Junior Programs
Join Director of Tennis, Darren Lavallee, and the new OGTA teaching staff, including Riverside Yacht Club Head Pro, John Bott and Belle Haven professional, Patrick Eagan.
"My daughter, Taylor, who is 8 years old looks forward to Tuesdays every week. John Bott and Iris Ichim incorporate the skills of playing tennis with games that make learning tennis fun. They incorporate incentives in the program such as "star cards" to win various prizes which pushes the children to work hard. The program also adds extra tennis party nights outside of the regular schedule for all to enjoy. My son, Benjamin, who is 5 years old will be starting for the next session and he can't wait. My children love tennis which is great exercise and it improves their hand eye coordination. The Schinto family can't say enough good things about this program and the instruction our children are getting." Elizabeth Schinto
VIDEO OF A JUNIOR RALLYING WITH OGTA COACH JOHN BOTT
Tennis can be so simple when its taught correctly....
Unlike traditional tennis where the emphasis is placed on some special footwork, and other crazy things that distract from finding the ball, this student is very relaxed when hitting the ball. She isn't worried about what foot to step with, where to point the shoulder or other crazy things. This is a very natural way of playing with a focus on the ball and the hand. If she wants to hit the ball harder, she'll naturally take a bigger swing and turn the shoulders.
VIDEO OF A JUNIOR TENNIS CLINIC
What students are learning in this exercise.......
- positioning to the ball (getting to the side), and hitting it at waist height
- short backswing, and keeping the hand behind the ball
- keeping the racquet steady, having the correct angle, and having a strong wrist position.
NEW! CONTROLLED RALLYING
Direction of the ball is determined by the angle of your racquet
In traditional tennis you had to point your shoulder or even your foot to aim a shot. This may help out a bit, but whats really important here and ultimately what is only important, is the angle of your racquet when making contact. In this exercise our student is working on hitting a cross court forehand. When hitting this shot, the racquet is a bit ahead of the hand. Sometimes the feet are sideways, sometimes they are open. The focus is on finding the ball and getting the correct racquet angle at connection to direct the ball to a certain area.
Junior Program List and Contract PDF
Questions about the Junior Program?
email info@oldgreenwichtennisacademy.com