E.P.I.C Essex Pathway to International Competition Mark Hayden – Talent & Performance Coordinator - Essex Rob Ellis – Tennis Development Manager - Essex

Background What is performance level tennis – what are we aspiring to? Need for a performance pathway for talented players to progress Tennis is an early start sport ( but not necessarily early specialisation) Benefits of getting the better players together Working with local club coaches Producing more performance players in Essex Performance level tennis is where a player becomes good enough to compete nationally from 9 under and internationally 10 under and older. This all takes time that’s why its important to start young and be in a good programme. The performance pathway in Essex is to attend a satellite club, have their individual coaching at this or another club with their own coach and become good enough to move on to the high performance centre which is Redbridge in Essex. Where the programme becomes more specific for the individual.

The EPIC Programme 2 group sessions per week during term time 1 individual session at this club or if already at a club with own individual coach Quality indoor facilities Quality coaches with low coach to player ratio Physical training included Internal Competition every half term Most talented children will be invited to join this programme Group sessions 1.5 hours 1 hour tennis 30 minutes physical-fitness important to learn to play tennis at a good level. Areas that will be looked at Agility/Balance/Coordination/speed. Individual session from 30 minutes to 1 hour as player learns to concentrate for longer-competition learning to compete/scoring and rules

Purpose of today’s activities To identify potential players for the EPIC programme To carry out a series of objective assessment exercises To select players for entry into the programme Provide information on alternative programmes

Testing criteria – what are we looking for? Speed – Straight line sprint Footwork/Agility/Coordination – around cones Eye-hand coordination - ball skills (throw & catch) Competitiveness – will to win Listening skills – ability to learn quickly Focus – concentration and commitment Attitude – determination & desire

Long Term Player Development – what is required? 6 Hours of Sport for a 6 year old per week EPIC programme 2 x 1.5 hours structured group coaching (inc. 30mins ABCs) 30-60 mins individual coaching at local club In-house competition organised every 6 weeks For elite performance – 10,000 hours over 10 years Windows of opportunity to learn specific skills at certain ages. Other sports are still important – foundation skills

National Competition Framework 7 & under mini tennis red 8 & under mini tennis orange/red 9 & under mini tennis orange 10 & under full court with green ball Low compression balls (Sponge indoor/Felt outdoor) Low net Court appropriate to size, strength and ability Competition - compete only on mini red court Advise on competition format for selected players

Mini Tennis Ratings Selected players need to register for free British Tennis Membership All 7 & under players with BTM given red 4 rating (starter rating)

Smaller Kids Smaller Courts

Funding & Costs LTA Satellite Club Funding Costs to parents - heavily subsidised £8 per session Other costs for parents on the tennis journey Individual lessons essential Equipment – Rackets/shoes/clothing Entry fees from £6-£10 per tournament Travel costs to tournaments

The British Tennis Parents Website www.britishtennisparents.com Created by experienced tennis parents Judy Murray and Dan Thorpe, this site offers up a wide range of advice for parents. Appropriate for parents of high performance players and new players Information on how you can best support your child Finance advice Equipment choices Nutrition: Before and during matches Specific help via the Ask Judy Q&A Section Go online to get information and advice to help you make the best decisions for your children

What’s happens now? Players selected for EPIC contacted by email Exit routes for players not selected at this stage EPIC programme Jan 2010 Mark Hayden – Talent & Performance Coordinator 07958252103 email: mark.hayden@lta.org.uk Rob Ellis– Tennis Development Manager 07939016617 email: rob.ellis@lta.org.uk Essex LTA Office: Amanda Michelow 0208 502 6364 email: amanda.michelow@lta.org.uk

Contact Details Mark Hayden – Talent & Performance Coordinator 07958252103 email mark.hayden@lta.org.uk Rob Ellis – Tennis Development Manager 07939016617 email: rob.ellis@lta.org.uk Essex LTA Office: Amanda Michelow 0208 502 6364 email: amanda.michelow@lta.org.uk

Club Contacts David Lloyd Club – Basildon. Jamie Walker (Tennis & Racquets Manager) 01268 662100 email: sport.basildon@davidlloyd.co.uk Clearview Esporta Health & Racquets Club. Kingsley Harris – Tennis Manager/Head Coach 01277 815640 email: kingsley.harris@esporta.com Compete programme HPC-Tom Higgins Tennis Manager Redbridge Sports Centre-07885968237 email competetennis@gmail.com

Any questions?