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Green Podiums

May I request my child be moved up?

Parents can certainly discuss the possibility of their child being moved up a level with their tennis coach or academy. However, it's important for parents to trust the coach's judgment and expertise when it comes to determining the appropriate level for their child. Coaches assess players based on various factors, including skill level, physical development, mental readiness, and overall progress. They strive to create an environment that challenges players appropriately and fosters their development. Ultimately, it's up to the coach to make the final decision based on their assessment of the player's readiness. Trusting the coach's expertise and working collaboratively with them can help ensure that the player is placed in the most suitable training environment for their development.

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What if my child is in between levels?

Consider your child's skill level in various aspects of the game, such as stroke production, footwork, match strategy, and mental toughness. Compare these skills to the requirements for both levels, and asses which one they're closer to. Ultimately, trust the coach's judgment and expertise in determining the best course of action for your child's development. Coaches are trained to assess players' abilities and provide guidance on their progression through the levels.

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Junior Academy
Red Ball 8 & Under

In beginner-level tennis lessons for 4 to 7-year-olds, the focus is on developing fundamental motor skills and introducing basic tennis concepts in a fun and engaging way. Here are the skills that may be learned:

 

  1. Hand-eye coordination: Activities such as catching and throwing balls help improve hand-eye coordination, which is crucial for tennis.

  2. Racket handling: Children learn how to hold a tennis racket correctly and start getting comfortable with swinging it.

  3. Basic strokes: They are introduced to basic tennis strokes such as forehand and backhand swings, focusing on the very basics of technique.

  4. Footwork: Simple footwork drills help them learn how to move around the court and position themselves for hitting the ball.

  5. Balance and agility: Various games and activities are used to improve balance and agility, which are essential for tennis movements.

  6. Listening and following instructions: Learning to listen to coaches and follow instructions is an important skill developed during these lessons.

  7. Social skills: Interacting with other children in the class helps develop social skills like sharing, taking turns, and working as a team.

The emphasis in these lessons is on fun and exploration, setting the foundation for further tennis skill development as the child grows.

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 Development checklist for advancing to the next level (Orange Dot):
Keep in mind that individual progress may vary.
 

  1. Racket Skills:

    • Can hold the racket with an appropriate grip (forehand, backhand, continental).

    • Demonstrates control when swinging the racket.

    • Makes contact with the ball consistently.

  2. Basic Strokes:

    • Can perform a forehand swing with consistency when told to.

    • Can perform a backhand swing with consistency when told to.

    • Can volley the ball over the net in both strokes, 5 feet away from the net.

  3. Footwork:

    • Demonstrates movement skills on the court (moving forward, backward, side to side).

    • Understands the concept of moving to the ball.

  4. Court Awareness:

    • Understands the boundaries of the court.

    • Begins to understand the concept of court positioning (e.g., moving to the center of the court).

  5. Ball Skills:

    • Can track the ball visually.

    • Can run, stop and hit the ball with the racket 4 times (out of 6) over the net from mid-court.

  6. Listening and Following Instructions:

    • Listens to coach's instructions and follows them.

    • Shows understanding of tennis terminology (e.g., "forehand," "backhand").

    • Can be told to hit a forehand and then a backhand, and they can do so without the instructor showing them which stroke is which.

  7. Social Skills:

    • Interacts positively with other children in the class.

    • Demonstrates good sportsmanship.

  8. Physical Skills:

    • Demonstrates basic athletic abilities (e.g., running, jumping).

    • Shows improvement in hand-eye coordination.
       

This checklist is used to assess a child's readiness to advance to the next level at Bagnati Academy. However, it's important to remember that each child develops at their own pace, so patience and encouragement are key.

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Junior Academy
Orange Ball 10 & Under

10 and Under Tennis with an orange ball is an exciting stage in a young player's development. Designed for beginners to intermediate players, this stage focuses on building upon the fundamental skills learned with the red ball while introducing more advanced techniques. Players continue to develop their hand-eye coordination, footwork, and stroke mechanics, with an emphasis on rallying and point play.

 

The orange ball, which is slightly faster and bouncier than the red ball, helps players further develop their timing and control. This stage is crucial for laying a solid foundation for future tennis success, and players are encouraged to continue developing their love for the game while improving their skills.​Advancing from the orange dot ball to the green dot ball signifies a progression in a young player's tennis development.

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 Development checklist for advancing to the next level (Green Dot):
Keep in mind that individual progress may vary.​
 

  1. Consistent Stroke Production:

    • Demonstrates the ability to consistently hit forehands and backhands with proper technique.

    • Can return (3 out of 5) consecutive balls over the net that are coming from the other side, moving side to side or forward and backward on the court.

  2. Footwork and Court Movement:

    • Demonstrates improved court coverage and movement side to side, forward and backward.

    • Shows the ability to approach the net and volley effectively, passing the ball over net.

  3. Tactical Understanding:

    • Understands basic singles and doubles strategies (e.g., when to approach the net, court positioning).

    • Shows the ability to construct points and use different shots effectively.

  4. Match Play Skills:

    • Participates in match play regularly.

    • Demonstrates the ability to keep score and understand basic tennis rules.

  5. Consistency and Control:

    • Shows improved consistency and control over shots.

    • Demonstrates the ability to vary shot placement and pace (can decide to hit the ball down the ally or cross-court).

  6. Fitness and Conditioning:

    • Displays improved endurance and stamina. (Does not get tired after a 3 ball rally).

    • Shows commitment to on and off-court fitness and conditioning. (Can sprint during suicides on the court, multiple times, without slowing down).

  7. Mental Toughness and Focus:

    • Demonstrates improved mental toughness and the ability to stay focused during matches and practices (e.g., must know how to and remember to keep score each practice and during matches).

    • Manages emotions and handles pressure situations better.

  8. Sportsmanship and Conduct:

    • Displays good sportsmanship on and off the court.

    • Respects opponents, officials, and coaches.

  9. Equipment and Court Awareness:

    • Understands the use of the green dot ball and its characteristics.

    • Demonstrates improved court awareness and positioning.

  10. Continued Improvement and Growth Mindset:

    • Shows a willingness to learn and improve.

    • Actively seeks feedback from coaches and applies it to practice and matches.
       

This checklist is used to assess a child's readiness to advance to the next level at Bagnati Academy. However, it's important to remember that each child develops at their own pace, so patience and encouragement are key.

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Junior Academy
Green Ball 12 & Under

Advancing from the green dot ball to the standard yellow ball represents a significant step in a young player's tennis development. It signifies readiness to compete at a higher level and a solid foundation in all aspects of the game. It reflects a player's commitment, skill level, and potential for further development in tennis.

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 Development checklist for advancing to the next level (Yellow Ball):
Keep in mind that individual progress may vary.​
 

  1. Consistent Stroke Production:

    • Demonstrates the ability to consistently hit forehands, backhands, volleys, and serves with proper technique.

    • Can hit (3 out of 5) balls down the ally and (3 out of 5) balls cross court.

    • Shows shot placement and control during a point situation.

  2. Footwork and Court Movement:

    • Demonstrates improved court coverage, agility, and movement.

    • Can cover the court in a 5 point rally without being worn down for the next point.

    • Shows the ability to anticipate shots and move efficiently around the court, not arriving late to balls nor being surprised by them.

  3. Tactical Understanding:

    • Understands and implements basic singles and doubles strategies.

    • Can switch sides of the court correctly and communicate with their partner during doubles match play.

    • Shows the ability to construct points, set up opportunities to attack, and adapt tactics during matches.

  4. Match Play Skills:

    • Regularly participates in competitive match play, by playing at least one USTA Tournament per month.

    • Demonstrates the ability to manage match situations, handle pressure, and make tactical decisions.

  5. Consistency and Control:

    • Demonstrates improved consistency and control over a variety of shots.

    • Can switch from a deep topspin shot to a flat shot mid court and end the point with a volley.

    • Shows the ability to vary shot speed, spin, and placement effectively.

  6. Fitness and Conditioning:

    • Displays good overall fitness, including endurance, speed, and strength.

    • Shows commitment to off-court fitness and conditioning to support on-court performance.

  7. Mental Toughness and Focus:

    • Demonstrates improved mental toughness, resilience, and the ability to stay focused during matches.

    • Can keep score without questioning if it is correct or not.

    • Manages emotions effectively and maintains a positive attitude.

  8. Sportsmanship and Conduct:

    • Displays excellent sportsmanship and respect for opponents, officials, and coaches.

    • Exhibits fair play and integrity on and off the court. 

    • Can call balls in or out fairly without guessing or doubting.

  9. Equipment and Court Awareness:

    • Understands the use of the standard yellow ball and its characteristics.

    • Demonstrates improved court awareness, positioning, and shot selection.

  10. Continued Improvement and Growth Mindset:

    • Shows a strong desire to continue learning and improving.

    • Actively seeks feedback from coaches and implements it into practice and matches.

      What can happen to a player if they move out of the Green Dot level before their instructor recommends them to?

      We understand that all children want to move levels sooner than later, to feel accomplished, especially when others in the same group are leveling up. However, it's important to remember that each child develops at their own pace, so patience and encouragement from their parents are key at this stage. 

      Moving out of the green dot level too soon can have several potential consequences:
       

    • Skill Development: Players may not have fully developed their skills with the green dot ball, which could lead to struggles when transitioning to the standard yellow ball. This can affect their confidence and performance on the court.

    • Technique Issues: Rushing the transition can result in players not fully mastering proper technique, leading to potential issues and inefficiencies in their strokes.

    • Tactical Understanding: Understanding of match tactics and strategies, which are crucial for success at higher levels of play.

    • Physical Preparedness: Moving up too soon can put added physical strain on players who may not have developed the necessary strength, endurance, and agility required for the yellow ball level.

    • Mental Readiness: Players may not be mentally prepared for the challenges of the yellow ball level, including the increased speed and competitiveness of play.

    • Burnout: Pushing players to advance too quickly can lead to burnout, as they may become overwhelmed or lose interest in the sport due to the increased demands and expectations.

    • Long-Term Development: Rushing through developmental stages can hinder long-term player development, as players may miss out on important foundational skills and experiences that are essential for future success.

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Master Academy
Future: Yellow Ball: Ages 12+

The yellow ball 12 and up beginner/pre-intermediate level in tennis is for older children who are just starting to learn the game. Players at this level are new to tennis and are developing their basic skills and understanding of the game. They are learning fundamental techniques for strokes like forehand, backhand, volley, and serve. The focus is on building a strong foundation of skills, improving hand-eye coordination, and learning basic footwork and court positioning. Players also start to learn the rules of the game and basic strategies. The emphasis is on fun and enjoyment while introducing players to the fundamentals of tennis.

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 Development checklist for advancing to the next level (Challenger):
Keep in mind that individual progress may vary.​
 

  1. Consistent Stroke Production:

    • Demonstrates the ability to consistently hit forehands, backhands, volleys, and serves with proper technique.

    • Can hit (3 out of 5) balls down the ally and (3 out of 5) balls cross court.

    • Shows shot placement and control during a point situation.

  2. Footwork and Court Movement:

    • Demonstrates improved court coverage, agility, and movement.

    • Can cover the court in a 5 point rally without being worn down for the next point.

    • Shows the ability to anticipate shots and move efficiently around the court, not arriving late to balls nor being surprised by them.

  3. Tactical Understanding:

    • Understands and implements basic singles and doubles strategies.

    • Can switch sides of the court correctly and communicate with their partner during doubles match play.

    • Shows the ability to construct points, set up opportunities to attack, and adapt tactics during matches.

  4. Match Play Skills:

    • Regularly participates in competitive match play, by playing at least one USTA Tournament per month.

    • Demonstrates the ability to manage match situations, handle pressure, and make tactical decisions.

  5. Consistency and Control:

    • Demonstrates improved consistency and control over a variety of shots.

    • Can switch from a deep topspin shot to a flat shot mid court and end the point with a volley.

    • Shows the ability to vary shot speed, spin, and placement effectively.

  6. Fitness and Conditioning:

    • Displays good overall fitness, including endurance, speed, and strength.

    • Shows commitment to off-court fitness and conditioning to support on-court performance.

  7. Mental Toughness and Focus:

    • Demonstrates improved mental toughness, resilience, and the ability to stay focused during matches.

    • Can keep score without questioning if it is correct or not.

    • Manages emotions effectively and maintains a positive attitude.

  8. Sportsmanship and Conduct:

    • Displays excellent sportsmanship and respect for opponents, officials, and coaches.

    • Exhibits fair play and integrity on and off the court. 

    • Can call balls in or out fairly without guessing or doubting.

  9. Equipment and Court Awareness:

    • Understands the use of the standard yellow ball and its characteristics.

    • Demonstrates improved court awareness, positioning, and shot selection.

  10. Continued Improvement and Growth Mindset:

    • Shows a strong desire to continue learning and improving.

    • Actively seeks feedback from coaches and implements it into practice and matches.
       

This checklist is used to assess a child's readiness to advance to the next level at Bagnati Academy. However, it's important to remember that each child develops at their own pace, so patience and encouragement are key.

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Master Academy
Challenger: Yellow Ball: Ages 12+

Intermediate training is ideal for players who have a solid foundation of fundamental skills and are ready to refine their technique, improve their consistency, and develop a deeper understanding of the game. This level of training focuses on building upon the basics and introducing more advanced concepts to help players become more competitive on the court. Developing a more consistent and reliable stroke technique, including forehands, backhands, volleys, and serves. They also learn how to incorporate different spins and shot placements to vary their game, and how to defend against different types of shots, and how to construct points effectively.
 

 Development checklist for advancing to the next level (High Performance Training):
Keep in mind that individual progress may vary.​

  1. Advanced Stroke Production:
    Players should be able to execute advanced strokes (e.g., topspin, slice, drop shots) with consistency and control, using proper technique.

  2. Advanced Footwork and Court Movement:
    Players should demonstrate excellent court coverage, agility, and movement, including the ability to quickly and efficiently change direction and recover to hit shots.

  3. Tactical Mastery:
    Players should have a deep understanding of singles and doubles strategies, including the ability to construct points, set up opportunities to attack, and adapt tactics based on opponents' strengths and weaknesses.

  4. High-Level Match Play Skills:
    Players should regularly compete in high-level matches and tournaments, demonstrating the ability to manage match situations, handle pressure, and make strategic decisions.

  5. Consistency and Control at High Pace:
    Players should demonstrate consistent and controlled shot-making at a high pace, including the ability to vary shot speed, spin, and placement effectively.

  6. Fitness and Conditioning:
    Players should display excellent overall fitness, including exceptional endurance, speed, and strength, and show a high level of commitment to off-court fitness and conditioning.

  7. Mental Toughness and Focus:
    Players should demonstrate exceptional mental toughness, resilience, and the ability to stay focused and composed during matches, managing emotions effectively and maintaining a positive attitude.

  8. Sportsmanship and Conduct:
    Players should consistently display outstanding sportsmanship and respect for opponents, officials, and coaches, exhibiting exemplary behavior on and off the court.

  9. Equipment and Court Awareness:
    Players should have a thorough understanding of the standard yellow ball and its characteristics, as well as demonstrate excellent court awareness, positioning, and shot selection.

  10. Continued Improvement and Growth Mindset:
    Players should have a relentless desire to continue learning and improving, actively seeking feedback from coaches and consistently working to refine their skills and strategies.
     

This checklist is used to assess a child's readiness to advance to the next level at Bagnati Academy. However, it's important to remember that each child develops at their own pace, so patience and encouragement are key.

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Master Academy
High Performance Training: Ages 7-21

High-performance training is a comprehensive program for elite athletes who are dedicated to achieving their full potential in the sport. This intense and focused training is designed to enhance their technical, tactical, physical, and mental skills. Players in our high-performance program work closely with experienced coaches who provide personalized instruction, feedback, and support. Training sessions are intense and challenging, with a focus on advanced stroke production, footwork, match strategy, and mental toughness.

Players must have graduated from our Junior Academy or pass the evaluation with our Tennis Pros to enter this level. 
 

 Achievement checklist (High Performance Training):
Keep in mind that individual progress may vary.​

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  1. Technical Skills:

    • Consistent and effective execution of all basic strokes.

    • Ability to generate pace and spin on shots with control.

    • Mastery of advanced shots such as topspin, slice, drop shots, and lobs.

    • Efficient and adaptable footwork to move around the court effectively.

  2. Tactical Understanding:

    • Deep understanding of match strategies, including point construction, shot selection, and court positioning.

    • Ability to analyze opponents' strengths and weaknesses and adjust tactics accordingly.

    • Effective use of variety in shots and strategies to keep opponents off balance.

  3. Physical Fitness:

    • Excellent overall fitness, including speed, agility, endurance, and strength.

    • Ability to maintain a high level of performance throughout long matches or tournaments.

    • Specific fitness training to address tennis-specific movements and demands.

  4. Mental Toughness:

    • Strong mental resilience and ability to stay focused and composed under pressure.

    • Effective strategies for managing stress, emotions, and self-talk during matches.

    • Confidence in one's abilities and a positive attitude towards challenges.

  5. Match Play Skills:

    • Regular participation in high-level competitive matches and tournaments.

    • Ability to perform consistently in competitive environments.

    • Experience in playing different styles of opponents and adapting strategies accordingly.

  6. Sportsmanship and Conduct:

    • Display of exemplary sportsmanship, respect for opponents, officials, and coaches.

    • Ability to handle wins and losses with grace and dignity.

    • Understanding and adherence to the rules and etiquette of tennis.

  7. Equipment and Court Awareness:

    • Familiarity with the standard yellow ball and its characteristics.

    • Excellent court awareness, including understanding of court positioning and shot selection.

    • Ability to make quick decisions and execute shots under pressure.

  8. Continued Improvement and Growth Mindset:

    • Desire and motivation to continually improve and reach new levels of performance.

    • Willingness to seek out feedback from coaches and teammates and apply it to training and matches.

    • Commitment to ongoing development and learning in all aspects of the game.
       

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