Image52.gif (2706 bytes)The Competitive Training Program

 

The Competitive Training program expands considerably the range of experiences to which  young players are exposed.  Stroke drills, strategy sessions, and match play are intensified while  allowing the junior players to enjoy their game and the companionship of fellow players. Tennis is a game for life and the youth involved in this program already have a great start. 

  The intermediate and advanced players who comprise this program are graduated into more  advanced situations as ability and sportsmanship dictate.  Intra- and Inter-club tournament play,  many junior competitive events, supervised play, tournaments and clinics are offered throughout the season in addition to social tennis activities.

  Recommended age:  Junior High through High School ages, although skill and  coach-ability always  supercedes age and gender in placement.

  The Competitive Training level players that we present must have a strong desire to win and yet be  gracious in defeat.  To lose with grace means to allow your opponent the full joy of victory; this entails a complimentary demeanor and, generally, that the loser not share their ‘reasons’ for losing.  We give the players plenty of opportunity to “let your racquet do the talking”.  Fair play and irreproachable conduct are requirements, not options.

It is recommended that players at this level are on the courts a minimum of twice weekly.  A schedule to meet your needs can be put together which includes one Drill & Play and one or more of the following additional Comp. Training elements.

NTC Junior Team. NTC will join other local clubs in the Northern Illinois Junior Travel Team Tennis League. Matches will be played on weekends and the results will be tracked and posted with a year-end playoff for the top spots.

Junior Opener Tournament.  We’ll be hosting a USTA sanctioned tournament over Labor Day weekend for area junior players to show off their newly-gained Summer  skills.

Junior Singles Ladder.  A Singles Ladder Program is offered for only those  players currently enrolled in Comp. Training.  A schedule is distributed at the Drill & Play sessions.  The top Ladder players’ names are displayed on the ladders by the entrances to the courts. If a ladder is missed, the player is placed at the bottom and must work their way back up during the  next ladder.

USTA Tournament Play.  Sanctioned tournament play is required for players in the top levels of Competitive Training 

 Copper Bowl, a USTA National tournament, in warm and sunny Arizona is a tournament that NTC  players travel to with coaches. A group of junior players that train at Naperville Tennis Club have competed in this tournament.

Intensive Clinics.   A variety of specialized clinics will be offered to Junior Members.   Flyers will be distributed in the Play and Drill sessions.

Team Drills.  This program gives Competitive Training players a chance to turn up the volume of  their game and work out doubles strategy with the people with whom they compete.

Walk-on Rate.  The “Sunday Night Special” of $14 per court hour will again be offered this year.

Pre-requisites.  Enrollment is by Professional placement only.  Competitive Training participation  requires a Jr. Membership which is $60.00 per season or included in a Family Membership. 

  Competitive Training Placement.   Placement sessions are held immediately preceding the season  to allow us to recommend a program most appropriate to each player’s ability. The best way to prepare for the pre-season placement session is to play over the summer.  Please call 355-5600 during  August to reserve a spot in the placement session.   The cost is $5.00 which need not be paid until the day of placement.  Recommendations will be available the day after Labor Day:  September 4th.  The Comp. Training program starts the same week as lessons; September 10

If beyond the annual pre-season group placement session, contact our Head Pro Rich Pier for  a make-up placement session.

Jr. High Pre-Season Placement.   Junior High Placement dates have occurred  Call to let us know  which date works better with your schedule.  If you are not yet in Junior High but are playing at the Intermediate to Advanced level, please call to discuss your readiness to play in this program.

High School Pre-Season Placement.  The High School placement has occurred.  Call us for a time.   Placement for High School Girls playing for their schools will be held in late October, at the conclusion  of their team’s season.  Call at the end of season for details.  Generally, there are only a limited number  of openings available, please do not delay in calling.  High School Girls team players indoor season starts at the beginning of November.