someone is going to beat me, I want him to have to play a good match.” He echoed similar thoughts later in the year when preparing for the U.S. Open.

Roddick didn’t win either of those tournaments, but he did win 32 times in a 12-year professional career. Had he been obsessed with winning every single one of his tournaments, he could have become consumed with defeating his opponent — potentially distracting himself from playing to the best of his ability and severely compromising his career.

Wisdom that reaches beyond the court.

Consider golf sensation Tiger Woods. He’s won 14 Major Championships and 101 tour events since turning pro in 1996. When the media began speculating on just how many Major Championships Woods would capture and whether he would catch up to the great Jack Nicklaus, Woods kept his focus. He responded, “The thing I keep saying to myself is that I want to become a better player at the end of the year. And if I can keep doing that year after year for the rest of my career, I’ll have a pretty good career.”
Sometimes you win. Sometimes you lose. But if you do your best and continue to improve your game and hone your skills, you’ll win far more than you’ll lose. Concentrating on what you can control, rather than what you can’t, is the true pursuit of personal excellence.

No, it’s not always about winning all the time. It’s about disciplining your mind to focus on the things that you have control over – the things that are responsible for whether you come out on the winning or losing end.

Written By: Xavier Luna, Director of Junior Tennis for the Advantage All City Junior Tennis Programs