KIDS TENNIS DAY – SEPTEMBER 11, 2021
VERNON TENNIS ASSOCIATION
JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT TENNIS PROGRAM
Lessons, Singles Ladder, and Tournaments
We are pleased to once again offer lessons for our Vernon youth in summer of 2023. We hope our young players would get involved in opportunities to play in at least one tournament, and join the Junior Singles Ladder. Lesson schedule follows.
2023 – SUMMER JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
– Designed to reflect those developed by Tennis Canada
Coach – Graham Cooper (certified coach with the Tennis Canada “Tennis Professionals Association”)
Please note that the following will replace previously published programs because of the concern about children playing during the heat of the day, and the current inadequate washroom facility at Marshall Field tennis courts. Racquets and balls will be supplied as needed.
Location for 2023 Junior Lessons – McDonald Park – 4200 27th Street, Vernon, (behind school)
NEW DATES AND TIMES
RED BALL
(Players ages 6 and 7 and those designated to play at this level)
Session 1 – Monday to Friday
July 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
8:30 – 9:30 am
Session 2 – Monday to Friday
July 31, August 1, 2, 3 and 4
8:30 – 9:30 am
ORANGE BALL
(Players ages 8 and 9 and those designated to play at this level)
Session 1 – Monday to Friday
July 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
9:40 – 10:40 am
Session 2 – Monday to Friday
July 31, August 1, 2, 3 and 4
9:40 – 10:40 am
GREEN DOT BALL
(Players ages 10 and 11 and those designated to play at this level)
Session 1 – Monday to Friday
July 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14
8:30 – 10:00 am
Session 2 – Monday to Friday
August 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18
8:30 – 10:00 am
REGULAR BALL
(Players 12 and older)
Session 1 – Monday to Friday
July 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14
10:10 – 11:40 am
Session 2 – Monday to Friday
August 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18
10:10 – 11:40 am
RED BALL
Players play on ¼ of the regular tennis court.
While it is certainly not a requirement, we recommend an adult or older child accompany each player. This way, players are able to get in more practice while coaches move around to provide individual assistance. Also, parents can see what is being taught and assist their children when they practice later on their local courts.
ORANGE BALL
Players play on ¾ of the regular court. Balls are 50% compression so they are easier to hit. Players learn ground strokes and rallying.
GREEN DOT and REGULAR BALL
Players learn ground strokes and serving, as well as singles and doubles strategies and gain playing experience.
For further information contact: graham_cooper@shaw.ca
SINGLES LADDER PROGRAM FOR JUNIOR TENNIS PLAYERS
For 2023, the VTA will provide opportunities for juniors in all age groups and skill levels to play tennis. To accomplish this, a tennis ladder program at each level has been introduced. A feature of this program is that players play on a day and time that is convenient for them. The first segment of the program will run from mid-April to the end of June. In June we will review the program and run a second segment from July to the end of September. For further information and to register, please contact: graham_cooper@shaw.ca.
PLAYERS 6 TO 8
This program enables parents to contact each other, so children in this age group can get together and hit some balls with parents, friends and other children. Participation medals will be awarded to all who play at least an average of once a week. 14 children have already signed up.
For further information please contact: graham_cooper@shaw.ca.
PLAYERS 9 TO 18 – Junior Singles Ladder
While lessons are obviously important for learning strokes and how to play, this special ladder program not only allows the junior players to play with others at their own level but also gain experience in playing competitively if they were to enter tournaments in the future. The ladder program has three levels – ORANGE BALL – GREEN DOT BALL– REGULAR BALL (see below for details on the use of different coloured balls). Parents contact each other to arrange the matches at a place and time that is convenient for them. Results are recorded.
Participation medals will be awarded to all players who play at least an average of once a week; with special awards to the top three players at each level based on June 30 ladder results. Players may join the program at any time. Over 30 players have already signed up. For full information and/or to join the program please contact: graham_cooper@shaw.ca
TOURNAMENTS
The first Rogers Rookie Tour has been held at Predator Ridge. A second one is planned for the end of June. As the season progresses, further opportunities will certainly be available at Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, Salmon Arm, Kamloops and possibly again at Predator Ridge. These are great opportunities for junior players to play with players in other communities and gain tournament experience.