Grand Traverse Great Tennis!
Table of Contents Description Page Hours of Operation 4 Contact Information 4 Our Website 5 Annual Tennis Session Dates 5 Basic Procedures Signing In 5 Reserving a court 6 Court Rates 6 Scheduling a lesson 6 Reserving the Ball Machine 7 Signing up for a class 7 Registering on our website 7 Tennis Pro Shop 7 Meet the Staff 8-10 Private Tennis Lessons 11 Junior Tennis Program 12 Junior Classes 13-16 Sign-Up Procedures 16 Junior Ladders 17-18 Junior Team Tennis 19 Junior Travel Matches 19 Junior Tournaments 20 Junior Socials 21 Team Tennis Academy 21 2
Adult Tennis Program 22 Adult Classes 22-25 USTA Adult League tennis 25-26 Contract Court Time 26 Tennis Fitness 26 Racquet Stringing 27-28 Fig. 1(Contract Court Time Sample) 29-30 Fig 2. (NTRP Rating Scale) 31 Using the latest in innovative teaching techniques and learning systems, the Chris Michalowski heads up a first-class tennis instructional program at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. The passion for being at the leading edge of tennis instruction has allowed the staff to assemble a unique tennis experience. Their creativity and enthusiasm will capture players of all levels of the game. Whether you are a first-time beginner or a seasoned tournament player...you will have a great encounter improving your game under their direction. Mick and his team of fine coaches are committed to offering you a memorable tennis experience. Brett Hobden CEO Modern Tennis 3
Welcome to the Club! We would like to welcome you to our tennis program. We have a lot to offer tennis players of all abilities. Whether you are a beginner, a tournament player or just someone who wants to get out and play recreationally, there is a program designed for you. Information on what we offer can be found at www.grandtraversetennis.com. You can also ask any one of our Pros on staff by contacting them at the Heath Club. Hours of Operation Monday Thursday: 6 AM 10 PM Friday: 6 AM 11 PM Saturday: 6 AM 11 PM Sunday: 7 AM 10 PM Health Club Desk 231-534-6770 Contact Information Chris Michalowski, USPTA, Tennis Director 231-534-6776 or cmichalowski@gtresort.com Brett Barnett, USPTA, Head Tennis Professional 231-534-6785 or bbarnett@gtresort.com Julie Barnett, USPTA 231-534-6785 or jbarnett@gtresort.com To contact any of our other tennis instructors, please call the health club desk and leave a message for them 4
Our Website: www.grandtraversetennis.com Please go to our website to get answers to any questions that you may have. If you do not find what you are looking for, please do not hesitate to call one of the contact numbers on the previous page. Annual Tennis Sessions Dates (See specific dates on website) Winter Session: Early December Early march Spring Session: Early March Early June Summer Session: Mid June End of August Fall Session: Mid September End of November Basic Procedures at the Club Below are some basic procedures for reserving your time at the Health Club Signing In When you arrive at the club, you must always check-in at the desk first. Please do not hurry past the desk without signing in. You may be late or in a hurry, but it is policy that all members and guests of the club sign-in before you enjoy the club. We need to know that you are here. 5
Reserving a Tennis Court Court reservations are done on the hour. You may schedule a court up to a week in advance by calling the Health Club desk and reserving a court under your membership number. To make sure that a court is open, you can check out the court sheets online at grandtraversetennis.com and click the court scheduler link. This page will show all of the court availability for any day that you are interested in. Court Rates Court rates vary depending on the time of day you wish to reserve. Tennis time is divided into Non-Prime Time and Prime Time. Non-Prime Time court rates are $6/ court per hour and Prime Time rates are $12/court per hour. Monday Saturday Non Prime Time: Up to 4:00 PM and after 8:00 PM Prime Time: 4:00 8:00 PM Sunday All courts are at the Non Prime Time rate of $6/court per hour Scheduling a Tennis Lesson You may schedule a lesson by calling the Health Club desk at 534-6770. The desk will have the tennis professional s schedules and court availability. If there is an open court and a tennis professional is available, the desk will reserve your name in the Tennis Pro Book and reserve the court for you as well. Please do not call the pros directly to schedule a lesson. They do not know their schedule unless they are up at the desk looking at the appointment book. It will be more efficient to call 534-6770 and do it directly with the desk. Lessons do have a 2-hour cancellation policy. 6
Reserving the Ball Machine Reserving the ball machine is similar to reserving a lesson by calling the desk to reserve a court and the ball machine. Ball Machine Cost: $10 plus court time costs for both Members and Guests. Signing up for a Class See Sign-Up Procedures under the Junior program section Registering on Our Website Registering online will allow you to go to the court scheduler and find other people to play with by using the Find a Game in the member Portal Link. This will also help us get information out to you if you fill out al of your information in the fields provided There is a lot of information provided online regarding tournaments, events, programs, stringing.etc Go to www.grandtraversetennis.com Tennis Pro Shop We are currently in the process of opening a new tennis pro-shop in Adventure North, located in the Gallery of Shops. We are able to give you great deals with special order pro shop hard goods (racquets, bags, shoes etc) and apparel from Prince, Head and Wilson. Just contact Mick for any orders you may have at 534-6776. As a member, you will get 20% off retail prices on anything you order. If you order apparel for your USTA team, you will receive even bigger discounts. AS A MEMBER, YOUR DISCOUNT ON PRO SHOP ITEMS BEATS THE ONLINE TENNIS WAREHOUSE PRICES, SO MAKE SURE YOU CHECK WITH US BEFORE MAKING ANY ONLINE ORDERS. 7
Meet the Tennis Staff Chris ("Mick") Michalowski, USPTA: Director of Tennis Mick has been the Director of Tennis at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa since 1988. He oversees the Resort s tennis instruction, leagues, and tournament programs. He attended Ferris State University (FSU) from 1986 to 1988 where he majored in Marketing/Professional Tennis Management. While at FSU, as a member of the Men s Tennis Team, he was named the 1988 Professional Tennis Management Student of the Year. During the summers of 1990 through 1994, Mick was also the Director of Tennis at the Country Club of Detroit, in Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich. In 1995, he was named USPTA Midwest Tester of the Year, administering the USPTA test in the Midwest to players interested in becoming certified teaching professionals. In 2003 and 2005 Mick was awarded the State of Michigan USPTA Tennis Professional of the Year. In 2006 Mick was awarded: The Midwest junior Team Tennis Coordinator of the Year Award, the USPTA National Star Award and the USTA/USPTA National Community Service Award. He was also awarded the Midwest "Cap Leighton" Tennis Professional of the Year and the Northern Michigan tennis Volunteer of the Year award in 2007. Brett Barnett, USPTA: Head Tennis Professional Brett heads up the Junior and Adult Tennis Programs at the Resort and is a certified USPTA P1 Tennis Professional. He is a Native of Colorado Springs, CO. and he attended Methodist College and New Mexico State University. Brett Played college tennis at Methodist College for 2 years and then Coached Midwest Section 12's team at Zonal Championships in 2002. He was Racquet stringer for Connors, McEnroe, Borg, Noah at the Nuveen Challenge in 1997. He has taught as an Assistant Professional in Fort Wayne, Indiana at Pine Ridge Racquet and Fitness Club and Wildwood Racquet Club and in Charlotte, North Carolina at Carmel Country Club. Julie Barnett, USPTA: Head of Junior Development Julie Barnett is a certified USPTA P1 Tennis Professional. As a native of Iron Mountain, MI she is happy to return to northern Michigan and maintains close ties to the tennis community of the Upper Peninsula. Julie is a graduate of Indiana University of Fort Wayne with a Business Management degree. Julie will now be overseeing our new Quick Start program. Julie played two years of college tennis at Lake Superior State University in Sault Saint Marie, MI, and also played was captain of the tennis team at Indiana Purdue University Fort Wayne. While attending IPFW, she worked as an Assistant Professional at Wildwood Racquet Club. Julie worked as an Assistant Professional at both Carmel Country Club in Charlotte, NC and Pine Ridge Racquet & Fitness Club in Fort Wayne, IN where she also served as manager of the tennis pro shops. Julie will be heading up our 36/60 program both at the Resort and at the Academy 8
Karen Merrill, M.S. ATC. LMT, Tennis Instructor Karen Merrill earned her Master of Science in Exercise Science and completed the curriculum to be a certified athletic trainer at the University of South Alabama in 1996. She is a nationally certified and licensed massage therapist, an ACE certified personal trainer, clinical exercise specialist, lifestyle and weight management consultant, Cancer Exercise Specialist, American Red Cross instructor and a Pilates and Spin instructor. As a master trainer and the 2004 ACE Personal Trainer of the Year, Karen teaches exam preparation and practical training educational classes, as well as helps with test development for the American Council on Exercise. Previously, she was the director of personal training for two Gold s Gyms in Virginia and developed a physician referral program for a variety of medical disciplines to aid in the overall health and wellness of their patients. In 2005, Merrill and her husband founded Body Resolve, Inc., a company emphasizing personal training, athletic training, sports specific conditioning and massage therapy. Body Resolve Inc. focuses on individuals with multiple needs and goals from elite athletes to rehabilitative clientele. Merrill is on the advisory board for the Exercise and Sports Science department at Kapiolani Community College. Over the last three years, Merrill was the sports and conditioning specialist for the Marine Corps Kaneohe junior tennis team and the Athletic Trainer for Marine Corps Kaneohe Football league. As a fitness expert, Merrill has contributed to fitness/wellness articles in publications such as: Shape, Prevention, Outside Magazine, Runner s World, Bridal Magazine, The New York Times, Latino Bride, Fitness Magazine, Associated Press, Bicycling, ACE Matters, The Honolulu Advertiser, Newsday and Club Business Magazine. Merrill s latest passion has been with working with cancer patients and survivors and teaching them the benefits of exercise in their road to recovery. She started a non-profit called the Ho ola Cancer Exercise Wellness Program in 2006 which provides cancer patients undergoing treatment and in remission a structured exercise class free of charge, twice a week for 10 weeks. The class empowers cancer patients through exercise to improve the quality of their life. Merrill is married to a Coast Guard Officer and they have two children, Fin and Alexis. The Merrill family excited about their move to Traverse City and are enjoying their new experiences on the Great Lakes. Cliff Girard, Tennis Instructor Cliff (Mr. "G") has been a member of the teaching staff for the past 5 years. A former Junior College finalist, playing for Northwestern Michigan College and junior high Head Tennis Coach for 24 years. Cliff works with both juniors and adults, privately and in groups. He has taught for the Grand Traverse Tennis Camps and for the Grand Traverse/USTA Team Tennis Academy. Everyone who has hit a ball knows Mr. "G." He is a huge asset to the tennis teaching staff. Anne Star, USPTA Anne Starr is a certified teaching professional with the United States Professional Tennis Registry. Anne grew up in Livonia, Michigan and attended Ferris State University where she played #1 singles and #1 doubles. She was a member of the 1990 USTA 5.0 national Championship Team. Anne has been a teaching professional at the Farmington Tennis Club and the Midtown Tennis Club in Chicago. She is currently working part-time leading and assisting in some of our adult programs and leads in some of our weekend programs. 9
Marilyn Schuler, USPTA Marilyn started playing tennis at 36. She got involved in leagues and tournaments at the local swim/tennis club. Since she was a P. E. teacher she had the teaching background. Marilyn started teaching at the Redford YMCA in the Detroit area continued at the YMCA upon moving to TC and joined a 4.0 team. She was encouraged to get certified so she got her USPTA Certification in '97. She especially like working with adults because she appreciates their desire to learn to play this game. Mike Annelin, Tennis Instructor Mike, a former student of the Resort s program, has returned after graduating from the University of California (Santa Barbara) with a degree in Pre-Law. Mike has been working at the resort for the past 4 years. He works with all of our junior tennis programs both leading and assisting. Mike is also an instructor in the junior program at the Grand Traverse Tennis Camps during the summers. He is currently assistant coach for TC Central Girl s Varsity Tennis Team. Mike is currently leading and assisting in most of our junior programs and travels to tournaments whenever he can. Mike is also a Century 21 Realtor in the Traverse City area and was Rookie of the Year in 2007. 10
Private Tennis Lessons Private tennis lessons are available to our members and guests A private lesson is a oneon-one lesson with one of our tennis professionals that can last from ½ hour and up. The usual lesson will last 1 hour. Privates are a great way to get the attention needed to work on specific areas of your game. Combining private lessons with group lessons is a good idea if you are really looking to advance your game. After you have taken a private, the group lessons will allow you to apply what you have worked on in point situations and against different styles of players. Privates can be taken alone or with another player (semi-private). If you have more than one person in the lesson, the cost will be split between you. Our private lesson rates are: One hour: $55/Member, $70/hotel guest, non-member If you take a series of lessons (called a lesson punch card), you can schedule 5 (1 hour) lessons whenever you decide at a better rate. The tennis lesson punch card rates are: $225/ Member, $300/ hotel guest/non-member Members are not allowed to teach tennis lessons on our tennis courts for any kind of monetary value or as a trade out for other services to other Members or guests. The tennis professionals and the staff are the only ones allowed to give lessons of any kind, unless permission is granted by club management. 11
Welcome to our Junior Tennis Program! Our junior tennis program has been rated as high as #3 in the nation by Tennis Magazine. Our junior program has produced 16 Division 1 High School State Tennis Champions and 31 Division 1 High School State Tennis Finalists. Our junior program has received national acclaim by the USTA as a tennis innovator and has played an important role, nationally, as one of the pioneers of the USTA s Quick Start tennis, which allows young players to pick up the sport immediately with little or no prior instruction. Our junior program is the first to start KARDIO KIDS a new cardio-based tennis program that emphasizes the lifelong benefits of tennis through exciting drills, fitness activities, music and educational resources (starting summer 2008). Our junior program offers opportunities to juniors of all ages from 3 18 year s of age. Whether you are a serious tournament player, recreational player or somewhere inbetween, there are classes designed specifically for you. Our goal is to allow any player of any ability to experience the life-long benefits of tennis in a way that suits them. Through or professional teaching/fitness staff, we hope to be able to develop players to their fullest potential in achieving their individual goals. Quick Start Tennis: A new format to start tennis for 10 and under players. The program will consist of 3 different program conditions used as a way to accelerate the learning of the game and allow juniors to experience success much faster than the traditional methods. Juniors at any age can now: Hit with modern strokes and not have to continually change as they grow Apply modern tactics on a court Advance at a speed that will be most beneficial to them. All of this is accomplished through the progression of: court size, net height, age, ball speed and weight, size of racquet and scoring. To learn more about Quick Start and the 36/60 project, go to: http://www.tennisindustry.org/pdfs/quickstarttennisoverview.pdf (Quick start tennis) http://www.growingtennis.com/pdfs/36-60.pdf (36/60 Project) 12
Junior Classes The following is a list of our junior tennis classes. For specific dates and times, go to www.grandtraversetennis.com for the current schedule. All classes at all levels will consist of lessons, recreational elements and competitive elements both individually and in teams. These are classes that we offer, but we can always make up new classes. If you have a group that wants to start taking lessons, but our schedule does not fit your schedules, then an option might be to make up your own class for your group that does fit. Classes are both age and ability based. This means that you may be initially placed in a class based on your age, but if your ability exceeds that of the current class, you may be placed in a class that best suits your level of play. All of our classes will also incorporate a fitness element that is suitable for the age of your child. Each class will have approved ACE/USTA guidelines for the levels and ages. Go to: http://dps.usta.com/usta_master/usta/doc/content/doc_437_516.pdf To see a PDF of the USTA Progressive Development of a Junior Tennis Player Junior Class Descriptions Future Stars Age: 3-5, Foam balls, little nets, 21 racquet, 36 court Class length: 1½ hours Practice designed to introduce tennis in a fun way. Use of a lot of targets, teaching aids and games that promote the skills needed for tennis will be emphasized. Parent interaction is encouraged on court with the junior but not mandatory. Quick Start Tennis Age:8 and Under, Foam balls, 2.5 net, up to 23 racquet recommended, 36 court Class length: 1 hr to 1 ½ hours, once per week Practice designed for the beginning to advanced 8 and under player. Classes may be split based on levels. Juniors will learn all of the basic stroke techniques and basic playing tactics. Goal is to get juniors playing games and team matches as quickly as possible. Class components will include. Juniors will be placed on teams within the class at the start of each session which will allow them to compete, if desired, within and out of class. Other elements of this level will include (if desired): socials, team tennis matches, travel matches 13
Junior Development Age: 10 and under, transition ball (low compression), up to 25 racquet recommended, standard net height, 60 court Class length: 1 ½ hours, once or twice per week. Practice session designed for the player who has progressed out of the Quick Start program and players 10 and under. This practice session will focus on most of the same techniques and tactics that a high school player might focus on. Juniors will be able to experience the same success due to the ball and court size. Juniors will develop control skills and tactics which are vital as they get older. Matches will be played in this class. Players will be placed on teams at the beginning of the session and be encouraged to participate in out-of-class activities such as: Junior Team Tennis, travel matches, individual and team competitions, and social events. Junior Competitive Ages: 10-15, hard ball, standard court Class length: 1 ½ hours, twice per week Practice session designed for those players who have progressed out of Junior Development. Ages may vary a bit more in this class, but ability will be similar. Older juniors who are just getting started may wish to start out at this level as long as they have coordination skills or are athletes in other sports. Players in this practice will start striving toward USTA team tennis events and USTA tournaments. Players will be placed on teams at the beginning of the session and be encouraged to participate in out-of-class activities such as: Junior Team Tennis, travel matches, individual and team competitions, and social events. High School Player Ages: 13-18, hard ball, standard court Class Length: 1 ½ hours, once per week, most likely a Sunday class Practice designed for High School players that are in other sports and those players that are more intermediate in ability. All techniques and tactics will be emphasized. Players will be encouraged to play in USTA Team Tennis Leagues and travel matches. Some may wish to participate in junior tournaments as well. This class is designed to prepare juniors for what it takes to be successful in high school tennis. 14
The following classes will need approval from the Professional Staff for a player to participate in Junior Excellence Ages: level appropriate Class length: 1 hr 45 min (including conditioning) Juniors must have professional approval to enter this class. Players must understand the basic grips, stroke techniques and tactics that go along with match play. Players are striving to achieve district and sectional rankings and should be playing out-of-class on a regular basis and playing USTA tournaments and (see tournament section) travel matches. USTA/ACE Sport specific conditioning is a part of this class. Students will work on the specific skills needed to be solid tennis players. Players may receive assessments from ACE certified professionals and personal training based on their strengths and weaknesses (see profiles of our ACE staff in the Staff section). Players in this class should be playing on USTA Team Tennis Teams and playing challenge matches (see challenge ladder section). Junior Tournament Ages: level appropriate Class length: 1 hr 45 min (including conditioning) Juniors must have professional approval to enter this class. Players are very familiar with the techniques and tactics that are required in tennis. A good number of players in this class are playing high school varsity and junior varsity tennis. Players are striving to achieve district and sectional rankings and should be playing out-of-class on a regular basis and playing USTA tournaments (see tournament section)/ Travel matches. USTA/ACE Sport specific conditioning is a part of this class. Students will work on the specific skills need to be solid tennis players. Players may receive assessments from ACE certified professionals and personal training based on their strengths and weaknesses (see profiles of our ACE staff in the Staff section). Players in this class should be playing on USTA Team Tennis Teams and playing challenge matches (see challenge ladder section). 15
High Performance Ages: Level appropriate Class length: 1 hr 45 min (including conditioning) Juniors must have professional approval to enter this class. This class is for the top level, committed junior tennis player. Players at this level are expected to play outside of class on a regular basis and to play in USTA tournaments on a regular basis. Players are striving to achieve district, sectional and even national rankings. Players are looking to play college tennis upon graduation. There are higher expectations for players in this class and players may be asked to provide documentation on out-of-class practice and match play. Players will need to stay committed to remain in this class. USTA/ACE Sport specific conditioning is a part of this class. Students will work on the specific skills needed to be solid tennis players. Players may receive assessments from ACE certified professionals and personal training based on their strengths and weaknesses (see profiles of our ACE staff in the Staff section). Players in this class should be playing on USTA Team Tennis Teams and playing challenge matches (see challenge ladder section). Sign-Up Procedures Players who are in a current session will have priority in signing up for the next session up to 2-weeks prior to the next session and then those who wish to get into a particular class may sign-up after the 2-week deadline (see session dates in the tennis brochure or online). Current players will get an email with a deadline to sign-up. All that needs to be done is to hit reply on the sign-up email sent to you and confirm that you will be signing up for the next session. If you fail to reply by the deadline, your spot in the class may be filled by someone else wanting to get in. You may also confirm in class or by phone with one of the Pros that you will be participating in the next session and they will sign you up. Some classes require professional approval. If you do not get approval for those particular classes, then you will not be officially signed up. If you are already in a class, you will not need approval to get back in the same class. To inquire about a particular class, please contact the Head Tennis Professional either by phone or email (this can be done through the website or go to the staff section for contact numbers). Class sizes are limited. If you cannot get into a particular class, we sometime offer more classes so that you may be able to train in our program. Members get priority, but nonmembers may play in the program at a higher rate if there is room. 16
**MEMBERS GET PRIORITY IN OUR PROGRAM** This means that if a class is full and you are a member and your level is appropriate for a particular class, you will be able to take the position of the non-member. The nonmember would get a refund for the remaining portion of the class. This does happen, but it is rare. This does not mean that if you are at the top of a particular class (on the ladder: see ladder section) and in the correct class, you can take the position of a non-member in the class above you without challenging. Classes are level based, especially at the higher levels. You will need to challenge. Junior Ladders Class sizes are limited and there can only be so many players in each class. There is a best player and a bottom player in each class. Our programs use the pyramid ladder in each class which helps protect the self esteem for those not at the top by putting players on levels and not on a top-to-bottom numbering system. Junior ladders are tools the staff uses to promote players to play matches out of class, which will put players in a competitive environment, much like tournaments. They can also be used as a tool for players to move up in their class or to the next class. There are 2 methods that determine if a player should move up to the next higher class level: 1. If the professional staff feels that a player is at a much higher level than everybody else in the class. 2. Juniors challenging up using the ladder system. Car pooling, friends, convenience etc are not determining factors in what class you will be placed in, but as a staff, we strive to give every player an opportunity to accelerate and progress through the program. At the beginning of each session, we will have a day of points that will determine where you will be placed on the ladder for your particular class. The ladder is pyramid-style and will show the level you are on for your particular class, not what number you are on the ladder. 17
Illst. Player A Player B Player C Player D Player E Player F Player G Player H Player I Player J The ladders are designed to determine where your rank may be in a particular class. The player at the top of the ladder (Player A) is ranked #1 in the class while Players B and C are the next two (in no particular order) and so on. The player at the top of the ladder may challenge up to the next class, while players not at the top may challenge anyone on the next level above them. If you are challenging within a class, you will have to schedule a time that works for the player you are challenging and play the match. If you are challenging up and you win, you will switch spots on the ladder, otherwise you will stay in the same spot. If the person you are challenging is continuously not able to challenge, you will take their spot. If you are challenging up to the next class, you must win 2 matches in a row to move up to the next class. If the class above you is at a maximum, players will need to switch classes. If you feel that you have been placed in the wrong class and the Professional staff feels that you are in the correct class...please challenge someone. Please go the website and check out all of the junior ladder rules by going to the Junior Programs page or contact the Head Tennis Professional for more information 18
Junior Team Tennis Leagues Junior Team Tennis is another way to get our players to play competitive matches out of class. The leagues vary, but run mainly in the summer and winter sessions when both boy s and girl s teams are not in season. The matches are a great way to get competitive experience without it counting toward a junior ranking. Junior Team Tennis is a way to pair up with friends and play matches against other teams. Teams are mainly made up of players from the same schools (elementary, Junior High, High School) or the same junior high-high school combination (ex. East/Central, West Jr. / West Sr.) and can be co-ed. Teams will be scheduled to play matches against other teams of the same level. Matches will take place every 2-3 weeks in the winter and every 1-2 weeks in the summer. Teams are made up of 4 or more players. Matches will consist of 4 singles matches and 2 doubles matches. During the indoor season, matches will be timed. For more information on Junior Team Tennis, contact one of the tennis professionals for more information. Junior Travel Matches Another great way to play competitively for those just starting to play matches and those who play competitive matches on a regular basis. Travel matches are designed to get juniors playing matches without the concern of the matches counting toward a ranking, but to work on new tactics, strategies and techniques in a competitive situation. Travel match dates will be set up with other clubs and will announced either at the beginning of the session or as dates are set up. 19
Junior Tournaments We take our junior players to tournaments on a monthly basis. Tournament travel is a very popular part of our junior program. Tournaments are a way competing against other players from all over the Midwest and they definitely give you an idea on where you are in your game and what you will need to work on once the tournament is over to be able to progress (Go to the link below to see a list of the tournaments that we will be traveling to). While at the tournament, we will chart your matches and we will record them on a spread sheet. You will get a copy of your charts and an up-to-date spread sheet on how you are progressing. This is extremely helpful in preparing for your next tournament. We will also videotape matches if we feel it is necessary. Junior tournament will help you establish a district, sectional and even a national ranking. If you are considering playing high school tennis or even college tennis, tournament play alone will help prepare you for competitive matches. Coaches at both the high school level and the college level are interested in your ranking. Why Get a Ranking? Rankings can play an important part in your junior career. Yes, you will get your picture in the NMTA yearbook if you have one, but there are other important reasons to obtain a ranking: A ranking gives you a better chance of being "seeded" in the tournaments that you decide to play The higher your ranking, the better chance you have of not playing the best players in the draw in the early rounds A ranking will make it easier for you to get accepted into higher level tournaments A ranking will get you into more tournaments that have limited draws A ranking will get you into USTA specialty functions (like a training center) easier than if you did not have a ranking High School coaches may take your ranking into consideration when you are trying out for the team College coaches definitely take your ranking into consideration when recruiting Rankings help you set goals Yes, a ranking will get your picture in the Northern Michigan yearbook To see all of the Northern Michigan ranking requirements and other information on rankings (like the points system), go to: http://grandtraversetennis.com/pages/index.cfm?siteid=2691 20
Junior Socials Junior socials or mixers are a great way to get together with other players and your friends in a non-competitive environment to play tennis and have some fun. It is encouraged that you invite some of your friends out to play in the mixers. Mixers typically run 2 hours either on a Friday or Saturday night. At a mixer, we will pair you up with different partners each round and get you out there playing singles or doubles. After each round is complete, we will send you out there with someone new. Dinner and refreshments are provided and there is always some sort of drawing for some prizes at the end. Mixer dates will be announced at the beginning or during the session. Team Tennis Academy The Team Tennis Academy is an introductory tennis program that is run at West Senior High in the summer. An extension of the academy is run during the winter months at the Resort. The goal of the academy is to introduce students to the game recreationally and hopefully allow them to continue to have fun and learn the sport of a lifetime. These classes are much bigger in size (8:1 ratio) than the Resort classes and the instruction is fun and introductory. Some classes may be taught by one of our staff pros or one of the tennis instructors. If you are a more advanced player and are a bit more serious about the game, playing tournaments etc, the academy may not be for you. Contact one of the pros regarding the academy or go to the website for more details. 21
Welcome to our Adult Tennis Program! Our adult program have a variety of choices that may fit your specific tennis needs. From lessons, leagues and weekly sign-up classes, there are spots available. Most of our group lessons consist of a one-hour lesson followed by one hour of scheduled/unsupervised match play. This is a great way to work on what you were just taught, plus you won t have to find a group to play with once a week out-of-class, because we have set it all up for you. There are a few group lessons that are one hour only (see list of adult classes). All 2-hour classes get a can of balls for the 2 nd hour of match play. Please make sure you return the balls to the teaching carts after, so we keep good balls for the lessons. Classes are ability based. This means that you may be initially placed in a class based on your ability, but if your ability exceeds that of the current class, you may be placed in a class that best suits your level of play. The way we base abilities is by the NTRP rating system. Please see the NTRP Rating System sheet in Fig. 2 Some of the classes you may see out on the courts are not listed because they are groups that were set-up by the players themselves and were not offered through the Health Club. This is fine and encouraged, especially if you have a group of players (or a team) that wants to make sure they are all together. Just contact our Head Tennis Professional to set up a group. The following is a list of our adult tennis classes. For specific dates and times, go to www.grandtraversetennis.com for the current schedule. Adult Classes Adult Class Descriptions Tennis In No Time (An adult beginner class) NTRP: 2.0 and below Class length: 1 hour/week Practice session designed for those players who have little or no tennis experience. All of the basic grips, strokes and tactics will be taught along with basic singles and doubles positioning and strategy. The goal is to get players hitting balls right away and be able to rally with other players so they can go out and start playing matches with a partner right away. 22
Adult Intermediate NTRP: 2.5 and below Class length: 2 hours /week One hour of instruction followed by one hour of unsupervised match play. Basic skills: ground-strokes, volleys, serve and service return will be reviewed along with more advanced skills: approach shots, overheads and different spins. Singles and doubles positioning, movement, along with the different strategies will be covered. Emphasis will be on getting students feeling comfortable playing matches. 3.0 Women s Singles Drill and Play NTRP: 3.0 Class length: 2 hours /week One hour of instruction followed by one hour of unsupervised match play. Strokes that are beneficial to singles will be emphasized along with singles strategies. Singles pattern work and specific situations and how to react to them will be covered. 3.0 Women s Doubles Drill and Play NTRP: 3.0 Class length: 2 hours /week One hour of instruction followed by one hour of unsupervised match play. Class will emphasize doubles techniques, tactics and strategies to prepare for upcoming USTA leagues and tournaments. Modern strokes and spins will be taught. 3.0 Men s Drill and Play NTRP: 3.0 Class length: 2 hours /week One hour of instruction followed by one hour of unsupervised match play. Class will emphasize doubles techniques, tactics and strategies to prepare for upcoming USTA leagues and tournaments. Modern strokes and spins will be taught. 3.5 Women s Doubles Drill and Play NTRP: 3.5 Class length: 2 hours /week One hour of instruction followed by one hour of unsupervised match play. More advanced skills, stroke techniques and shot combinations will be taught along with doubles strategy and tactics. Modern strokes and spins will be introduced along with other specialty shots. 23
3.5 Men s Drill and Play NTRP: 3.5 Class length: 2 hours /week One hour of instruction followed by one hour of unsupervised match play. Class will emphasize doubles techniques, tactics and strategies to prepare for upcoming USTA leagues and tournaments. Modern strokes and spins will be taught. 3.5 Women s Singles/Doubles NTRP: 3.5 Class length: 2 hours /week One hour of singles followed by one hour of doubles instruction. Pros will work on tactics and strategy needed to be successful at playing both. 4.0 Women s Drill and Play NTRP: 4.0 Class length: 2 hours /week One hour of instruction followed by one hour of unsupervised match play. More advanced skills, stroke techniques and shot combinations will be taught along with doubles strategy and tactics. Modern strokes and spins will be introduced along with other specialty shots. Thursday Night Men s League NTRP: 3.0 4.0 Class length: 2 hours /week League designed for men of all levels who want to get out and play once a week. This is a popular league. Players start on a specific court and will play a set with each player on their court. The player with the most games won will move up a court the next week while the player with the least games won will move down a court for the next week. Cardio Tennis NTRP: 2.5 and Up Class length: 1 hr Taught by a Certified Tennis Professional, a typical cardio tennis program includes a warm-up, cardio workout, and cool-down phase all within a drill-based workout. Each one has drills specifically designed to be fun, challenging and to get you moving. You will hit forehands, backhands, volleys, etc. But remember, Cardio Tennis is not about making you a great player. First and foremost, Cardio Tennis is a great workout. You run, you hit balls, you jump, you recover, and you have fun. Cardio Tennis is a full body workout. The majority of the Cardio Tennis program is the workout phase, which should last as least 30-50 minutes and contain drills that will keep players moving and challenge their ability and fitness level. Pros will find ways to keep players of all levels moving and challenged... all while having fun! You must sign up in advance by calling the desk at 534-6770. If there is no sign-up two hours prior to class, it will be cancelled. 24
Weekend Workout NTRP: 2.5 and Up Class length: 1 hr Similar format to Cardio Tennis, but less emphasis on the target heart rate and more emphasis on points with the pros and hitting a lot of balls! A lot of players go straight from Cardio Tennis to the Weekend Workout. Call the Health Club desk for sign-up at 534-6770 prior to class. Class is cancelled two hours out if no sign-up. A popular class! Call the Health Club Desk at 534-6770 to sign up! Weekday Workout NTRP: 2.5 and Up Class length: 1 hr One hour of fast paced drilling. Emphasis will be on hitting a lot of balls while getting in a great cardio workout. Come check it out with Brett Barnett USTA Adult League Tennis Each spring, the Northern Michigan USTA Adult Leagues run during the months of April and May. Teams are formed according to your NTRP rating. A team is made of 2 singles positions and 3 doubles positions. A team will play all of the other teams in the NMTA district 2 times to determine who the NMTA Champion is. If there are a lot of teams in one division (ex. 3.5 Women s), then you may only play each team once. Match play is usually divided into only 2 weekends. One weekend your team will usually play here at the Resort and then either in Petoskey or Alpena on the other weekend. To see a list of all of the divisions and teams, go to: northernmichigan.usta.com And click the adult league tennis page. How do I get on a team? If you are not already on a team, you can get in touch with one of the tennis professionals and they can direct you to the captains of the teams 25
Contract Court Time Contract Court Time is the way to guarantee that you have a court to play on each week. The contract season starts in September and runs into April. Contracts run for either 14 weeks or 28 weeks. Below are a few simple guidelines for contract time. To see full details, see FIG. 1 for a sample contract. Groups holding contract time in the last year, have priority in signing up for contract time for the up-coming year. All members of your contract must be either Village or Bear Members Contracts must be filled out completely with correct information for all players Payment for Contract Time must be complete prior to start of season Tennis Fitness Why do we have to condition in class? I already condition on my own We are excited to announce that we will be providing fitness testing for all participants in the Tennis Academy. Our testing will assess the essential components of fitness which include: flexibility, strength and endurance, power, agility, speed, body composition, and aerobic capacity. Keeping track of the participants testing results will enable the tennis staff to pinpoint each student s strengths and weaknesses, design and or refine a training program as well as monitor each individual s progress. The USTA has established fitness ranges for different age groups and genders for the testing protocols we will be using. The ranges obtained by each participant will allow us to recognize weak areas for injury prevention and performance enhancement while capitalizing on the areas that each student already excels in. Re-assessments will be performed routinely (every 12 weeks) to ensure that all participants are making positive changes towards achieving their short and long-term goals. Karen Merrill has put together a comprehensive tennis training program for the assessments and testing protocol that will be used in our program. 26
Racquet Stringing We offer a 24 hour racquet stringing service to our Members. If your racquet is not finished in 24 hours, the string job is FREE! We offer the following services: Racquet stringing, grip replacement, grip build-up, grommet replacement, lead tape placement, frame inspection, defective racquet return (if purchased here). If you need your racquet strung, all you will need to do is turn it in at the Health Club desk and fill out a racquet repair slip. The slip will give our stringer basic information on what you would like done. If you have questions, just request that our stringer call you before any stringing/repairs are done on your racquet. There is a need by category on the racquet repair slip. If you do not need your racquet done in 24 hours, please put the date and time that you need your racquet done by and it will be ready for you (the 24 hour policy will not apply here since you designated a date and time). This is helpful if we have a large amount of racquets to string. If you turn in your racquet on a Monday and say that you need it by Thursday at 12 noon, it will be ready then. Before we start work, your racquet will be inspected. If there are any problems with your racquet, we will call you to let you know prior to stringing. If you request that your racquet be strung outside the recommended tension, we will also notify you, as this will void replacing the racquet if it breaks. The following is a list of our in-stock strings and grips. They are categorized into: All- Around, Playability and Durability. These are our best selling strings from Prince, Head and Wilson. If you do not see a specific string that you would like, we can easily order it for you. These are most, but not all of our strings Playability Strings Wilson NXT 16, 17: $32 Prince Topspin Plus 16: $25 Prince Lightning: $25 27
Durability Strings Prince Polyblend 16: $22 All-Around Strings Wilson Sensation 16, 17: $27 Prince Synthetic Gut w/ Duraflex 16: $ 22 Prince Synthetic Gut Multifiliment17: $27 Prince Synthetic Gut 17: $22 Prince Lightning 16: $25 Head FXP 16: $30 Use you own String: $12 Frequently asked questions about stringing: How often should I get my racquet strung? You don't have to wait until your strings break to restring. Over time, your strings lose tension and their ability to stretch (elasticity), and their ability to recoil (resiliency), robbing you of power and control, while increasing the risk of arm injury. (There are 2 different versions) Version 1 You should get your racquet strung as many times a year as you play in a week. (ex. If you play 2 times a week, you should get it strung every 6 months) Version 2 If you play more than 3 times/week: String it every month If you play 1 time/week: String it every 3 months If you play less than 1 time/week: String it every 6 months Our website now has the ability to email you when your racquet is due for stringing based on when you last got it strung. What about String Tension? Racquets do come with a recommended tension right on the inside of the frame. Check out what your frame recommends before you bring it in. The tighter you string your racquet = More control and less power The looser you string your racquet = More power and less control 28
Fig. 1 The following is a list of policies and guidelines, which can help to ensure that you will get the courts that you want: 1. Full Season: 28 Weeks September 10, 2007 through April 13, 2008 (Off: Dec 17 -Jan 1 and Spring break week) Half Season: 14 Weeks Session 1: Mid September through Mid December Session 2: Early January through Mid April (off Spring break week). Extensions for the 31 st of Dec and the 1 st of January. See contracts for exact dates and times 2. Each group must appoint one contact person to communicate with the Club. This person is responsible for collecting and presenting the total court fees to the Club by the first day of the contract time. 3. Contract court holders have until September 3rd to return the request forms for their times and dates. We cannot guarantee courts after the September 3rd deadline. 4. All fees must be paid in full the first day of your contract. Otherwise we will not be able to guarantee you that court any longer. 5. Spring Break Week will not have contract time unless you wish to reserve it. 6. Only Club members may apply for and play in contract court time. Each player listed in your group must have a current Membership. Substitutes who are not Members are subject to the guest fees and policies. 7. Due to holidays and/or events, make-ups will be made up at the end of the session. 8. Due to the heavy demand for courts, we will limit contract court reservations so that at no time will all courts be taken by contract groups. You may also get a different court than requested due to other leagues./lessons or permanent court times Please fill out the enclosed form completely and return it to the Club no later than September 9th. We cannot guarantee courts after the September 9th deadline. Payment in full is due by first day of contract. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call Mick at 534-6776. We look forward to working with you toward another successful contract court season. ** The above is only an example of a contract 29
CONTRACT COURT TIME REQUEST FORM Full Season: 28 Weeks September xx, xxxx through April xx, xxxx (Off: Dec xxx-xxx and Spring break week) Half Season: 14 Weeks Session 1: September xx, xxxx through December xx, xxxx Session 2: Januaryx, xxxx through April xx, xxxx (off Spring break week). Extensions for the 31 st of Dec and the 1 st of January CONTRACT COURT TIME FEE SCHEDULE: All Rates Are Per Court Hour Monday Friday 4p.m. 8p.m. and Saturday 9a.m. 2p.m. All other times: Monday Friday 6a.m. 4p.m., 8p.m. 10p.m. Saturday 6a.m. 9a.m., 2p.m. 10p.m. Sunday All day $20/court hour $11/court hour Rate per hour X number of courts = weekly rate Weekly rate X number of weeks = total cost GROUP CONTACT PERSON ADDRESS MEMBER # HOME PHONE WORK PHONE LIST YOUR FIRST AND SECOND CHOICES FOR COURT TIME: PRIORITY DAY TIME COURT # # OF HOURS GPOUP MEMBERS NAME MEMBER # NAME MEMBER # 30