6 Things to Consider When Picking a Tennis Camp

It is around this time of the year that parents start thinking of registering their kids for summer tennis camp. In order to provide the best possible experience for your child, you want to pick a tennis camp that matches their individual needs.

If the main objective of the young player is improving their technique, tactique, and physical performance in addition to acquiring certain good habits and behaviors that will help them improve long term, it is important to choose a summer tennis camp carefully.

Below are some basic guidelines on things to research before choosing and registering for a camp.

1. What is the program content?

As previously mentioned, it is important to look at the camp schedule and details, such as: number of hours spent on the court, the ratio of students to coach, whether the program is structured, if objectives are clearly defined, if there is a clear uniform methodology used by all coaches.

2. What is the skill level and age requirement of the campers?

There are many different tennis camps, such as the one at CourtSense, that cater to different skill levels (beginner through advanced), while others are geared only towards 10 and under players or only towards tournament level junior players, for example.

The different level of play translates to different types of goals, and therefore, plays an extremely important part in the selection process.

Evaluating your child’s skill level and goals would be the first thing to determine, then try and research the camp. Additionally, it is important how children are grouped and whether it is based on skill level or age.

Keep in mind that grouping children only by age is not normally how high-performance camps are designed (in case that is the type of camp you are looking for).

3. Who will supervise my child?

An important factor of selecting a tennis camp for your child is experience of the camp director as well as the longevity of the business.

If the camp has been successfully running for a few years, you can feel more assured they will be well looked after, and therefore, more comfortable signing up your child for the summer.

Additionally, look whether the coaches are certified, mature adults, with some years of experience behind their back.

4. Is fitness training (conditioning) part of it?

Strength training is an important part of tennis training – it enhances on-court performance and it helps with injury prevention. It is therefore, important for fitness training to be part of any successful tennis program, so be sure to ask whether it is on the schedule and for how long.

5. Are there any bonus activities?

Fun is an important factor and nonstop focused sports instruction five days a week can overwhelm a child, especially if they are not a competitive player.

Try to find out more about the facilities of the tennis club and the possibility of participating in other optional activities of free time. Having a little bit of down time, group games or swim time could allow kids to let off some steam in a less structured environment.

6. Day camp vs. sleepaway (overnight) camp

The decision to attend a sleepaway camp normally depends on the campers age or readiness for that. If your child, however, is looking to immerse themselves into tennis, sleepaway (overnight) camp could be an excellent experience full with many new friendships and lasting memories.

Junior tennis camps are a wonderful opportunity to learn the game, improve their skills, make new friends and build self-confidence. Now that we have the guidelines in place for picking the right tennis camp for your child, be sure to review the tennis camp brochure and website of the potential options.

Then, learn the above mentioned details of the program, facilities, coaches, philosophy, and finally, register!