Youth Tennis Progression: How to Become a Top Junior Tennis Player

Youth Tennis Progression - How to Become a Top Junior Tennis Player

Progressing your child’s tennis game can be a daunting task. Elite Sports Clubs, through its decades leading Wisconsin junior tennis players to the top, has a suggested progression for your child. We provide two paths, one for the 10 and under tennis player and another for the 11 and over tennis player. Each path offers 9-10 steps with the ultimate goal of collegiate tennis. Most junior tennis players do not exceed step 4. These steps should be guidelines as each child is unique and you should consult their tennis professional for more personalized advice.

Ages 3-10: The path to becoming a top junior tennis player

Step 1: Attend a group tennis lesson once per week.
Step 2: Add an occasional Elite QuickStart Tournament or play with your child. For ages 7 and older, your child may attend a Junior Tennis Party.
Step 3: Attend two tennis lessons per week. Add either a group, private or semi-private lesson.
Step 4: Increase frequency of your Elite QuickStart Tournaments or playing with your child.
Suggestion: QuickStart Tournament at another Elite Sports Club, or challenge ladder.
Step 5: Attend three tennis lessons per week. Add either a group, private or semi-private lesson.
Note: You may want to consult your tennis professional about an invitational tennis class at step 5.
Step 6: Attend more advanced Elite tennis events.
Suggestion: Non-Ranked Rookie Tournaments.
Step 7: Get your child a 10 and Under USTA (United States Tennis Association) membership. Ask an Elite Tennis Professional for details.
Step 8: Start playing 10 and Under USTA Tournaments. This may be an overwhelming experience. Use Elite’s Tennis Professionals to assist you.
Step 9: Receive an invitation from the USTA Competitive Training Center when your child receives a top Wisconsin state ranking.
Note: The next progression is post QuickStart level.

Ages 9-18: The path to becoming a top junior tennis player

Step 1: Attend a group tennis lesson once per week.
Step 2 Add an occasional special Elite junior tennis event or play with your child. Elite recommends your child participate in a Junior Tennis Party.
Step 3: Attend two tennis lessons per week. Add either a group, private or semi-private lesson.
Step 4: Increase frequency of your special Elite junior tennis events and/or playing with your child.
Suggestions: Doubles Tournament at ME or NS, Challenge Ladder at ME, or Non-Ranked Rookie Tournament.
Step 5: Attend three tennis lessons per week. (Add either a group, private or semi-private lesson.)
Note: You may want to consult your tennis professional about an invitational class at this point.
Step 6: Get an USTA (United States Tennis Association) membership. Ask an Elite Tennis Professional for details.
Step 7: Start playing in USTA Tournaments. Discuss with a tennis pro which tournaments your child should play.
Step 8: Tennis-specific conditioning to increase strength, on-court quickness, and injury prevention. Step 8 can be introduced at any level of tennis player.
Step 9: Play tennis four times per week.
Step 10: Receive an invitation from the USTA Competitive Training Center when your child receives a top Wisconsin state ranking.
NOTE: The next progression is Midwest, National USTA tournaments, playing 5 days a week.

Ready to get your child started in youth tennis or would like more advice on the steps to take? Please out this form and you will be contacted by one of Elite Sports Clubs experienced tennis professionals.

Elite Sports Clubs also offers year-round youth tennis lessons. We have the largest junior tennis program in the state of Wisconsin. Register for youth tennis lessons at Elite Sports Clubs.

You can also check out our racquet sports calendar to view all tennis-related programs and events.

Did you play tennis as a child? What do you think most benefited you then (and now) in improving your game?

1 Comment

  • Jyl Krohn says:

    Looking for a tennis membership for our daughter. She is a current varsity player at Brookfield Academy. Looking for privates and group after season is over.