Advanced Tennis

[Anonymous]

My tween is newer to tennis and has really excelled at it. They have tried for teams and are nearly there but need something more than the ‘yellow ball’ lessons they are getting. And are also looking for match play.

Our instructor wasn’t much help other than ‘I can do one on ones.’

I’ve read about JTCC and saw there is something at Fairfax Racquet. Any recommendations for something to help get them on the competitive track?

[Anonymous]

USTA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:USTA

Anything more specific or just the random ‘usta’ as if that site has all the answers. It doesn’t.

[Anonymous]

They need to find someone of similar ability to play with informally but regularly. Ask the instructor or just ask around your school/neighborhood.

Also, don't underestimate the benefit of hitting against a wall - not instead of against a person, but it's an excellent supplement.

[Anonymous]

what is the level of the kid? how old? How long have they have been playing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:what is the level of the kid? how old? How long have they have been playing?

12. Playing 2.5 years. Level? Yellow Ball?

They’ve played some matches against USTA team kids and held their own, and the coach says they are ‘right at the cusp.’ If that helps. I think they’re awesome but I know nothing about tennis and am a biased parent. 🤣

[Anonymous]

DD is a strong tennis player. Some places she's taken lessons in VA, they have decent coaches:

Fairfax Racquet
OneLife McLean
YMCA Arlington

[Anonymous]

There are a number of competitive training programs in the area. JTCC is probably the largest and well known, but it can be a long commute for folks from Northern VA.

Others include Pass Academy, Montgomery TennisPlex, and 4 Star Tennis Academy.

Most programs will do a free evaluation, so you can your kid to them and see what fits your budget, commute, and your child's level.

USTA tournaments are the main mechanism kids get competitive experience, and that's likely what drove the advice to look there. Most (if not all) competitive tennis training programs expect players to regularly compete in USTA tournaments.

[Anonymous]

Maybe contact the tennis coach at your closest University and do a few lessons

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe contact the tennis coach at your closest University and do a few lessons

This really isn’t how it works. Why would you do private lessons with a college tennis coach rather than find a program that focuses on juniors at your age and level?