Academy ProgramThe Austin Tennis Academy (ATA) coaching staff continually strives to make our program the best competitive development program anywhere. One unique aspect is that our coaches meet regularly and freely exchange information concerning each player's development and training methods. In planning for the 2008-2009 training program, we are focusing on a number of key areas. We are excited to share our ideas with you about how the ATA program can better serve our players and help them reach their highest potential, now, next year and in the future. One overall element that we are very proud of is the overall development that our program offers. From group practice, fitness training, mental toughness training, private lessons, and our coaches traveling to tournaments with players, we provide a comprehensive development program for each player.
The ATA coaching staff works to ensure our players train the right quantity and quality necessary to reach their goals. We have studied both the USTA's and a combination of European National Federations' recommendations on the training and competition plans for high performance players (top 50 and higher U.S. National ranking.) Because our players want to compete at the highest level (top 50 and higher U.S. national ranking) they train more and better hours. Summary of 2008-2009 ATA Academy Programs LEVEL 1 - 6 days As you may know, during 2007-2008, ATA focused on determining the right quantity and quality of training necessary to reach the goals of our players. In 2007-2008, our Level 1 program went from a 5 day per week to a 6 day per week program. We have found that increasing the number of training hours for our top players has been beneficial in many ways and has improved results. Therefore, we will continue our Level 1 program as-is. ATA's Level 1 players are invited to attend the special early morning fitness workout from 6:00-7:15 am, Tuesday and Thursday mornings. These workouts are primarily in the gym, depending on the season of the year, tournament preparation cycle, and weather. This is the necessary volume of training necessary to reach high levels of performance. Coach Newman has found the early morning workout to be a special part of training high level athletes. The shared discipline and sacrifice bonds the ATA players as a unified team. LEVEL 2 - 4 days In 2008-2009, ATA is adding an additional day to our Level 2 program, creating a 4-day program. As our Level 2 players age up and advance in the competitive system they are ready for and need a higher volume of training. The Level 2 Plus program adds Friday into the training schedule for these players, as well as upgrading them to five days per week during the summer. LEVEL 2 - 3 days In 2008-2009, ATA will again offer the Level 2 3-day program. Level 2 3-day players will train Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays. Three days per week summer training is included in the Academy Fee. Focus Points for 2008-2009
Private Lessons Private lessons are not included in the Academy Fee. ATA encourages all players to choose a primary coach and undertake a regular schedule of lessons, if possible. We have a large number of highly-qualified coaches and we try to recommend a good match between player and coach. The number of private lessons will depend upon the goals, age, and stage of development of the player. The primary coach is the parent's primary contact with respect to any questions regarding the players' development. We know that communication is key and we encourage the coach, player and parent to communicate frequently via phone, email and face-to-face meetings. ATA encourages players to participate in semi-private as well as private lessons. This allows for a number positive improvements: stronger relationships with peers, greater competition between peers, maximization of coaches time and court time, and a possible reduction in private lesson costs to parents. Tournament Competition In order to increase the number of competitive experiences for our players, ATA hosts 6 sanctioned Open tournaments annually, giving our players additional tournament competition opportunities without traveling. Our players can play in the 12 Major Zones per year, plus six or more tournaments held right here at ATA. ATA also hosts the Little Mo Regionals and National Little Mo for our younger players, as well as CATA Tour tournaments and Junior Team Tennis. Our coaches will continue to take Academy players to tournaments. Tournament travel is one of the hallmarks of the ATA training program. Tournament travel with the team is beneficial in many ways, including fostering player independence, team camaraderie and time spent with the coaching staff. In 2008-2009, ATA will provide more coaches at the tournaments for our Academy players who are competing in at the ZAT, Champ and Superchamp level. We are committed to having our coaches at tournaments to mentor our players and parents through the competitive process. Players act and react differently at tournaments than they do in practice. It is vital that our coaching staff see and help players in these crucial times. As always, Academy Level 1 and 2 players will not be charged a "coaching fee" for the coaches time, but will only be charged a percentage of the coaches travel expenses for "covered" tournaments. These are the covered tournaments:
Please email Coach Newman if you have questions about the coaching fee for a "non-covered" tournament, e.g. Opens, ITFs, etc. Please note that players traveling with their parents will also be charged a percentage of the coaches travel expenses, but the parent will be responsible for reserving and paying for their hotel accommodations, as well as having responsibility for getting players to and from matches and to and from the tournament. Academy coaches are at tournaments to watch and help guide Academy Level 1 and Level 2 players. They will also try to watch other ATA program players when possible and practical. As in 2007-2008, the 2008-2009 year will have Monday through Thursday as our regular practice days with a set team of coaches. Each level will have a team of coaches working with that group of players. Coaches and players will not flow in and out of practice for private lessons. Lessons will be scheduled around the core practice time. The entire coaching staff knows our daily practice is the most important part of our training program. During practice in 2007-2008, we have tried have players practice players together in peer groups. This practice will continue in 2008-2009. Academy Program Patron Benefits The Academy Level 1 and Level 2 Fee includes Patron membership at the top level for ATA players and their families. Separately, this would cost $750 for the initiation fee plus $75 per month. Players and Academy parents may make court reservations on a space-available basis by calling the Pro Shop. Parents are also considered members for USTA and WTTA league teams and team clinics. Parents may also use the ATA Fitness Center during specified time periods. Academy Level 1 players receive a 20% discount in the ATA Pro Shop. Level 2 players receive a 10% discount. Discounts apply to all regularly priced merchandise and stringing. Sale items and food and beverage items are not included. 2008-2009 ACADEMY FEES
If you have any questions about this program, please contact Deb Cahill at 512.680.8057 or deb.cahill@austintennisacademy.com. |
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+1 512.276.2271
+1 512.276.2272
