Tuesday, October 24, 2023 by Andrew Kratzmann | Infomation

NEW FORMAT HALF DAY CAMPS

Our new Holiday format allows for maximum fun and engagement.

Our school holidays camps are on in December 

December 4 - 8

December 11 - 15

December tennis/swim camp is a fun and safe way for kids to improve their tennis skills and make friends during the school break. Led by our experienced coaches, we focus on building fundamental skills and promoting fitness and sportsmanship. 

Our camp offers a range of activities and games. 

With positive coaching and individual attention, it's the perfect way for kids to stay active and improve their game. Included is a unique slip n slide cool down for students as it’s going to be hot.

Tuesday, August 29, 2023 by Andrew Kratzmann | Blog

There are many sport options available to MFAC students, so we thought we would take a moment and reflect on the benefits of tennis compared to team sports.  Our Academy has an approach of in fostering a "Tennis for life approach".

Sports have an incredible power to unite people and create memorable experiences. While team sports have their own appeal, there is something uniquely special about the individual pursuit of tennis. 

A sport that challenges you to reach new heights on your own terms, tennis is the perfect choice. A sport where the court becomes your canvas, and your racquet becomes an extension of your identity.  Tennis is not just a sport; it is a lifelong companion that accompanies you through the different stages of life. Embrace the exhilarating journey of tennis and experience the beauty of the game. 

Tennis places the spotlight solely on the individual player. Unlike team sports where success or failure can be shared among teammates, tennis demands personal accountability and responsibility for every aspect of the game. The player's technique, decision-making, fitness, and mental fortitude all directly contribute to their performance. This heightened sense of personal responsibility can lead to a greater understanding of one's strengths and weaknesses, fostering self-discipline and self-reliance.

Tennis can be a mental battlefield. As a player, you face challenges, triumphs, and setbacks alone on the court (or if playing doubles just with one other). The pressure to make split-second decisions, stay focused, and manage emotions rests solely on your shoulders. This individual mental and emotional resilience cultivated in tennis can be a transformative life skill, as it teaches you to handle pressure, overcome adversity, and stay composed in high-stakes situations.

One of the beauties of tennis is its flexibility and adaptability. Unlike team sports that often rely on fixed positions and predetermined plays, tennis allows players to adapt their strategies and tactics on the fly. The dynamic nature of the game, combined with the ever-changing opponent across the net, keeps players on their toes, fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to adjust to different playing styles. Tennis offers a constant challenge that demands quick thinking and adaptability.

In tennis, your progress and achievements are solely your own. From improving your serve to perfecting your backhand, every step forward is a testament to your dedication and hard work. The sense of accomplishment derived from personal growth and reaching individual goals is unparalleled. The satisfaction of seeing your own development over time can be highly motivating and empowering, driving you to continuously strive for excellence.

While team sports undoubtedly have their own merits, tennis holds a unique allure for those seeking an individual pursuit that demands personal accountability, mental resilience, adaptability, and the satisfaction of individual achievement. The solo symphony of tennis offers a path of self-discovery, personal growth, and an intimate connection with the game. 

We believe the pursuit of improvement in tennis instils discipline, resilience, and a growth mindset that can be applied to all areas of life.

Tuesday, July 4, 2023 by Andrew Kratzmann | Blog

As coaches and parents, it is essential to recognise the value of taking our time when introducing children to the sport of tennis. Rushing through the developmental stages can hinder the acquisition of key fundamentals and pose risks to a child's progress. 

Today we explore a coaching approach that prioritises understanding the fundamentals, utilising appropriate ball and court sizes, and developing realistic footwork patterns to ensure a solid foundation for young tennis players.

The foundation of a successful tennis player lies in their understanding and mastery of the key fundamentals. At our Academy we focus on teaching children the importance of hitting the ball within the optimal strike zone, which is between the knee and chest for groundstrokes. This emphasis allows players to develop better control, timing, and power in their shots. By patiently guiding them through the learning process, our coaches can help young players lay a strong technical foundation, setting them up for future success.

The concept of Hot Shots tennis stages, using red, orange, and green balls, offers a progressive approach that aligns with a child's physical abilities and development. The appropriate ball and court size are vital considerations. Children aged 10 and under may struggle to cover a full-sized court effectively. Consequently, rallies become shorter, and the use of advanced tactics is unrealistic. By using smaller court sizes, tailored to the players' abilities, children experience longer and more engaging rallies, fostering their enjoyment of the game and encouraging skill development.

Realistic footwork patterns are essential for efficient court coverage and effective shot execution. Young players face challenges due to their smaller stature, requiring more steps to cover the court. This impacts their movement styles both when reaching the ball and recovering for the next shot. Our Academy focus on helping children adapt their footwork to the appropriate court size, promoting more realistic movement patterns. By doing so, players learn to position themselves optimally and execute shots with greater efficiency and control.

The speed and bounce of the ball also play a crucial role in a child's development. Regular tennis balls can be challenging for young players to control, often bouncing faster and higher than expected. This can lead to frustration and hinder proper technique development. Utilising slower and lower bouncing balls, such as the red, orange, and green balls, allows players to adjust their footwork and technique effectively. This approach ensures a smoother learning curve, enabling young players to build confidence and accuracy in their strokes.

Taking the time to nurture young tennis players offers numerous benefits. Patience allows children to develop a solid foundation of fundamental skills, ensuring their long-term progress and success in the sport. It also reduces the risk of burnout and injury, as players are gradually exposed to more demanding challenges. A patient coaching approach fosters a love for the game, encouraging players to stay engaged and motivated throughout their tennis journey.

We take this patient coaching approach, which we believe is vital when developing young tennis players. By prioritising understanding the key fundamentals, utilising appropriate ball and court sizes, and focusing on realistic footwork patterns, our Academy can provide an environment conducive to optimal development. This approach promotes skill acquisition, enhances shot execution, and builds a strong technical foundation. By nurturing young players with patience, we not only set them up for success in tennis but also instil a lifelong passion for the sport, ensuring they continue to enjoy and grow in their tennis journey. 

We are all about tennis for a lifetime of engagement, exercise, social connection and fun.