Tennis Training - Squad Tennis
Squad Tennis is a critical part of the We Are Tennis developmental pathway for players wanting to take their tennis to the next level. On court training time is essential to advancing player development.
An intensive, on court, professional tennis coaching program, designed to provide tournament players and aspiring tournament players with the professional tuition and time on court required to maximise their game.
Delivered by our top coaches
Squad Tennis is delivered by our top coaches and gives our students more quality court time and the opportunity to advance their tennis skills, work on tactics and strategy and train in a competitive environment.
In keeping with our philosophy, squad tennis is also for fun and enjoyment and connection with other players within a supportive, competitive and aspirational playing culture.
Match Play
Being in squad is all about match-play and point construction developed via our custom core drills that are designed to suit the needs and game styles of each player.
Encompassing the technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of the game, this holistic program is designed to suit the individual tournament schedule of each player.
There is also an important fitness and sports psychology component to the Squad program and assistance with getting involved in tennis tournaments and competition.
What is the client to student ratio?
Our tennis squad comprises of a maximum 25 students to 5 coaches. The program is overseen by Sean Wilkeson, a coach with over 25 years’ experience. Sean and the team will work with each athlete to set short, medium and long term goals to manage their own progress.
How often should I come to squad?
The squad program is designed for players to maximize their potential via attending multiple squad sessions per week. Some players are attending 5 plus sessions per week. Squad is a place for seriously minded and goal driven tennis players that find enjoyment in competition and improvement through training professionally.
As such, priority will be given to players wishing to attend multiple sessions. In short, this means that players must attend at least two sessions per week.
How do I get involved?
The squad membership program is currently by invitation. As you’ll be working with our top coaches, we want to make sure you are ready to take that next step as well as have the time commitment needed.
Waiting lists and interview for entry to the We Are Tennis squad program may apply.
Please feel free to contact us to learn more about our squad program.
SQUAD CODE OF CONDUCT 2022
The squad program is invitation only, aspirational and competition based. Squad is staffed by High Performance and very experienced coaches and conducted with low player to coach ratios. Further, it is designed for players to maximise their potential via attending multiple squad sessions per week. Some of our players are attending 5+ sessions per week. Squad is a place for seriously minded and goal driven tennis players that find enjoyment in competition and improvement through training professionally. Players (and coaches) from our squads have competed at the elite/professional level.
PLEASE NOTE : RE HIGH PERFORMANCE (SENIOR) SQUAD : From Term 3 2022 it will be a prerequisite that all players attend at least 2 sessions per week in order to participate in the High Performance (Senior Squad). The 2 sessions may include (as a minimum) 2 squad sessions, OR 1 squad session and 1 private lesson. There are 10 x 2-hour squad sessions conducted every week, 12pm and 5pm Daily (or 5.15pm/5.30pm), across various venues. For reference, the best 12-year-olds in the world are training at least 12 hours per week.
If the squad pathway is not for you, that’s ok. WAT-TI provides group and private lessons for the ‘not so serious’ tennis player that seeks to improve and enjoy tennis as a social game for life. Tennis is great fun whatever level a player aspires to play. Social or serious, it’s up to you.
SQUAD GUIDELINES and EXPECTATIONS 2022
- Squad is invitation only and reserved exclusively for clients that train with We Are Tennis and The Tennis Institute (WAT-TI). An interview and/or try-out will be conducted prior to acceptance. Squad is a place for seriously minded and goal driven tennis players. Squad is for players that aspire to maximise their potential in competitive tennis. It is an expectation that all squad players participate in regular competition. This may include Friday match play (at Vermont South), Saturday/Sunday WDTA interclub competition, Tennis Victoria Pennant and tournaments. Tournament play is strongly encouraged.
- Players must agree to follow instructions, listen, learn, participate, execute and conduct themselves respectfully and responsibly in all aspects of tennis as directed by the coaches at WAT-TI. This applies not only to on court training but extends to all external associations with WAT-TI including but not limited to competition, tournaments, social days and inter club training excursions.
- All players must have clearly defined goals. Time will be provided during indoor (wet day) sessions to review and update goals. Coaching staff are available to discuss goals with players and parents at pre-arranged and mutually convenient times.
- The physical/fitness component of squad is demanding. Injuries that limit a players’ ability to train must be discussed with the coaching staff prior to the commencement of any session.
- There are levels within squad based on age and ability. Players will be grouped according to ability and at times will be required to train with stronger or weaker players. Experience at both ends of this spectrum is important.
- Equipment Required:
- Racquets x 2 (recommended)
- Appropriate footwear for tennis, and fitness/running
- Towel
- Drink bottle
- Skipping Rope
- Resistance Band
- Hat/Sun screen
- We do not permit parents on court. The tennis court is an area for the players to learn, train and grow from interactions with their coaches and peers.
