PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Academy Program’s foundation is based on a philosophy that focuses on a proven & effective attitude based paradigm. The Academy seeks to build on this foundation by working to fulfil our mission statement, which is :

“To create an environment where everyone will be given the opportunity to maximise their potential, both as individuals and athletes.”

The Program is open to everyone - no matter what standard, age, background or creed. Whether you want to be the best in the world, or just play tennis as a sport for life to keep fit - the Academy will have something designed specifically for you. The overall Program is divided into two tiers, which represent the content and objectives of those respective tiers. These tiers are the Performance Programs and Recreational Programs.

The RECREATIONAL Program

If you fit one of the following categories, then this Program is for you:

- Learn to play as a sport for life to keep fit and mix in socially
- Play tennis as a second sport
- Play tennis for fun with your friends and maybe reach a good enough standard to play tennis socially

This Program will teach each individual the basics of the game of tennis. All strokes will be covered through various drills, as well as open and closed situations of point play.

The rules and scoring will also be covered and you will learn the different tactical situations between singles and doubles.

You will learn basic stroke production to help you enjoy the game and play tennis for many years to come.

You will also have a chance to switch Programs if you discover that tennis is something that you would like to invest more time and effort into becoming a performance player, and go as far as your potential will allow you.

The PERFORMANCE Program

The difference between a recreational and a performance player is the discipline towards achieving objectives.

With this in mind, we have structured the Performance Program so as to provide an environment where excellence will be encouraged in every part of the players' life. This can be seen from the minute the players arrive here at the Academy, through our initial assessment and goal setting done with every player, to our comprehensive reporting completed throughout a player's stay.

Tennis as we know is an individual sport, and as such it places higher demands on the player themself, which team sports do not. The player has to deal with many situations both on and off the court - rapidly and effectively.

For this to happen consistently throughout the player’s life, it requires a certain individual with specific character and mental qualities. These are not developed overnight, however they need to be addressed from the start, in order for them to reach maturity at the right time. 

These qualities expand beyond hitting a yellow tennis ball. Therefore, we here at the Academy believe in developing first and foremost a complete individual, and then an athlete. We will achieve this by putting the responsibility of becoming a player on the individual. One of the ways that we will monitor this is by asking the players to grade themselves at the end of every session. A league will also run throughout the year, and once again it will be the player’s responsibility to arrange the matches and make sure that the results are entered in the box provided.

The Program will teach in an environment where players will learn through the discovery method, by involving them in the process, as opposed to just telling them what is supposed to happen. A path will be created for players to see themselves develop into the future years. In other words, players will be able to start in the Pre Academy Program and progress all the way through to becoming a professional tennis player.

Because tennis is a tactical game, every training session will include tactical situations that will help the players become better decision makers. This will come from teaching them how to anticipate situations on the court before they take place, hence giving them the ability to find more time and have better options to choose from, in order to make better tactical decisions.

The technical side will be left primarily to the player’s individual coach. Basic technical feedback will be given if the situation calls for it during a squad sessions, however this will be minimal, due to the nature and time of technical changes.

The players will also be part of a modern and progressive physical program that will take place every day. This program will prepare the players in the various areas that tennis demands, as well as how to warm up and cool down for a match or training session. Every session will have a mental side to it, by seeking to teach the players responsibility, discipline, focus, and concentration. Specific mental sessions will also take place throughout the week. A professional sports psychologist will assist with the ongoing development of the players.

The Academy also provides local tournament assistance year round, as well as offering a international touring program. A detailed, annual Periodised Program is devised for all Elite players by their individual Academy coach. 

Click on the links below for further program information