Tennis Academy Status and Preparation (Sequim)

Registration for the Tennis Academy has been closed out.  There are 38 participants.  It's a little more than what I originally wanted, but It'll allow for some withdrawals.  The T-shirts have already arrived, and participation medals are on the way.  The gym bathrooms have been reserved for use during the Academy hours.  We already have a commitment for providing water and ice, and for an on-scene first aid kit. 

 

Here's a check list of needs:

 

Coaches:  Don Thomas, overall;

                Court #1: ____________________  Assistant:  ________

                Court #2: ____________________  Assistant:  ________

                Court #3 _____________________  Assistant: ________

 

Administration:  Monday (check-in/T-shirts/Forms/Name Tags):  (1) Ellen   (2) Shaena  (3) Virginia

                          Tuesday:  (1)__________  (2) __________

                          Wednesday:  (1) _________ (2) _________

                          Thursday:  (1) _________ (2) _________

                          Friday:  (1) Virginia (2) _________

 

Water/Ice:  Dr. Pam Bundy and James Alcaraz

 

Balls:  Big 5

 

Warm-ups/dynamic stretching:  ____________________

 

Cool-down/Static stretching:  ____________________

 

Snacks:  Monday:  Shaena

              Tuesday:  ______________

              Wednesday:  ____________

              Thursday:  ______________

              Friday:  _________________

 

Lectures (Check Schedule):  Lectures will be kept to 10 minutes -- maximum. 

 

Monday:        Court Safety -- Don

                    Sportsmanship -- Don

 

Tuesday:        Singles Strategy -- _________________

                     Dieting/Nutrition: -- _________________

 

Wednesday:     Mental Preparation -- Mindy

                        Health/Injury Issues -- ________________

 

Thursday:        Doubles Strategy -- __________________

                      History of Tennis -- ___________________

 

Friday:            USTA Tournaments -- ________________

                      Unusual Rules -- Don

 

Daily Setup/Securing:  Depending upon what equipment that we'll use, I may need a hand in.  I will let you know. 

 

Here's the tentative, daily schedule of events (remember:  nothing is set in stone -- changes/comments welcomed): 

 

Monday, July 18, 2016:

 

                8:30:               Arrive and set up -- Don

                9 - 9:15:          Check-in:  T-shirts, Registration, Liability Waiver Statement

                                      (Participants and Volunteers), Concussion Statements

                9:15 -9:30        Opening, Orientation, and Organization -- Don

                9:30 - 9:35       Class presentation:  Importance of dynamic/static stretching --

                9:35 -  9:45      Warm-ups, dynamic stretching --

                9:45 - 10:20:    Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Tag Team Singles.

                10:20 - 10:30:   Class presentation:  Court Safety -- Don

                10:30 - 10:45:   Break:  water/snacks

                10:45 - 10:55:   Class presentation:  Sportsmanship -- Don

                10:55 - 11:45:   Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Champion of the Court -- Don

                11:45 - 11:55:   Cool down/static stretching --

                11:55 - Noon:    Concluding remarks -- Don

 

        Snacks:  Shaena Johnson

        Water:  Provided by Provided by Dr. Pamela Bundy and James Alcaraz

 

Tuesday, July 19, 2016: 

 

                8:30:               Arrive and set up -- Don

                9 - 9:05:          Morning briefing/opening -- Don

                9:05 - 9:15:      Warm-ups, dynamic stretching --

                9:15 - 10:20:     Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Triples -- Don

                 10:20 - 10:30:  Class presentation:  Singles Strategy --

                10:30 - 10:45:    Break:  water/snacks

                10:45 - 10:55:    Class presentation:  Dieting/Nutrition --

                10:55 - 11:45:    Drill:  Explanation and conduct of One Ball Live -- Don

                11:45 - 11:55:   Cool down/static stretching --

                11:45 - Noon:    Concluding remarks -- Don

 

        Snacks: 

        Water:  Provided by Dr. Pamela Bundy and James Alcaraz

 

Wednesday, July 20, 2016:

 

                8:30:              Arrive and set up -- Don

                9 - 9:05:         Morning briefing/opening -- Don

                9:05 - 9:15:     Warm-ups, dynamic stretching --

                9:15 - 10:30:    Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Champs and Chumps -- Don

               10:20 - 10:30:   Class presentation:  Mental Preparation -- Mindy

                10:30 - 10:45:   Break:  water/snacks

                10:45 - 10:55:   Class presentation:  Health/Injury Issues --

                10:55 - 11:45:   Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Round the World -- Don

                11:45 - 11:55:   Cool down/static stretching --

                11:45 - Noon:    Concluding remarks -- Don

 

        Snacks:  

        Water:  Provided by Dr. Pamela Bundy and James Alcaraz

 

Thursday, July 21, 2016:

 

                8:30:              Arrive and set up -- Don

                9 - 9:05:         Morning briefing/opening -- Don

                9:05 - 9:15:     Warm-ups, dynamic stretching --

                9:15 - 9:25:     Class presentation:  Doubles Strategy --

                9:25 - 10:30:    Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Team Doubles -- Don         

                10:30 - 10:45:   Break:  water/snacks

                10:45 - 10:55:   Class presentation:  History of Tennis -- Don

                10:55 - 11:45:   Drill:  Explanation and conduct of All Position Doubles  -- Don

                11:45 - 11:55:   Cool down/static stretching --

                11:45 - Noon:    Concluding remarks -- Don

 

        Snacks: 

        Water:  Provided by Dr. Pamela Bundy and James Alcaraz

 

Friday, July 22, 2016:

 

                8:30:              Arrive and set up -- Don 

                9 - 9:05:         Morning briefing/opening -- Don

                9:05 - 9:15:     Warm-ups, dynamic stretching --

                9:15 - 10:20:    Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Wipe-Out -- Don

                10:20 - 10:30:  Class presentation:  USTA Tournaments --

                10:30 - 10:45:   Break:  water/snacks

                10:45 - 10:55:   Unusual Circumstance Rules -- Don

                10:55 - 11:35:   Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Champs of the Doubles Court  -- Don

                11:35 - 11:45:   Cool down/static stretching --

                11:45 - Noon:    Attendance medal presentation/Concluding remarks -- Don

 

        Snacks: 

        Water:  Provided by Dr. Pamela Bundy and James Alcaraz

 

 

We're moving out smartly to ensure another quality event for our youth.  The bulk of the support is coming from donations and contributions that have come in from the public.  Fortunately, this year, we had a very sizeable contribution from an anonymous donor.  That donation, by itself, will provide for tennis programs throughout the summer at no cost for our youth.  Funding, overall, is coming from the Community Junior Tennis Program.  BUT, we still can't do this by ourselves.  WE NEED VOLUNTEERS.  Please check out the above schedule and assignments to see if you can assist in our effort.  That will be much appreciated. 

 

If you have any comments/recommendations, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

 

Thank you so much,

 

Don

Minutes of the Community Junior Tennis Program January 9, 2016 Meeting

First, thank you so much for attending the meeting and contributing to organizing and planning this year's junior tennis program.  Attending were:  Justine, Terry, Ellen, Isabelle, Della, Stephanie, Jennifer, Sam, Bill, James, Mindy, Sven, and Damon. 

 

My apologies for the excessive length of the meeting.  In the future, meetings will divided into more defined subject matter. 

 

 

AGENDA

 

1.  Overview of 2015 programs:  promoted the sport of tennis, and provided tennis related activity throughout the summer for our junior tennis community.  

 

2.  Goals for 2016 programs:  to continue those programs and events, expand upon them, and make them more efficient by providing tennis opportunities for our kids and the community -- at no, or minimal, cost to the kids.

 

3.  Financial report:  from donations, sponsors, and contributors, there is a total of $3,095.96 in the Junior Community Tennis Program Fund.  $2,500 was from an anonymous donor.  That is an excellent start to the programs being planned for this year.  In order to support this year's events, donations regarding water, snacks, administrative supplies will still be solicited.  The most significant anticipated expenditures would be for balls, T-shirts, and trophies -- $200, $450, and $500, respectively.  Renting a port-a-potty could cost another $100.  Medals for participating in the Tennis Academy could cost about $100.  Whether trophies or medals be awarded for winners and second and third places, could run another $150 to $500.  Support for just the tennis academy, the tournament, and the ladder challenge could cost between $1,500 and $1,850.  It could go higher depending upon ball replacement needs and what items are actually donated.  I like to change out the balls that are used for lessons once a quarter.  There will also be a cost for a tennis family picnic. 

Sequim: 2015 Summer Junior Tennis Accomplishments

Hi Everyone,

 

In order to promote the sport of tennis, and to provide tennis related activity throughout this past summer, the following tennis opportunities were available for our juniors and the community.  The following is a listing of the programs and assessments of their degrees of success: 

 

Youth Tennis Ladder Play:  Ladder play has already begun.  So far, there are 30 kids, organized in age groups, participating in the ladder.  There is the potential of many more joining in as they progress in private and group lessons, and as other youth tennis players learn of the program.  Sized-to-age courts, nets, and balls are being arranged for ten-and-under tennis (TAUT) players, as well.  The ladder will be displayed Saturday mornings at the group lessons and sent out weekly in email. 

 

[Limited success -- about 30 juniors participated;  but, not many challenged others.  Most ladder advances were due to lessons achievement rather than challenges.  Next year we need to offer incentives, or rewards, to get more playing.]

 

Sequim Youth Tennis Academy, 2015:  The three upper courts at SHS have been reserved from July 6 through July 10, 9 to noon, for the Academy.  Participants will be limited to 30 players.  Preference will be given to advanced and intermediate players who will be capable of participating in advanced drills and physical activity.  Volunteers will be accepted to assist in this event.  This program will consist of lectures, fitness training, stroke technique, drills, strategy training, and play.  We anticipate no fees -- unless, for snacks, water, and T-shirts.  We are looking for a possible sponsor to provide for snacks and water. 

 

[Very successful -- there were a total of 32 juniors participating, and 10 volunteers assisting.  There was no cost to the juniors.  Sponsors contributed funds to put on the event and others donated snacks and water.  Everyone felt that this event was hugely successful.]

 

Private Youth Tennis Lessons:  Private half-hour, no-cost lessons will continue throughout the summer, as per a Weekly Availability Schedule which will be emailed each week to interested youth.  At this time, there are approximately 45 kids taking private lessons.  Ladder players who participate in at least one lesson during a week will be moved up one rung of the ladder for that week.

 

[Very successful -- from 18 June until 30 August, I gave at least 244 tennis lessons to about 42 different juniors, from the ages of 6 to 18 years old.]  

 

Group Youth Tennis Lessons:  Saturday morning group lessons will continue to be available for our youth, at no cost.  Group lessons are divided into "beginners", "intermediate", and "advanced" groups.  Participants sign up as per Weekly Availability Schedule.  Again, ladder players will be able to move up one rung of the ladder for that week for group participation. 

 

[Moderately successful -- over the 8-week period, excluding 3 weekends, I gave 10 group lessons to about 30 juniors.]

 

Cardio-Tennis For All:  Thursday mornings, at 10am, will be set aside for Cardio-Tennis -- FOR ALL AGES.  Sign up as per Weekly Availability Schedule.  IT'S FUN TIME FOR EVERYONE.  Move to the music!  Tennis rackets and tennis shoes required.  From warm-ups to drills, we keep active for one full hour.  Tennis ability not required.  Swinging and missing is OK.  The racket is simply a prop.  FUN, FUN, FUN!!!

 

[Unsuccessful -- we just couldn't get it going this summer.  However, I attended a Cardio Tennis registration conference in Portland, OR, put on by the Tennis Industry Association (TIA), and qualified as a registered Cardio Tennis Authorized Provider.  I have already worked in some of the Cardio Tennis warm-ups, drills (called "games" in Cardio speak), and cool-downs.  So far, these lessons have gone very well with the older kids.  We will be making more Cardio Tennis available in the future to both juniors and adults.] 

 

Youth Tennis Tournaments:  Tournaments for those kids participating in the tennis ladder are anticipated.  Playing in 3 challenges in ladder play qualifies a player for tournament play.  Dates for the tournaments will be determined soon.   

 

[Successful -- There were a total of 18 juniors signed up for this round robin event.  They played a total of 49 matches over a 4 day period.  Eight volunteers assisted in putting on this event.  Through donations and sponsorships, we were able to provide for trophies and medals for all participants and volunteers.  This was the first junior's tournament put on in Sequim in recent times.] 

 

USTA Promotional:  At least one promotional, all invited, one day of "free tennis instruction for all ages" event to promote the sport of tennis and the USTA.  Planning is underway, and the date is to be determined.

 

[Not held -- but not too late.]

 

Away Playdays:  We'll try again this year to field a group to play at various area tennis clubs. 

 

[Unsuccessful -- we tried to put together a junior tennis exchange with the Kitsap Tennis and Athletic Club (KTAC), but we just couldn't get enough participants from this area to make it work.  I am still working with the director at KTAC to see if we can get something arranged for the Fall] 

 

USTA Tournament Play:  Six of our kids played in USTA sanctioned junior tournaments.  Congratulations to Emma Shogren, Stephanie LaCour, Kalli Wiker, Blake Wiker, Damon Little, and Garrett Little.  It was a great start for those wanting to compete on the next level. 

 

 

 

That's about it for this past summer.  We've learned some lessons this year, and we should be better prepared for next year.  Any comments, suggestions, solutions, etc.? 

 

Thanks for all you do.

 

Don

What is Cardio Tennis? (2011 British Tennis)

What is Cardio Tennis? - YouTube:




High Energy
Cardio Tennis is a high energy fitness activity that combines the best features of the sport of tennis with cardiovascular exercise, delivering the ultimate, full body, calorie burning aerobic workout.

Social
It is a very social and fun class for players of all ability levels taught by a tennis teaching professional or fitness professional. If you've never played tennis before it is a great way to be introduced to the sport and if you are an experienced high level tennis player it is the best way to train for tennis.

Engaging and Welcoming
Most classes have mixed ability and some facilities offer classes which are more specific to ability/fitness level. However, regardless of ability or fitness level the Cardio Tennis Leader is trained to provide the ultimate workout for each person.

Sequim: High School Tennis Team Practice, Lessons, Doubles Tournment, Cardio Tennis

Keep a good weather eye.  We do not practice if the courts are wet, icy, or if we have high winds.  But, we will get in what we can.  If the weather forecast for the afternoons look good, I will frequently squeegee the courts in the morning and hope they will be dry by mid-afternoon.  I will try to advise of lesson cancellations well ahead of time in order to allow enough time for planning;  but, sometimes, I get it wrong.  I apologize for that. - Don Thomas

 

 

SHS Varsity Practice:  Varsity practice starts on Monday, August 24th.  The team will be using the courts from 3 to 5, this week, on Monday thru Thursday, and from 9 to 11 on Friday.  The courts will not be available to the public during those time periods. 

 

Additionally, school starts on the following Tuesday, September 1st.  Tennis lessons will be available during SHS school hours for home schoolers, OPA attendees, and private school children.  Further, the tennis courts will be used after school by the tennis team;  so, they will not be available for use -- except, from time to time, during away matches. 

 

The bottom line is:  except for this week and weekends thereafter, there will be very limited use of tennis courts for public school children for the next 6 to 8 weeks. 

 

 

Sequim Doubles Tournament:  Here's an opportunity to get some doubles experience.  There will be a doubles tournament held on the Sequim HS courts on Saturday, the 12th of September.  Contact Julien Berg at 681-3301 for more information.  All skill levels are welcomed -- that means you!!!!  This is a great opportunity for our juniors to get doubles experience.  The cost is $12.50 for non-members of the Peninsula Tennis Club -- $10 for members.  The tournament will be limited to 30 players; so, sign up early.  I highly recommend this tournament for all the juniors.  Proceeds go to the SHS Scholarship Fund -- someday, could be you.

 

 

Cardio Tennis:  Last weekend, I attended a Cardio Tennis registration conference in Portland, OR, put on by the Tennis Industry Association (TIA).  As a result of some classroom presentations and active oncourt participation and demonstrations, I am now a member of the TIA and a registered Cardio Tennis Authorized Provider.  I have already worked in some of the Cardio Tennis warm-ups, drills (called "games" in Cardio speak), and cool-downs.  So far, these lessons have gone very well with the older kids.  We will be making more Cardio Tennis available in the future. 

 

 

Reminder:  weekday lessons are private lessons and Saturday morning lessons are group lessons, depending upon the number of players signed up. 

Tip: The Spanish hand fed drill

This is a great drill -- and we already do most of it -- in parts.  We call it "the X-Box".  Please have the kids watch the clip.  The drill is designed to build stroke consistency, footwork, and stamina.  What you don't see here is the length of time devoted to this drill.  

Actually, it is done until the player is exhausted, plus a few more -- then, a 90 second rest, followed by continuing the drill or moving on to another.  

If you ever get a chance to attend an Emilio Sanchez tennis symposium, you MUST do it.  He works his students hard -- but, that's what it takes if you want to be a top level player.  

When my brother Bill was in high school, for example, in addition to playing year around, he played at least 10 hours a day during the summers, which included rallying, tournament play, coaching, and cleaning/repairing courts.  Temperatures were between 100 and 115 degrees in the Sacramento area then.  

His hands were blistered and callused, and he wore out shoes to the tune of one pair every two weeks -- frequently, his toes would show through his shoes and the balls of his feet would be blistered.  His feet hurt -- always.  He use to say that, if you weren't hurting, you weren't improving.  

But, it paid off in 1961 with a full ride tennis scholarship to college.  The bottom line here?  work hard, develop skills, build stamina, build strength, condition -- CHECK OUT THE SPANISH METHOD.

The Spanish hand fed drill (3:50)

In this hand-fed drill, demonstrated by USPTA Professional Emilio Sanchez, players hit 10 shots in one set, moving in V patterns from side to side and forward and backward. Both defensive and offensive shots are incorporated in this drill, which also helps players develop their fitness. A... (Presented by Emilio Sanchez Vicario) | 34805 Views

Click here: The Spanish hand fed drill

Happy hitting,

Don

The Spanish hand fed drill:

Junior tennis tourney scheduled for Aug. 10-13 - Sequim Gazette

Junior tennis tourney scheduled for Aug. 10-13 - Sequim Gazette

Sequim's Community Junior Tennis Program hosts a tennis tournament for junior tennis players of ages 18 and younger.

USPTA: Cardio Drill

Don Thomas: OK. for you cardio tennis fans, here's one of the Cardio Drills

2015: Olympic Peninsula Area JR. Tennis Tournament Aug. 10-13

All participants are reminder that this is a round robin tournament.  Matches will be formatted in 8-game pro-sets.  Ads will be played out -- win by 2 games --  7-point tie-breaker (win by two points) at set score 8 to 8. 

A schedule for the 18U class will be promulgated after the entry deadline -- Monday evening,

Due to the number of entries, the 14U class was split into two divisions:  boys and girls divisions.

First matches will commence exactly at 1 PM on Monday, the 10th of August.  Here are the tentative tournament match ups for the 14U divisions:

Monday, August 10, 1:00 PM (Round 1):

        Court #1 -- Reef Gelder vs. Blake Wiker

        Court #2 -- Raymond Lam vs. Aaron Jackson

        Court #3 -- Brenton Barnes vs. Damon Little

        Court #4 -- Thomas Hughes vs. Henry Hughes

        Court #5 -- Isabelle Hugoniot vs. Olivia Preston

                                2:00 PM (Round 2):

        Court #1 -- Brenton Barnes vs. Blake Wiker

        Court #2 -- Thomas Hughes vs. Aaron Jackson

        Court #3 -- Henry Hughes vs. Damon Little

        Court #4 -- Kalli Wiker vs. Emma Shogren

        Court #5 -- Reef Gelder vs. Raymond Lam

                                3:00 PM (Round 3):

        Court #1 -- Henry Hughes vs. Blake Wiker

        Court #2 -- Damon Little vs. Aaron Jackson

        Court #3 -- Isabelle Hugoniot vs. Kalli Wiker

        Court #4 -- Reef Gelder vs. Brenton Barnes

        Court #5 -- Thomas Hughes vs. Raymond Lam

                                4:00 PM (Round 4):

        Court #1 -- Aaron Jackson vs. Blake Wiker

        Court #2 -- Emma Schogren vs. Olivia Preston

        Court #3 -- Reef Gelder vs. Thomas Hughes

        Court #4 -- Henry Hughes vs. Brenton Barnes

        Court #5 -- Damon Little vs. Raymond Lam

Tuesday, August 11, 1:00 PM (Round 5):

        Court #1 -- Isabelle Hugoniot vs. Emma Shogren

        Court #2 -- Reef Gelder vs. Henry Hughes

        Court #3 -- Damon Little vs. Thomas Hughes

        Court #4 -- Aaron Jackson vs. Brenton Barnes

        Court #5 -- Blake Wiker vs. Raymond Lam

                                2:00 PM (Round 6):

        Court #1 -- Reef Gelder vs. Damon Little

        Court #2 -- Aaron Jackson vs. Henry Hughes

        Court #3 -- Blake Wiker vs. Thomas Hughes

        Court #4 -- Raymond Lam vs. Brenton Barnes

        Court #5 -- Olivia Preston vs. Kalli Wiker

                                3:00 PM (Round 7):

        Court #1 -- Blake Wiker vs. Damon Little

        Court #2 -- Raymond Lam vs. Henry Hughes

        Court #3 -- Brenton Barnes vs. Thomas Hughes

        Court #4 -- Open

        Court #5 -- Reef Gelder vs. Aaron Jackson

G'day Tournament Participants,

Due to the hot weather expected tomorrow, 14U (Boys) Round 8 participants will have the option of delaying play until Wednesday afternoon at 1:00 PM.  This decision will be made following the players completion of their 7th Round matches, and times will be determined then.   

Weather permitting, in the 18U class, rounds 1 thru 3 will be played on Wednesday, and rounds 4 and 5 will be played on Thursday.  This divided schedule has been suggested due to expected hot weather. 

All participants are reminder that this is a round robin tournament.  Matches will be formatted in 8-game pro-sets.  Ads will be played out -- win by 2 games --  7-point tie-breaker (win by two points) at set score 8 to 8. Award  winners will be determined by number of wins minus number of losses.  In case of  ties, 7-point tie-breakers will be played to determine placement of award winners. 

First matches will commence exactly at 1 PM each day of the tournament.  Here are the current match ups:

Tuesday, August 11, 1:00 PM (Round 5):

        Court #1 -- Olivia Preston vs. Kalli Wiker

        Court #2 -- Damon Little vs. Raymond Lam

        Court #3 -- Isabelle Hugoniot vs. Emma Shogren

        Court #4 -- Henry Hughes vs. Brenton Barnes

        Court #5 -- Open

                                2:00 PM (Round 6):

        Court #1 -- Open

        Court #2 -- Reef Gelder vs. Henry Hughes

        Court #3 -- Damon Little vs. Thomas Hughes

        Court #4 -- Aaron Jackson vs. Brenton Barnes

        Court #5 -- Blake Wiker vs. Raymond Lam

       

                                3:00 PM (Round 7):

        Court #1 -- Reef Gelder vs. Damon Little

        Court #2 -- Aaron Jackson vs. Henry Hughes

        Court #3 -- Blake Wiker vs. Thomas Hughes

        Court #4 -- Raymond Lam vs. Brenton Barnes

        Court #5 -- Open

       

                                4:00 PM (Round 8):

        Court #1 -- Blake Wiker vs. Damon Little

        Court #2 -- Raymond Lam vs. Henry Hughes

        Court #3 -- Brenton Barnes vs. Thomas Hughes

        Court #4 -- Open

        Court #5 -- Reef Gelder vs. Aaron Jackson

Wednesday, August 12, 1:00 PM (Round 1):

        Court #1 -- Stephanie LaCour vs. Elliott Soelter

        Court #2 -- Stephen Prorok vs. Eli Berg

        Court #3 -- Matthew Richards vs. Victor Lam

        Court #4 -- Open

        Court #5 -- Open

                                    2:00 PM (Round 2):

        Court #2 -- Stephanie LaCour vs. Stephen Prorok

        Court #3 -- Matthew Richards vs. Elliott Soelter

        Court #1 -- Victor Lam vs. Eli Berg

        Court #4 -- Open

        Court #5 -- Open

                                    3:00 PM (Round 3):

        Court #3 -- Stephanie LaCour vs. Matthew Richards

        Court #1 -- Victor Lam vs. Stephen Prorok

        Court #2 -- Eli Berg vs. Elliott Soelter

Thursday, August 13, 1:00 PM (Round 4):

        Court #1 -- Stephanie LaCour vs. Victor Lam

        Court #2 -- Eli Berg vs. Matthew Richards

        Court #3 -- Elliott Soelter vs. Stephen Prorok

                                        2:00 PM (Round 5):

        Court #2 -- Stephanie LaCour vs. Eli Berg

        Court #3 -- Elliott Soelter vs. Victor Lam

        Court #1 -- Stephen Prorok vs. Matthew Richards

2015: Sequim's Summer Tennis Program

In order to promote the sport of tennis, and to provide tennis related activity throughout the summer, the following tennis opportunities will be available for our kids and the community.

 

Youth Tennis Ladder Play:  Ladder play has already begun.  So far, there are 31 kids, organized in age groups, participating in the ladder.  There is the potential of many more joining in as they progress in private and group lessons, and as other youth tennis players learn of the program.  Sized-to-age courts, nets, and balls are being arranged for ten-and-under tennis (TAUT) players, as well.  The ladder will be displayed Saturday mornings at the group lessons and sent out weekly in email. 

 

Sequim Youth Tennis Academy, 2015:  The three upper courts at SHS have been reserved from July 6 through July 10, 9 to noon, for the Academy.  Participants will be limited to 30 players.  Preference will be given to advanced and intermediate players who will be capable of participating in advanced drills and physical activity.  Volunteers will be accepted to assist in this event.  This program will consist of lectures, fitness training, stroke technique, drills, strategy training, and play.  We anticipate no fees -- unless, for snacks, water, and T-shirts.  We are looking for a possible sponsor to provide for snacks and water. 

 

Private Youth Tennis Lessons:  Private half-hour, no-cost lessons will continue throughout the summer, as per a Weekly Availability Schedule which will be emailed each week to interested youth.  At this time, there are approximately 50 kids taking private lessons.  Ladder players who participate in at least one lesson during a week will be moved up one rung of the ladder for that week.

 

Group Youth Tennis Lessons:  Saturday morning group lessons will continue to be available for our youth, at no cost.  Group lessons are divided into "beginners", "intermediate", and "advanced" groups.  Participants sign up as per Weekly Availability Schedule.  Again, ladder players will be able to move up one rung of the ladder for that week for group participation. 

 

Cardio-Tennis For All:  Thursday mornings, at 10am, will be set aside for Cardio-Tennis -- FOR ALL AGES.  Sign up as per Weekly Availability Schedule.  IT'S FUN TIME FOR EVERYONE.  Move to the music!  Tennis rackets and tennis shoes required.  From warm-ups to drills, we keep active for one full hour.  Tennis ability not required.  Swinging and missing is OK.  The racket is simply a prop.  FUN, FUN, FUN!!!

 

Youth Tennis Tournaments:  Tournaments for those kids participating in the tennis ladder are anticipated.  Playing in 3 challenges in ladder play qualifies a player for tournament play.  Dates for the tournaments will be determined soon.   

 

USTA Promotional:  At least one promotional, all invited, one day of "free tennis instruction for all ages" event to promote the sport of tennis and the USTA.  Planning is underway, and the date is to be determined.

 

Away Playdays:  We'll try again this year to field a group to play at various area tennis clubs. 

 

 

There's a lot on our plate above.  It will take plenty of help to make tennis a successful proposition this summer.  We need volunteers and ball donations.   Monetary donations will go toward supporting equipment and to rackets for those kids who can not afford them. 

 

As always, I am open to suggestions and ideas.  Please feel free to contribute.

 

Plan ahead.  PPPPPP -- the six "P"s. 

 

Happy hitting,

 

Don Thomas

Busy times for Sequim tennis youths - Sequim Gazette

"School’s out but it’s still time to learn on Sequim tennis courts.

US Tennis Association pro Don Thomas has Tennis Academy 2015, a summer tennis program for Sequim youth (ages 5-17), set for July 6-10.

 Classes run from 9 a.m.-noon each day and will be designed for youth who are non-beginners.

 The program includes some “classroom” time as well as dynamic and static stretching, strength conditioning, agility training, stroke analysis and practice, advanced techniques, strategy and match playing time.

 “Classroom” time includes such subjects as history of tennis, rules of tennis, tennis safety, physical fitness, health/injury issues and strategy — thus, the title “Tennis Academy 2015.”

The one-week session is limited to 30 youths who will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Thomas said he does not anticipate any charge for the academy.

Thomas also has a number of activities for Sequim tennis players, from Youth Tennis Ladder Play to youth individual and group lessons and youth tournaments, Cardio-Tennis For All (10 a.m. on Thursdays, all ages invited) and a USTA promotional event (also all ages; times and dates to be determined).

For more information, call Thomas at 582-3033.

Tennis Academy, 2015, Daily Schedule Update 7/4

 

__________________________________

 

ADMIN:

 

Monday:  Della, Shaena,

Tuesday:  Ellen or Karla

Wednesday:  Della

Thursday:  Karla

Friday:  Virginia

 

 

Monday, July 6, 2015:

 

                8:30:               Arrive and set up -- Don

                9 - 9:15:          Check-in:  T-shirts, Liability Waiver Statement (Participants and Volunteers)

                9:15 -9:30        Opening, Orientation, and Organization -- Don

                9:30 - 9:35       Class presentation:  Importance of dynamic/static stretching -- Doug/Allison

                9:35 -  9:45      Warm-ups, dynamic stretching -- Doug

                9:45 - 10:20:    Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Tag Team Singles.

                10:20 - 10:30:   Class presentation:  Court Safety -- Don

                10:30 - 10:45:   Break:  water/snacks

                10:45 - 10:55:   Class presentation:  Sportsmanship -- Don

                10:55 - 11:45:   Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Champion of the Court -- Don

                11:45 - 11:55:   Cool down/static stretching -- Allison 

                11:55 - Noon:    Concluding remarks -- Don

 

        Snacks:  Lou

        Water:  Provided by Dr. Pamela Bundy

 

Tuesday, July 7, 2015: 

 

                8:30:               Arrive and set up -- Don

                9 - 9:05:          Morning briefing/opening -- Don

                9:05 - 9:15:      Warm-ups, dynamic stretching -- Doug 

                9:15 - 10:20:     Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Triples -- Don

                10:20 - 10:30:   Class presentation:  History of Tennis -- Don

                10:30 - 10:45:    Break:  water/snacks

                10:45 - 10:55:    Class presentation:  Dieting/Nutrition -- Della

                10:55 - 11:45:    Drill:  Explanation and conduct of One Ball Live -- Don

                11:45 - 11:55:   Cool down/static stretching -- Allison 

                11:45 - Noon:    Concluding remarks -- Don

 

        Snacks:  Della

        Water:  Provided by Dr. Pamela Bundy

 

Wednesday, July 8, 2015:

 

                8:30:              Arrive and set up -- Don

                9 - 9:05:         Morning briefing/opening -- Don

                9:05 - 9:15:     Warm-ups, dynamic stretching -- Doug 

                9:15 - 9:25:     Class presentation:  Singles Strategy -- Doug/Allison

                9:25 - 10:30:    Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Champs and Chumps -- Don

                10:30 - 10:45:   Break:  water/snacks

                10:45 - 10:55:   Class presentation:  Health/Injury Issues -- Terry

                10:55 - 11:45:   Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Round the World -- Don

                11:45 - 11:55:   Cool down/static stretching -- Allison 

                11:45 - Noon:    Concluding remarks -- Don

 

        Snacks:  Shaena

        Water:  Provided by Dr. Pamela Bundy

 

Thursday, July 9, 2015:

 

                8:30:              Arrive and set up -- Don

                9 - 9:05:         Morning briefing/opening -- Don

                9:05 - 9:15:     Warm-ups, dynamic stretching -- Doug 

                9:15 - 9:25:     Class presentation:  Doubles Strategy -- Doug/Allison

                9:25 - 10:30:    Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Team Doubles -- Don         

                10:30 - 10:45:   Break:  water/snacks

                10:45 - 10:55:   Class presentation:  USTA Tournaments -- Virginia 

                10:55 - 11:45:   Drill:  Explanation and conduct of All Position Doubles  -- Don

                11:45 - 11:55:   Cool down/static stretching -- Allison 

                11:45 - Noon:    Concluding remarks -- Don

 

        Snacks:  Sherry

        Water:  Provided by Dr. Pamela Bundy

 

Friday, July 19, 2015:

 

                8:30:              Arrive and set up -- Don 

                9 - 9:05:         Morning briefing/opening -- Don

                9:05 - 9:15:     Warm-ups, dynamic stretching -- Doug 

                9:15 - 10:20:    Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Wipe-Out -- Don

                10:20 - 10:30:  Class presentation:  Preparing Yourself Mentally -- Mindy

                10:30 - 10:45:   Break:  water/snacks

                10:45 - 10:55:   Rules -- Don

                10:55 - 11:35:   Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Champs of the Doubles Court  -- Don

                11:35 - 11:45:   Cool down/static stretching -- Allison 

                11:45 - Noon:    Attendance medal presentation/Concluding remarks -- Don

 

        Snacks:  James

        Water:  Provided by Dr. Pamela Bundy