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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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)

9. Smaller Kids Smaller Courts

10. 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

11. The British Tennis Parents Website
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

12. 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
Rob Ellis– Tennis Development Manager
Essex LTA Office: Amanda Michelow

13. Contact Details
Mark Hayden – Talent & Performance Coordinator
Rob Ellis – Tennis Development Manager
Essex LTA Office: Amanda Michelow

14. Club Contacts
David Lloyd Club – Basildon. Jamie Walker (Tennis & Racquets Manager)
Clearview Esporta Health & Racquets Club. Kingsley Harris – Tennis Manager/Head Coach
Compete programme HPC-Tom Higgins Tennis Manager
Redbridge Sports Centre

15. Any questions?