If your child wants to play on his or her high school tennis team, compete in USTA tournaments or just enjoy the sport of tennis, there is a program at The Racquet Club of Lake Bluff to meet your child’s level of play. 

The Racquet Club of Lake Bluff is taking its Junior Program to a higher level by redesigning its curriculum of how students are placed in groups.  Students will be carefully placed according to their age and skills. This enhanced curriculum, consistent evaluation, tests and competition, will ensure the development of our students.     

The Racquet Club and its skilled high level coaches’s goal is to make our students the best they can be both on and off the court. 

Development path: 

WHITE: 

For children from 4 to 6 years old new to tennis:

They will be instructed using shorter racquets (17 to 19 inches), playing on smaller area (26 feet) with no net and using big 10 inch inflatable balls. 

They will learn how to hold a racquet, rallying a rolling ball, hitting the ball above their head and the first notions of matches.

PURPLE: 

For children from 5 to 8 years old (5-6yo with appropriate skills and 7-8yo new to tennis). They will be instructed using shorter racquets (17 to 21 inches), playing on a smaller area (36 feet) with a lower net (20 inches) and using 6 inches mildly inflated balls.

They will learn: 

They will start hitting balls over the net, before and after a bounce and also serving, hitting the ball over their  head to start playing matches: Calling balls, the score, following and memorizing the score.

RED: 

For children from 6 to 9 years old (6-8yo with appropriate skills and 9yo new to tennis). They will be instructed using shorter racquets (19 to 23 inches), playing on a smaller area (42 feet) over a  regular but lowered net (31 inches) and using red dot balls.

They will learn:

Serving from the baseline, being consistent rallying from the baseline, approaching the net, hitting volleys and overheads to be able to move the opponent, being more effective when competing. The rules and the mental aspect of the game (staying focused and concentrated) will be taught as well.

ORANGE: 

For children from 7 to 9 years old with appropriate skills:

They will be instructed using shorter racquets (21 to 25 inches), playing on a reduced court (59×27 feet) over a  lowered 31 inch net and using orange dot balls.

They will learn: 

How to become better competitors, by using appropriate footwork, being more consistent, placing balls better, accelerating shots, using a variety of strokes and spins.  

Strategy wise, they will learn when to defend and when to attack playing singles and doubles matches.

GREEN: 

For children from 9 to 11 years old with appropriate skills: 

They will be instructed using appropriate size racquets (25 to 27 inches), playing on a full court over a regular  size net and using green dot balls.

They will learn:

How to become versatile players with enhanced technical skills allowing them to apply tactical patterns when  competing in singles and doubles. Some etiquette rules, respecting the opponent and keeping the right  attitude whatever the circumstances.

BLUE Age 10-17

For children 10 to 17 years old:

STAGE 1:

They will be instructed using appropriate size racquets (25 to 27 inches), playing on a full court over a regular  size net and using green dot and regular balls.

Goal: 

It is never too late to learn the game ! Whatever your age, you can always improve, get better and catch up  with those that started at a younger age. 

They will learn the basics of the game to allow them to start playing matches. 

STAGE 2:

They will be instructed using appropriate size racquets (25 to 27 inches), playing on a full court over a regular  size net and using regular balls. 

Goal: 

Polishing their technical skills, learning tactics and developing an awareness of opportunities and recognition of opponents strengths and weaknesses.

BRONZE: 

For children from 11 to 17 years old with appropriate skills.

Goal: 

The bronze program will develop skills to maintain appropriate ball control and improve consistency.  Players will also be taught to develop an awareness of an opponent’s strength and weakness. This level requires an evaluation unless approved by the level director.

SILVER: 

For children from 11 to 17 years old with appropriate skills:

Goal:  

The Silver program will focus on drills to improve competitive skills for team and tournament play.   This level will also develop the awareness of the opponents shots and court position to make tactical decisions.  This level requires an evaluation unless approved by the level director. 

GOLD: 

For children from 14 to 17 year old with appropriate skills: 

Goal:

The gold program is designed for high school and USTA tournament players.  Focusing on developing tactical and technical skills while establishing strong stroke fundamentals.   This level requires an evaluation unless approved by the level director.

COMPETITION NIGHT – Each week, junior players have the opportunity to compete in coach-supervised matches that strengthen and enhance the skills learned during classes.  Technique and strategy can be reviewed in real-time, allowing the player an opportunity to make appropriate adjustments.  Players can also develop their “coachability” which will be important if they are seeking to compete at the high school/college level.

PRIVATE LESSONS – Private tennis lessons are a great way to focus on the individual needs of the player.  Specific instruction and reinforcement of skills learned in group classes can be integrated into the session.  Private lessons are available with any of the tennis pros at RCLB and may be reserved based on court time and pro availability. Call the Racquet Club of Lake Bluff at 847-295-1322 to learn more.

JUNIOR TRAVEL TEAMS – Junior players at RCLB participate in CITA (Chicagoland Indoor Tennis Association) travel leagues.  These Saturday-based leagues are held in the fall for boys and winter/early spring for girls, providing players with competitive opportunities outside their high school seasons.

Junior walk-on court time is a very popular club membership benefit.  Junior members who are enrolled in a class program, are able to hit with each other, at no cost, when a court is available to walk-on. Reservations are not available for walk-on courts. Contact The Racquet Club of Lake Bluff at 847-295-1322 for more information.

WALK ON POLICY:

• Child is a current member of The Racquet Club of Lake Bluff.
• Child is a current participant our club’s Junior Program.
• Court time may not be reserved ahead of time.
• Child is playing with another current junior member who is participating in a junior program, or…
• Child is playing with one parent, and parent is a current member.
• Family has a Family Membership with one member of family enrolled in a junior or adult program.
• Player has a Student Membership.