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COURTPLAY ATHLETICS

Our Mission is to use tennis as a

vehicle to have a positive impact on the

overall development of our athletes

Contents
Making Athletes

Junior Pathway

Cracking the Code

Junior Pathway - descriptions

Beyond the Court

25

Cardio Tennis

26

Play2Learn

27

Learn2Play

28

Making Athletes

At Courtplay
Athletics we
believe creating a
strong athletic
foundation will
allow us to create
the best tennis
players.

Junior Pathway
8

5yrs

CODE
RED

INTRODUCTORY CLASSES AGES 5-8

10

CODE ORANGE

INTRODUCTORY CLASSES AGES 8-10

PERFORMANCE

MASTERY

Phase 1

Phase 2

Phase 3

2.0 - 2.9

3.0 - 3.9

1.0 - 1.9

PERFORMANCE

MASTERY

Phase 4

Phase 5

4.4 - 4.9

CODE GREEN

INTRODUCTORY CLASSES AGES 10+

6.0 - 6.3

4.0 - 4.3

INTRODUCTORY

12yrs+

5.0 - 5.9

PERFORMANCE

MASTERY

COMPLETION

Phase 6

Phase 7

Phase 8

6.4 - 6.9

7.0 - 7.9

Cracking the Code

During Code Red, Orange and Green the objective is

to acquire the fundamental skills of tracking, basic
footwork and proper contact points with a base
understanding of tactics. These classes will be based
off of age and used as an introductory class for
students who are new to the program and/or need to
strengthen their foundation enough to graduate into
the pathway.

Junior Pathway

CODE GREEN

CODE ORANGE

(Ages 5-8)

4
2

CODE RED
INTRODUCTORY - PHASE 1

(Ages 5-8)

Phase 1

In Phase 1 the groundwork is laid with foundational skills that will set players up
for success in the rest of our pathway. Each Phase 1 class utilizes a play-based
approach to focus on skill development in the following categories:

Balance

Agility

Coordination

Racquet Skills

1. Single leg stability

6. Running

11. Changing Directions

14. Continental Grip

2. Split Step

7. Jumping

12. Sending/Receiving

15. Self Rally

3. Lunge Step

8. Lateral Movement

13. Physical Coordination

16. Contact point

4. Dynamic Balance

9. Accelerating

5. Center of Gravity

10. Decelerating

- Bi-Lateral
- Skipping
-Twisting/Turning
- Eyes/Hands
- Eyes/Feet

17. Modified Partner Rally

CODE RED
PERFORMANCE - PHASE 2

(Ages 5-8)

Phase 2
Phase 2 builds off of the work started in Phase 1 and begins to add more intent to
the skills being developed. Athletically, the players development expands to
include speed, tennis specific footwork and dynamic balance. Tactically, players
begin to utilize larger spaces for rallies while implementing tactics from various
parts of the court. The rallies increase in consistency and duration and the player
becomes more aware of the effect their actions have on their opponent.
It is during this phase that the player is introduced to rally based competition
through In- house match play, Junior Team Tennis and Special Events.
Once a player completes Phases 1 & 2, they have cracked the code and are
considered graduates of our Code Red program. They have demonstrated a
strong understanding of the foundations of movement, balance, proper contact &
and tactical intent and are ready to learn to use more advanced tools to execute
that intent.

Phase 3
MASTERY PHASE

(Ages 5-8)

3.0 - 3.9

Transitions from Red ball to Orange

Phase 3
Entrance into Phase 3 marks the beginning of the end of a players Red Ball
training. During the first half of Phase 3 they will learn to play with appropriate
forehand and backhand grips, utilize topspin, recognize basic patterns and
anticipate their opponents response. Players will also begin to compete in USTA
Sanctioned red ball tournaments.
As the player reaches the halfway point in Phase 3 we begin the transition to the
60 court & orange low compression ball. The player will begin to experience
variations in the court size and shape as well as the speed of the ball, in order to
test and strengthen their movement and tactical and technical capabilities.
Once a player graduates Phase 3 they will have a solid understanding of the
Forehand, Backhand and continental grip techniques. They will be able to
execute proper technique and shot selection with consistency, balance and
tactical intent when playing from the 60 court service line. Graduates of Phase 3
will move directly to Phase 4 and will not need to go through the Code Orange
program.

CODE ORANGE

INTRODUCTORY PHASE

4.0 - 4.3

(Ages 8-10)

Our Code Orange program is a great opportunity for players between the ages of 8 & 10 to be
introduced to the Courtplay Athletics pathway. For beginners, we are able to lay a complete physical,
technical & tactical foundation right from the onset of their tennis career.
Additionally, some intermediate Code Orange players will have playing experience in both
training and competitive environments. However, prior to entering the pathway they may need
work in one or more of the areas we deem fundamental to success in the program. Those areas
can include but may not be limited to:
1.

Footwork (split step, recovery, etc.)

2.

Balance (static & dynamic)

3.

Mastery of the continental grip

4.

Tactical understanding and execution

5.

Independence & maturity

Regardless of whether a player is deemed beginner or intermediate, once they can consistently
demonstrate these things in both competitive and training environments they have Cracked the
Code and are graduated into the rest of the pathway.

CODE ORANGE

Phase 4
PERFORMANCE PHASE 4.4 - 4.9

(Ages 8-10)

Phase 4

Once a player reaches Phase 4. It is time to increase our focus on

more advanced technical development. Players will also continue to
improve on overall movement and balance in the 60ft space. As they
progress through Phase 4 players gain a deeper understanding of
groundstroke, volley and serve fundamentals. Phase 4 students will
learn to effectively utilize all strokes, demonstrate variety in their shot
selection, use spin, depth and movement patterns. Upon completion,
they will be ready to move to Phase 5 and experiment with more
advanced tactical concepts.

Phase 5

MASTERY PHASE 5.0 - 5.9

(Ages 8-10)

Transitions from Orange ball to Green

Phase 5

A player in Phase 5 has demonstrated technical proficiency with the forehand and backhand
groundstrokes, continental grip, basic movement patterns & balance in the 60 space. Now that
these fundamentals have become more intrinsic, the player can turn their conscious focus to their
tactical development. During the first half of Phase 5 players will learn the structure of a point and
how to perform in each segment. They will also learn how to play from various parts of court, how
to recognize their opponents strengths, weaknesses and preferred patterns while implementing
patterns of their own.
During the second half of Phase 5 players begin their transition to the green dot ball and 78 ft
court. Coaches keep a close eye on technique to ensure that the increase in strategic and
competitive play does not allow for a technical breakdown during the transitional period.
Additionally, as the players move in to the larger court space with a faster ball, coaches watch to
make certain that the overall balance, quality of movement, and stroke production are maintained.
Competitively, players at this stage are participating in USTA Sanctioned Orange Ball events
and will begin Green dot ball/78 in house events. Upon graduation of Phase 5 a player will move
directly to Phase 6 and will not need to complete Code Green

CODE GREEN

INTRODUCTORY PHASE

5.0 - 5.3

(Ages 10+)

Our Code Green program is the next opportunity for players to gain entry into our pathway. Code
Green is ideal for beginner intermediate players ages 10 or older. Given the wider age range, all
Code Green classes are split based on a students social and tennis specific needs, in an effort to
create the most appropriate learning environment possible.
For beginners, we are able to lay a complete physical, technical & tactical foundation right from the
onset of their tennis career. Additionally, some intermediate Code Green players will have playing
experience in both training and competitive environments. However, prior to entering the pathway they
may need work in one or more of the areas we deem fundamental to success in the program. Those
areas can include but may not be limited to:
1. Footwork (split step, recovery, etc.)
2. Balance (static & dynamic)
3. Mastery of the continental grip
4. Tactical understanding and execution
5. Independence & maturity
Regardless of whether a player is deemed beginner or intermediate, once they can consistently
demonstrate these things in both competitive and training environments they have Cracked the Code
and are graduated into the rest of the pathway.

CODE GREEN

Phase 6
PERFORMANCE PHASE 6.0 - 6.9

(Ages 9-11)

Transitions from Green ball to Yellow

Phase 6

EQUIPEMENT:

In the early stages of Phase 6 we continue to develop and refine the

fundamentals of a players technique using the full 78 court and the green dot
ball. Proper use of the kinetic chain, loading and unloading techniques and
overall physical development continue to be paramount as they typically
experience growth spurts and other physical maturation during this period. As the
player progresses through Phase 6, we revisit many of the tactical concepts
initially introduced in Phase 5 and cover new concepts appropriate for the larger
space, faster ball and advanced technique.
Towards the end of Phase 6, players will complete the transition to the standard
(yellow) ball. During this process a close eye is kept on the maintenance and
steady improvement of all physical, technical and tactical proficiencies developed
up to this point.

Phase 7
MASTERY PHASE

(Ages 10-12yrs)

7.0 - 7.9

Phase 7
If Phases 1-6 are the building blocks, Phase 7 is the glue. The timing
of our 7th phase falls in line with Isban Balis Learn to Train phase of
the Long Term Athletic Development model (LTAD). By the time a
player has reached this point he/she will have a complete technical
and tactical foundation and the player can be introduced to higher
volume and more repetitive live ball training methods without
significant risk of regression. Training becomes more focused on
repetition, tactical patterns and intent, mental and physical conditioning
as well as more intensive competition preparation.
Competitively, Phase 7 players are regularly competing at the sectional
level and have likely been introduced to a regional or national
schedule.

Phase 8
COMPLETION

(Ages 12+yrs)

Phase 8

At Courtplay Athletics, we believe that learning is a lifelong

process. As coaches, players and as people we are constantly
on a mission to become better than we were the day before.
Reaching Phase 8 exemplifies that understanding. Students
who have reached Phase 8 have patiently followed their path
to tennis and personal mastery. Phase 8 signifies the students
development of an extremely solid foundation which will allow
the student to progress as far as they are willing to go.

24

Beyond the Court

MICHAEL HARPER JR

OTHMANE GARMA

Were in the character

development business
.We just drive a big

yellow tennis bus.

FARSHAD GARAKANI

They don't care how much

The quieter you become
you know until they know how
the more
you can
hear.
We at Courtplay
Athletics
believe
in the holistic development of the student.
much you
care.
On-court coaching is no longer sufficient when teaching
tennis.
Mental and

tactical training are no longer confined to the dimensions of the tennis court.
Using our adaptive methodology we are able to cater to the different learning
styles of all of our students.

Meet
the FOUNDERS
25

26

CARDIO TENNIS

A fun group fitness activity using fast paced

tennis games and drills for players of all ability
and fitness levels featuring music and heart rate
monitors. it is a calorie burning social fitness
activity for people of all ages.
- Participants consistently elevate their heart
rates into their aerobic training zone
- Participants can burn more calories than
singles or doubles tennis

26

Cardio Tennis is similar to interval training which

is periods of high intensity followed by short
periods of rest. Interval training is the best way
to train for optimal health and fitness
While participants are playing tennis, the focus is
primarily on getting a great workout while
Improving your tennis skills.
Cardio Tennis is a healthy workout that
generates amazing results!

PLAY2LEARN

ADULT BEGINNERS

Our Play2Learn program is a great opportunity for Adults to be introduced to the Courtplay
Athletics Adult Pathway. For beginners, we are able to lay a complete technical & tactical
foundation right from the onset of their tennis journey.
Additionally, some intermediate Play2Learn players will have had playing
experience in both training and competitive environments. However, prior to entering
the next level, Learn2Play, they may need work in one or more of the areas we
deem fundamental to success in the program. Those areas can include but may not
be limited to:
1.

Footwork (split step, recovery, etc.)

2.

Balance (static & dynamic)

3.

Mastery of the continental grip

4.

Tactical understanding and execution

Regardless of whether a player is deemed beginner or intermediate, once they can

consistently demonstrate proficiency in both competitive and training environments
they have graduated to Learn2Play.

27

LEARN2PLAY

ADULT INTERMEDIATE

28

Once a player reaches Learn2Play it is time to increase

our focus on more advanced technical development.
Players will also continue to improve on overall movement
and balance.
As they progress through, Learn2Play
players will gain a deeper understanding of groundstroke,
volley and serve fundamentals. Learn2Play
students will
learn to effectively utilize all strokes, demonstrate variety in
their shot selection, use spin, depth and movement patterns.