Selecting an ideal tennis camp for kids depends on a range of considerations. Starting by understanding their goals and reviewing camp curricula can help narrow down your options.
Children looking to hone their skills should enroll in a camp offering an effective curriculum, complete with instruction as well as match and point play opportunities supervised by qualified coaches.
1. Size
Selecting the ideal tennis camp can be a challenging endeavor, yet choosing one should not be taken lightly. Camps offer classes, drills and match play for two to five hours daily for one or more weeks – perfect for budding tennis stars!
Advantage QuickStart gives kids aged 4-7 a fun tennis experience tailored to their age and skill level through station-based instruction, daily match play and more. This summer program fosters confidence, respect, teamwork and an enthusiasm for tennis while building confidence, respect and teamwork while creating a lifelong passion for its game.
Juniors ages 8-18 interested in competing on the court should try Net Generation. This new USTA program offers them the chance to explore and develop tennis at school or their club, working with certified instructors who will advance their skills and prepare them for Middle School, High School and college competition. In addition, life skills development is promoted while providing a supportive environment.
2. Location
At day or overnight tennis camps, it is vital that your kids bring along appropriate gear. Electronic devices like cell phones, iPads and tablets should generally be left at home as these could potentially distract from enjoying outdoor activities and honing tennis skills; those bringing these items may have a less fulfilling experience compared to those leaving them behind at home.
Advantage All-City Camps on Roosevelt Island is New York City’s oldest and most established junior tennis program, offering lessons, drills, games and match play across 12 HarTru indoor courts and 3 outdoor hard courts for children aged 6-17. In the afternoons there is also field sports and swimming!
Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camps at Southern Methodist University in Dallas is one of the fastest-growing camps in the US. Campers benefit from expert instruction provided by SMU coaches Grant Chen and Jeff Nevolo; participants in this camp should expect to improve their tournament level and learn winning strategies.
3. Age Groups
Kids attending tennis camps across New York or anywhere else must come prepared with appropriate athletic wear. Showing up just in a pair of sneakers won’t do; sneaker with sufficient arch support and flexibility are required to allow for quick movements associated with tennis.
Tennis is an incredible sport for children and teenagers to learn balance, hand eye coordination, strength and gross motor skills. Plus it’s great exercise that can strengthen bones while improving overall health!
Advantage QuickStart camps introduce young tennis players to the game using equipment designed for their age and ability level. By employing smaller court dimensions and lower-bouncing balls, this approach enables kids to begin playing sooner, experience success sooner and ultimately develop a love for tennis.
Life Time’s SMART tennis programs provide developmentally appropriate racquets and balls, enabling children to begin playing right away. Classes run during Winter, Spring and Summer for both members and non-members alike.
4. Specialty Programs
If your child is just getting started in tennis, consider enrolling them in a specialist program tailored specifically to address the frustrations young players often feel when trying out full-size courts with large racquets and high-bouncing balls. Instead, mini tennis nets with smaller rackets and lower bouncing balls make the game fun for children and easier for them to learn.
Advantage QuickStart Tennis Camp provides half day morning sessions and full day afternoon activities at an Advantage facility for children aged four through eight, tailoring tennis instruction according to age, ability and fun – with small racquets, low-bouncing balls and reduced court sizes that enable children to rally quickly while simultaneously developing an appreciation of tennis earlier.
IMG Academy tennis camps offer world-class coaches to tailor training to your individual goals and skill levels in a world-class campus setting, offering two daily training sessions as well as competition opportunities for all age levels of player. Sessions vary between 3-day, 5-day and multi-week duration to provide a progressive training curriculum and boost competitive junior players to the next level of success. A great option for competitive junior players looking to take their game to new heights!
5. Equipment
When searching for the ideal tennis camp for kids, it’s essential to look beyond just its court. Consider other aspects as well, such as accommodation, counselors and food. These factors should all play an important role when looking at overnight or residential camps.
An excellent tennis camp will offer your child an unforgettable experience, from high-quality facilities that foster physical development, field sports and other activities, and quieter spaces to relax.
Tennis camps provide children with an invaluable opportunity to develop new skills while making lasting friendships. By doing your research properly, you can locate an ideal summer tennis camp experience for your child.
At Life Time, our SMART program uses world-class teaching techniques to pair children’s developmental stage with appropriate balls, racquets and courts of various sizes. To determine what size racquet would work best, a simple tip could help. Simply have them grab hold of its handle with their arm outstretched and hold it comfortably without it bending under their armpit – if it bends then its likely too long!
6. Staff
Staff can have a dramatic impact on a child’s experience at camp. Look for experienced coaches and counselors with deep expertise in tennis as well as kids’ needs; request references from other families.
Day only camps offer an ideal solution for kids looking for high-level instruction without the distractions associated with sleepaway camps. Many locations that host these sleepaway camps also provide day camps tailored specifically to advanced players.
Find a camp that offers more variety with pool time, field games and quieter activities for an easier experience.
7. Schedule
YMCA tennis camps provide children with engaging on-court activities while simultaneously building confidence and skills suitable for their age and level of experience. Offering drills and games designed specifically to their age and ability level as well as creating a positive atmosphere in which campers form friendships with fellow campers and coaches, these camps ensure fun!
Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camp at TCU provides participants with an unforgettable college tennis camp experience, offering world-class instruction from experienced coaches. This program caters to aspiring players aged 7-18 and features both full and half day options.
Advantage QuickStart Tennis Camp provides young children with an introduction to tennis through age and ability appropriate drills and games, using smaller rackets and slower balls that make the sport easier for beginners to enjoy.
Gigi Secker has earned a strong reputation as one of the nation’s premier junior tennis instructors. Her unique, high-energy camp allows children to dive right in with four coaches for every player at the camp, learning appropriate techniques for their individual skill levels.
8. Cost
Newcomers to tennis may benefit from attending a tennis camp to build fundamentals and introduce match play. Children learn proper hitting technique as they develop athleticism, strength, agility, hand-eye coordination and balance.
Kids can gain self-confidence by engaging in fun and supportive challenges to increase self-assurance. This can have a direct impact on social skills development both at home, school and work environments as well as learning about healthy living practices that promote physical activity. Kids also can gain knowledge on physical fitness for life benefits.
Many players discover their passion for tennis when engaging with like-minded individuals who share the same interest and desire to improve. Mentors may provide inspiration that lasts beyond summer camps – something which applies equally well for adults as for younger players.