What is the structure of the coaching program at EPTC?
 
At Elsternwick Park Tennis Centre we have a tennis programme for any age and specially designed skills test to give players a better focus and goal to move through the Hotshots & Junior programme. We want to move players through each ball colour as quickly as possible but whilst making sure they have the skills to do so. That is why you see ages cross over into different all colours.

How do players move up skill levels:
Players move up to the next level for one of three reasons: They pass our termly skills test. This is regardless of their age but if on the younger end of the age range we will ask for the coach's opinion. Once you have passed the skills test for level one you will begin the next stage in level 2. Coaches Opinion: The coach will get the final say if they believe a student should move to the next level. Age: We will group players with other players appropriate to their age as closely as possible.

Why we believe this structure and progression is necessary:
There are many reasons but we believe that one of the most important characteristics for improvement is for players to be fully engaged in what they are doing. This happens when players are being appropriately challenged, if the “challenge” is too easy players lose interest and become bored, however, the converse is also true if the “challenge” is too hard players become overwhelmed and lose interest as well.

What is the goal of our lessons:
Our goal is for players to develop a love for tennis and still be playing tennis when they are 18. This means steady continual improvement, building friendships at tennis and having the choice to do more than just your weekly tennis lesson if you choose to do so.

Tots and Mini stage will not be doing any skills test. 

GUIDE ON WHAT WE EXSPECT PLAYERS TO BE ABLE TO DO IN EACH LEVEL THEY ARE IN

RED & ORANGE BALL 

GREEN & YELLOW BAL

• Level 1:​ Able to start a rally with a serve on their own and rally with each other to 4-6 shots.
• Level 2: Able to perform each stroke off a coach fed ball and can have a 4 shot rally consistently.
• Level 3: Able to hit a coach fed ball over the net consistently.
• Level 4: New to tennis and has little knowledge about the game and is still learning fundamental motor skills.

• Level 1: Able to maintain a rally from the baseline and can get the ball to rise over the baseline. Can hit a slice serve (yellow ball players can also do a kick serve) to both halves of the service square. Able to finish a point with a volley in doubles .
• ​Level 2: Can rally 6 balls from the baseline but struggles to generate power (Yellow ball players can start to generate enough power for the ball to be rising over baseline) First serve is consistent and does not hit many double faults. Working towards using the correct grips on the volley and serve.
• Level 3: Can play every shot off a coach fed ball but struggles to maintain a rally. Can serve but lacks control on the serve and is not comfortable at the net
• Level 4: New to tennis and has little knowledge about the game and is still learning fundamental motor skills.

TOTS TENNIS (2-3 years)

Tots, an introduction to tennis learning the fundamental motor skills to prepare themselves for tennis as well as general life skills. 30 minute sessions with up to 4 players in each class, the coach will go through various activities with and without the tennis racquet developing skills such as balance, running, throwing, catching, striking and more. 

Check out our TOTS availability   

MINI TENNIS (3-5 years)

Our mini stage introduces children to tennis through games and fun activities. Children start to learn the basics stroke play and general understanding of tennis with learning about the court, rules and where to stand for particular shots.  



Check out our MINI availability   ​​

Mini Courts or Small net on quarter of regular court
6m x 10.97m

25% compression compared to a normal yellow ball and slightly larger

19-21 inch
Available to buy & hire

RED STAGE (5-7 years)

COURT SIZE

BALL TYPE

RACQUET SIZE

Mini Courts or Small net on quarter of regular court
6m x 10.97m

25% compression compared to a normal yellow ball and slightly larger

21-23 inch
Available to buy & hire

​​Check out our RED availability   
​​

ORANGE (6-9 years)

COURT SIZE

3/4 of a full size court. No doubles alleys. Lowered net.
6.4 m × 18.29m

BALL TYPE

50% compression compared to a normal yellow ball 

RACQUET SIZE

23-25inch
Available to buy & rent 

​​Check out our ORANGE availability   
​​

GREEN STAGE (7-10 years)

COURT SIZE

BALL TYPE

Full size court.
10.97 x 23.78m

75% compression compared to a normal yellow ball 

Check out our GREEN availability   ​​​

RACQUET SIZE

25-27inch 
available to buy & rent

YELLOW STAGE (from 8+ years)

COURT SIZE

Full size court.
10.97 x 23.78m

BALL TYPE

Normal Ball

RACQUET SIZE

26-27inch
​Available to buy & rent

​​Check out our YELLOW availability   
​​​

TEEN CARDIO (13+ years)

Teen Cardio Tennis is a great way for players to keep enjoying tennis in a very social atmosphere. This is the perfect session for a mixture of fitness, fun and playing tennis whilst music is played in the background to keep a good temp to the session. 

Check out our TEEN CARDIO availability