Class Descriptions
FWTEC has been running a Multicultural Junior Tennis Program for Nine years. We are one of the largest & most competitive junior programs in the metro area and offer classes for all ages and ability levels.
We use the QuickStart Tennis format for our “Stars” programs.
QuickStart Tennis is an exciting new play format for learning and playing tennis. It is designed to bring kids to the game by utilizing smaller racquets, slower and lighter balls, shorter court dimensions and modified scoring, all tailored to the age and size of the child. Scaling the game down to their size helps make the learning process easier, a lot more fun and allows the child to play a scaled-down version of full court tennis.
The majority of youth sports have followed this progressive formula for years. Baseball begins with smaller bats and smaller fields. Basketball and soccer also employ shortened playing surfaces and appropriate-sized equipment. These modifications help ensure that your child’s first experience in the sport will leave them overjoyed — not overwhelmed.
Instruction will be play-based and focused around building the skills needed to maintain a rally. Strategy and stroke development are introduced in real-time as coaches guide them through playing the game. As players grow into their skills, the game is modified to keep them engaged and challenged at the appropriate level.
To get a better understanding of our approach to player
development for our “Stars” programs, check out the following sites:
www.usta.com/rulechange/
www.youtube.com/watch?v=icolu-ny9jI&feature=related
www.tennisplayandstay.com
Little Stars (Ages 5-8)
Classes are 45 minutes in length and focus on athletic skill and playing format. This class will introduce players to the basics of tennis, emphasizing FUN activities using pressureless balls while highlighting hand-eye and tracking skill development. General athletic skill development is more important than tennis specific skills at this age!
* NEW ….Advanced Ultra Stars (Ages 9-12)
All players ages 9-12 should register for Ultra Stars. Coaches (not the parents) will then choose which players will be placed in Advanced Ultra Stars. If you are new to the program your placement will be determined after the first day of class. Advanced Ultra Stars classes will be held at the same time as Ultra Stars but on a separate court(s). Classes are 1 hour in length and are rally based & technical based instruction. Children will continue to develop their general motor and athletic skills while introducing basic stroke fundamentals. Ultra Stars players will be separated on courts based on skill and experience. A point play segment may be included during class, highlighting basic singles and doubles strategy.
FW 2 (Ages 13 & up, Formerly High School 2)
Designed for players who have finished our Ultra Stars program and/or those who play middle school or JV level high school tennis. Players will have a continued focus on stroke development, court positioning and basic strategy. Many of these players have already developed basic fundamental skills and now will focus on advanced stroke mechanics, tactics and pattern play. New players to our Program interested in our FW1 or FW2 class must be evaluated by our Pros to determine which class they should be placed. Please contact Molly Peterson at: molly@fwtec.org to be evaluated.
FW 1 (Formerly High School 1)
For those who have “graduated” from our FW 2 class or those who play on a strong High School Varsity tennis team. This class focuses on strokes and singles/doubles strategy through rally based drills and game play. FW1 is designed to help players maximize their games for High School competition. New players to our Program interested in our FW1 or FW2 class must be evaluated by our Pros to determine which class they should be placed. Please contact Molly Peterson at: molly@fwtec.org to be evaluated.
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(Move to FW 2 from FW 3)
FW 3 Entry Level (Ages 12 & up, Formerly High School 3)
Designed for beginning players or those with some experience. These players may have trouble maintaining a consistent rally with players of similar ability. The class will focus on basic stroke technique, scoring and general singles/doubles strategy. (Players move from this class to FW 2).
Note: Players in the FW groups can only move to the next level class with a recommendation from the lead Pro of your present class. Little and Ultra Star groups are age determined.
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Tournament Group 3 (Formerly Super Stars) - Invitation Only
Advanced level class designed for students ages 9-12 who demonstrate exceptional athletic skills, advanced swing shapes, and a driven positive attitude.
Criteria for class participation includes, but is not limited to, use of continental grips, balanced & full service motions, topspin production, and kinetic sequencing. Students must be age and size appropriate for play on a 78’ court and use of the green ball. Selection is based on a student’s current technical state, size, attitude, and athleticism. Player match play records are generally not taken into account.
Tournament Group 2 - Invitation Only
Advanced level class for students currently competing in USTA Level 6 tournaments on a regular basis and Level 5 for 12 & unders.
Students should have a solid technical foundation in the following areas: forehand, backhand, serve, footwork, overhead, & volleys. TG 3 and FW1 are prerequisite classes for TG2. Age appropriate players with the strongest technical foundation in TG3 and FW 1 may be considered for TG2. Match records are sometimes taken into account, but a player’s present technical state is given the most weight.
Tournament Group 1 – Invitation Only
Advanced level class where students are currently competing in USTA Level 5 and above tournaments on a regular basis.
Students should have a solid technical foundation pertaining to movement, swing shape, and kinetic sequencing. A player should be able to execute, with above average consistency, every major shot with technical accuracy. Players must also demonstrate the ability to consistently hit the following specialty shots; underspin groundstrokes, swing volleys, and drop shots. Player records are sometimes taken into consideration, but the player’s current technical foundation is the most important facet when considering selection for this group. A player’s age, attitude, and athleticism may be taken into account.
The Academy - Invitation Only
Designed for students competing at a National level.
Players will be approached by Junior Tennis Director, Marc Stingley when they should move to the next Tournament Group level. Parents are asked to respect this process and to not make requests regarding class placement. For more information, contact Marc at marc@fwtec.org.
If you are new to our program and interested in our TG1, TG2 or TG3 classes you must be evaluated by our Pros to determine which class you should be placed. Please contact Molly Peterson at: molly@fwtec.org to be evaluated.
Click here to download FWTEC Class Descriptions.
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