The Competitive Training program expands considerably the range of experiences to which young players are exposed. Stroke drills, strategy sessions, and match play are intensified while allowing the junior players to enjoy their game and the companionship of fellow players. Tennis is a game for life and the youth involved in this program already have a great start.
The intermediate and advanced players who comprise this program are graduated into more advanced situations as ability and sportsmanship dictate. Intra- and Inter-club tournament play, many junior competitive events, supervised play, tournaments and clinics are offered throughout the season in addition to social tennis and drills.
Recommended age: Junior High through High School ages, although skill and coach-ability always supercedes age and gender in placement.
Pre-requisites. Enrollment is by Professional placement only. Competitive Training participation requires a Jr. Membership which is $60.00 per season or included in a Family Membership.
Competitive Training Placement. Placement sessions are held immediately preceding the season to allow us to recommend a program most appropriate to each player’s ability. The best way to prepare for the pre-season placement session is to play over the summer. Please contact the club during August to reserve a spot in the placement session. The cost is $9.00 which need not be paid until the day of placement. Recommendations will be available the day after Labor Day. The Competitive Training placement program always runs the Monday-Thursday before Labor Day.
If beyond the annual pre-season group placement session, contact our the front desk for a make-up placement session.
The Competitive Training level players that we present must have a strong desire to win and yet be gracious in defeat. To lose with grace means to allow your opponent the full joy of victory; this entails a complimentary demeanor and, generally, that the loser not share their ‘reasons’ for losing. We give the players plenty of opportunity to “let your racquet do the talking”. Fair play and irreproachable conduct are requirements, not options.
It is recommended that players at this level are on the courts a minimum of twice weekly. A schedule to meet your needs can be put together which includes one Drill & Play and one or more of the following additional Comp. Training elements.
NTC Junior Team. NTC competes with other local clubs in the chicago area. Matches are played on weekends.
Singles Ladder. A Singles Ladder Program is offered for only those players currently enrolled in Comp. Training. A schedule is distributed at the Drill & Play sessions. The top Ladder players’ names are displayed on the ladders by the entrances to the courts.
USTA Tournament Play. Sanctioned tournament play is required for all Academy players.
Intensive Clinics. A variety of specialized clinics will be offered to Junior Members during the first 6 weeks of each season.
Team Drills. This program gives Competitive Training players a chance to turn up the volume of their game and work out doubles strategy with the people with whom they compete.