Austin Tennis Academy News

Spring Break Camp: Wednesday Morning

Jack Newman — 2010-03-17T10:44:23-06:00

After a brief interruption from the rain on Tuesday, the morning campers were back on the court today. Below are a few pictures from the QuickStart group, utilizing junior size racquets and low compression balls.

Coaches Norm, John and Jim talk to the group before breaking into small groups.

Rhiannon and Rouge Rodriguez practice controlling the ball by bouncing it up and down ten times in a row.

Coach John shows Madison Hinojosa the correct preparation on her forehand.

Lisa Stapleton takes a swing with her backhand.

Noelle Armstrong awaits the ball in her perfect ready position.

Kyle Armstrong steps into a forehand.

Spring Break Camp: Monday Morning

Jack Newman — 2010-03-17T10:30:03-06:00

Monday marked the commencement of the 2010 Spring Break Camp at the Austin Tennis Academy. The camp offers junior athletes of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to improve at a rapid rate through intensive training in a fun environment. See some pictures below, and a video of the group doing a team chant.

Coach Davis talks to the morning group about the days agenda.

Ela Raczka freezes her finish on a forehand volley.

The group comes together at the end to do an ATA team chant led by Chris Dale and Scott Cahill.

Academy, Fitness, and JD Pics and Videos from Thursday

Jack Newman — 2010-03-12T13:24:53-06:00

Below are a few pictures and videos from Thursday's Academy practice, Junior Development practice, and Fitness with Coach Strecker. Take a look:

The Academy and JD groups combine for an ATA team chant.

The Academy group does a combination of medicine ball and footwork drills.

The group works on side-to-side movement.

Shelby and Synclair rally with the low-compression balls.

Max hits a forehand as he rallies to try and make 100 balls.

ATA Athletes and Coaches Team up with Courier and Martin

Jack Newman — 2010-03-10T11:29:08-06:00

A few of ATA's coaches and players participated in a team competition on Saturday to benefit Children of Fallen Soldiers.. The event, hosted by Lakeway Tennis Center, features eight area tennis professionals and two junior champions. Tennis greats Todd Martin and Jim Courier also played, while Murphy Jensen hosted.

Children of Fallen Soldiers helps finance education for children of soldiers from Ft. Hood killed in the line of duty. To learn more about this non-profit organization click the link here: Children of Fallen Soldiers.

Below are a few pictures from the event:

Dax Viroux, Todd Martin and Josh Hagar.

Blake Davis and David Corrie.

Coach Notis and Sydney Young with Murphy Jensen.

Josh and Jim Courier play a bit of doubles.

Academy Practice on Tuesday

Jack Newman — 2010-03-10T10:49:14-06:00

Tuesday brought a reminder of what awaits in the summer, with what felt like the warmest day of the year. The beautiful weather was welcomed after another rainy day on Monday, which translated into a great afternoon on the courts.

The practice went like this:

Hand-fed drills; Serves; Point situations; Overhead game; Fitness.

Here are a couple pictures:

Maggie O'Meara plants her right leg before uncoiling on a forehand.

Syndey 'Syd the Kid' Young brushes up the back of the ball while hitting a topspin forehand.

Payton Holden steps into his two-handed backhand during point-play on Tuesday.

ATA Ed Investment Class Visits Dimensional Fund Advisors

Jack Newman — 2010-03-08T12:54:04-06:00

This past Thursday, the ATA Investment class visited Dimensional Fund Advisors. The class entered the conference hall, listened to lectures from entry level employees to top managers - getting a better understanding of what it takes to be successful in business and in life and the importance of building blocks, educational preparation and matching talents to passions. Students were then taken on a tour of the trading floor and the remainder of the beautifully architected facility.

See a few photos below.

The group poses for a picture with Dan Young, father of Sydney, Ali and Drew.

The group listens to a lecture by Mr. Young.

See Pictures From Thursday's Practice

Jack Newman — 2010-03-05T17:03:44-06:00

Pictures from Academy practice on Thursday:

Taylor Shamshiri gets low for a backhand.

Keaton Qualls uses his quickness to run down a ball.

Meghan O'Malley shows off her early preparation on her forehand.

Breck Spencer steps across to hit a closed stance forehand.

Pictures and Videos From Tuesday's Practice; Davis vs Curry and More

Jack Newman — 2010-03-02T17:51:21-06:00

The objective on Tuesday: Awareness. The idea is to be more aware of the specifics of a situation in order to adapt your position and make the correct return choice. The Academy players worked on this concept visually and mentally on Monday, and transitioned to on-court application of it on Tuesday. See a few pictures and videos below.

Blake Davis battles from the baseline before crushing a forehand and moving in.

Chase Curry uses his patience and consistency to take a point from Blake Davis.

Coach Strecker talks to the group about what the lesson and how exactly to apply it.

Charlie Shin locks in on the ball as he loads his backhand.

Julian Sweeney, a new ATA athlete, works on his backhand return.

Allie Burak connects with a topspin forehand as she battles Brooke Hughes in a match.

ATA Alumn Jonathan Stockdale Plays First College Match as a Hilltopper

Jack Newman — 2010-03-02T09:51:57-06:00

Former Austin Tennis Academy player Jonathan Stockdale competed in his first college tennis duel-match on Sunday, against the University of Texas. Stockdale, a freshman at St. Edward’s University here in Austin, stepped in at line 3 doubles with partner Bernie Lancaster, and line 6 singles for the Hilltoppers.

Take a look below at a couple pictures and a short video of Jonathan as he competes at the Penick-Allison Tennis Center, the home courts of the UT Longhorns.

Stockdale surveys the other side as he decides where to serve.

Jonathan sets the ball in the air before unleashing his first serve.

Stockdale uses his forehand and footwork as he battles UT's line 6 player.

2010 AWTA Adult Mixed Doubles Mixer/Tournament

Jack Newman — 2010-02-28T21:46:28-06:00

Dear ATA Patrons, Parents and Friends,

We are holding our annual AWTA Mixed Doubles Mixer/Tournament on Friday, March 26 for the Austin Women’s Tennis Association. Please mark your calendars and sign up ASAP. Male/Female teams play in a fun format (see below) and enjoy delicious food and adult beverages, all wrapped up into a fun evening of tennis and mingling! I think this is my 13th year as tournament director so I can tell you from experience that it is always a good time!

You can sign up by turning in the form attached to this email or just printing out the form below. Please email me with any questions you have and feel free to forward this to all your tennis friends. It doesn’t matter if you are a 2.5 or a 4.5 player – all levels are included and placed with the appropriate group. Weekend warriors are welcome!!!

Thanks,

Deb Cahill

2010 AWTA Adult Mixed Doubles Mixer/Tournament

Date: Friday, March 26, 2010. No rain date.

Time: 6:00 sign-in, 6:30 start.

Tournament Director: Deb Cahill (cell phone: 512/680-8057)

Deadline: Monday, March 22.

Entry amount: $15 per person in advance, plus $15 AWTA membership fee for the woman

Mark your calendars for the annual AWTA Mixed Doubles Mixer/Tournament on Friday evening, March 26 at the Austin Tennis Academy. The Austin Tennis Academy is located in Spanish Oaks, which is off of Highway 71W just west of RR620 (see map on ATA website www.austintennisacademy.com). The phone number at the Academy is 512/276-2271. We will be playing 6 first-to-4 game mini-sets in a King and Queen of the Mountain format with 2 flights. The Social flight will be for a combined rating of 7.5 and above. The Extremely Social flight will be for a combined rating of 7.0 and below. Teams with a 4.0 layers will most likely be placed in the upper flight. Coveted bag tags will be awarded to each flight winners and finalists. As always, delicious food and adult beverages will be served. Only ages 21 AND OVER may enter. Sign up with a partner or Deb will try to find one for you. Send in your check with your entry info to the address below. You can also email Deb at deb.cahill@austintennisacademy.com and follow up with a check. This event always fills up quickly, so the first ones to get in their entries will get in first. No refunds for withdrawals. Please find a sub if you have to withdraw. We welcome waiting list players, on site subs and non-playing significant others/cheerleaders as well. In the event of inclement weather, please come anyway, because we will eat and drink and try to play when the courts are playable. Feel free to forward this invitation to all of your tennis playing friends. All levels are welcome! Please note: If I do not have a check from you, you are not registered. I cannot accept checks the evening of the event due to time constraints.

2010 Summer Tennis Training Camps

Jim — 2010-02-27T16:12:26-06:00

Sports Software
by Active Network

This summer, your child can take advantage of the Austin Tennis Academy’s tennis camps to progress at a rapid rate. Each camp is designed to provide the greatest development of your child’s physical, mental, technical, and tactical performance levels.

Sessions

Week 1: June 7-11^*
Week 2: June 14-18
Week 3: June 21-25
Week 4: June 28-July 2
Week 5: July 5-9
Week 6: July 12-16
Week 7: July 19-23
Week 8: July 26-30
Week 9: August 2-6
Week 10: August 9-13
Week 11: August 16-20
^*Summer Grand Slam Training Camp - Superchamp-level only

Times

QuickStart Camp 9:00am – 10:30am (age 5-8)
Morning Camp 9:00am – 12:00pm
All Day Entry Level Camp 9:00am – 4:00pm
Tournament Tough Training Camp 1:00pm – 4:00pm^**
All Day Tournament Tough Training Camp 9:00am – 4:00pm^**
^**advanced Champ and Superchamp-level only

Cost

QuickStart Camp $110/week ($25/day drop-in)
Morning Camp $235/week ($75/day drop-in)
All Day Entry Level Camp $495/week ($125/day drop-in) including DVD
Tournament Tough Training Camp $260/week ($75/day drop-in)
All Day Tournament Tough Camp $495/week ($125/day drop-in) lunch, DVD and video analysis

Quick Start Camp

9:00am - 10:30am ($110 per week or $25 per day)
The Quick Start tennis format used by the Austin Tennis Academy gives kids the opportunity to rally a ball over the net and learn to play points as quickly as possible - all in a fun environment. Our coaches recognize the importance of starting kids off well, and with success. The ATA was instrumental in developing this groundbreaking nationwide program and served as the pilot program for the USTA. This program uses the appropriate size racquet, court and ball to allow kids to do more – faster! Suggested Age: 5-8 years old.

Morning Camp

9:00am - 12:00pm ($235 per week or $75 per day)
Players will improve their game by learning fundamental skills, practicing game situations, and improving overall movement. Using the latest techniques and international innovations, players learn valuable athletic skills for tennis and other sports. Take home DVD of each player is included.

Afternoon “Tournament Tough” Camp

1:00pm-4:00pm ($260 per week or $75 per day)
Tournament players will improve their game by using competitive game situations, technical training and point play, as well as movement and flexibility training. This camp is limited to Champ and Superchamp-level. ATA Academy players will be training at this time.

All Day Entry Level Camp

9:00am - 4:00pm ($495 per week or $125 per day)
ATA’s full day camp includes both morning and afternoon sessions. Lunch is included. Players will improve their game by learning fundamental skills, practicing game situations, and improving overall movement. Using the latest techniques and international innovations, players learn valuable athletic skills for tennis and other sports. After lunch, players will participate in off-court activities, such as swimming, miniature golf, and other fun activities. A minimum of 6 players is required. Take home DVD of each player is included.

All Day Tournament Tough Training Camp

9:00am—4:00pm ($495 per week or $125 per day)
ATA’s full day camp includes both morning and afternoon sessions. Lunch is included. Tournament players will improve their game by using competitive game situations, technical training and point play, as well as movement and flexibility training. This camp is limited to Champ and Superchamp-level. ATA Academy players will be training at this time. Take home DVD of each player and video analysis (one day) is included.

Policies

Registration must be made online.
Payment in advance is required to reserve your slot.
ATA camps are held rain or shine. Indoor sessions are held in the event of inclement weather.
No refunds or make-ups for days missed.
Weekly rate applies to that particular week only (no carryover).
Medical Release and Hold Harmless must be filled out online.
Lunch may be purchased if ordered in advance for $7. Lunch is included for all day campers.
Players may leave credit card on file to cover pro shop purchases, lunch, etc.
Private housing may be available. Email info@austintennisacademy.com to inquire.
Early drop-off and late pick-up is available upon request for $50 per week.

Share this Summer Tennis Training Camps flyer with others to have them join the fun.

Sports Software
by Active Network

Secure League Management & Sports Registration by Active Network

Spring Break Tennis Training Camp

Jim — 2010-02-27T14:39:03-06:00

This spring break, your child can take advantage of the Austin Tennis Academy’s tennis camp to progress at a rapid rate. Each camp is designed to provide the greatest development of your child’s physical, mental, technical and tactical performance levels.

Date: March 15-19th

Times

QuickStart Camp 9:00am – 10:30am (age 5-8)
Morning Camp 9:00am – 12:00pm
All Day Entry Level Camp 9:00am – 4:00pm (Minimum of 4 required)
Tournament Tough Training Camp 1:00pm – 4:00pm^*
All Day Tournament Tough Training Camp 9:00am – 4:00pm^*
^*advanced Champ and Superchamp-level only

Cost

QuickStart Camp $110 ($25/day drop-in)
Morning Camp $235 ($75/day drop-in)
All Day Entry Level Camp $495 ($125/day drop-in)
Tournament Tough Training Camp $260 ($75/day drop-in)
All Day Tournament Tough Training Camp $495 ($125/day drop-in)

To sign up please contact Deb Cahill.

Share this Spring Break Tennis Training Camp flyer with others to have them join the fun.

Videos/Pictures Of Practice and Fitness on Thursday

Jack Newman — 2010-02-26T21:23:31-06:00

Below are a few videos and a picture from Thursday's practice. Take a look.

Coach Jack Newman shows Meghan O'Malley exactly how to generate spin on her serve.

Jake Berber and Dylan Ritter attempt to keep the ball behind the service line while playing a point.

Zane Ritter shows off his defensive skills.

The last part of practice each day is dedicated to fitness of some kind with Coach Royce and Coach Strecker. Below is a brief look at some of the things they do.

The Academy players zig zag between cones.

Texas Cup Match: St. Stephen's vs ATA; See Pictures Here

Jack Newman — 2010-02-24T12:47:26-06:00

The Austin Tennis Academy athletes battled St. Stephen's this past weekend in a Texas Cup duel match. The top 12 boys and 12 girls from each academy competed in a round robin style tournament.

After two days of tennis, one at each academy, and 96 matches played, St. Stephen's earned the overall victory. See pictures from the weekend below.

Coach Strecker and Dax Viroux give the camera a thumbs up.

Brooke Hughes loads her legs before attacking a serve.

Coach John offers some advice to Allie Burak on a changeover.

Ali Young, Danielle Cuteri and Meghan O'Malley show off their creative shakers they use for cheering.

A focused Jeff Offerdahl walks towards the baseline as his teammates cheer him on outside the fence.

From right: Jake Berber, Blake Davis, Colton Malesovas, Garrett Callen, Daniel Howell and Charlie Shin.

Pictures of Snow Day at ATA

Jack Newman — 2010-02-23T15:32:25-06:00

With a sudden snow fully this morning, the courts were covered in white and the roads were instantly dangerous. While all ATA programs were cancelled, many of the athletes spent the day enjoying the first snow fall of 2010. Take a look below.

Dylan and Zane Ritter pose with a left-handed snowman tennis player that they built today.

Meghan O'Malley, Allie Burak and Molly Fisher smile for a picture in the snow.

The ATA Education program athletes take a group photo.

Coach Notis' dog Aspen curiously explores the snow.