#1 Junior Tennis Program in Kitsap County
KTAC Junior Tennis Program- Net Generation Provider
Kitsap Tennis and Athletic Center operates the #1 year-round Junior Program in Kitsap County. We are excited to partner with USTA and it’s Net Generation program while bringing our years of experience and teaching philosophies to the PNW. Our highly trained staff specialize in helping juniors between the ages of 4-18 reach the highest level possible. From learning the basics of the game to competing at a national level on our tournament team, KTAC can meet the needs of every junior player and take them where they want to go.
Our programs are grouped by age level and ability and follow USTA Net Generation protocol. Tennis is the simply best first sport! Call or stop by today to get your kids involved this amazing lifetime sport.
Junior Tennis Learning Pathway
OUR PHILOSOPHY
At Kitsap Tennis and Athletic Club we are partnering with the USTA as a Net Generation provider. We believe in creating a positive and welcoming environment for players of all ages. By focusing on play, building character, and championing individual challenges, we empower them to grow and develop at their own pace. It’s all about providing players the opportunity to enjoy tennis on their own terms. Kids who play tennis will be healthier, happier and have a game they can play for life. By capturing the thrill and fun of the game and developing skills on and off the court, we can build the next generation of greats.
Tennis is easy to learn and tailored for all ages and abilities, giving kids a game that will help them build friendships and learn skills they’ll use for life. Our Junior Tennis Development Pathway is designed to progress children through age and skill level appropriate game-based play situations in a fun, caring, coaching environment to let them enjoy and learn the game of a lifetime for recreation and competition. It starts as early as age 3 and continues.
At KTAC our junior programs use full sized courts and we add lines within the standard dimensions to create kid-sized courts and use kid-sized equipment. We use different balls for the kids to play with and they are color coded. These balls bounce lower, don’t move as fast through the air and are easier to hit which supports building confidence.
The tennis racquets for kids under 10 are also sized for small hands and courts are smaller and easier to play in for the little ones. By using this format, the benefits are immediate and within a short time kids are rallying, playing, and very excited to keep playing.
WHEN TO BEGIN TOURNAMENT AND COMPETITIVE PLAY
Age, physical ability and skill level may begin to influence a desire to play harder, faster and against older or more capable players at their own age. This is for dedicated, hardworking high-level juniors, varsity high school players and interested in USTA tournaments. The professional staff at KTAC can recommend the best placement. Ongoing development includes many variables that help to determine the level of practice and when they are ready for competitive tournaments.
Junior Tennis Classes Offered at KTAC
HIGH FIVERS (Red Ball) 4-7 years
In this class players will learn the very basics of tennis along with working on the ABC’s (Agility, Balance and Coordination) of being an athlete. This is for players still developing as athletes over developing as a tennis player.
SLAMMERS (Orange Ball) 7-10 years
This class is for players still working on the ABC’s of being an athlete. Players will now start to develop strokes to reach the brink of rallying.
HS PREP (Green Ball) 12-18 years
Junior high JV beginners on a 78” court with green or yellow balls. The focus is on development and advancement of strokes, such as Forehand/Backhand/Volleys/Serve. They will also learn parts of the tennis court, tennis rules and basic strategies.
DEVELOPMENT (Yellow Ball) 14-18 years
This class is for strong junior players capable of long rallies in and outside of point play. Emphasis is placed on technique and footwork as they start to craft their game.
TOURNAMENT (Yellow Ball) 14-18 years
This class is for stronger variety level players working towards perfecting their game in point play scenarios. Players are expected to participate in tournaments and play outside of drills.