Towpath Junior Programs
Towpath’s beginner clinics are designed for juniors to learn “kid-size” tennis and progress as their skills improve. The equipment has been modified and allows players to advance to larger courts and regular tennis balls as they develop. Young players will learn the fundamentals to tennis and all the different shots. They will learn how to work hard, and the rules of the game. Most importantly, we want to help them develop a passion for the game of tennis.
Towpath has fully implemented the Net Generation curriculum set forth by the USTA as the youth brand of tennis (ages 5-18). There is a clear pathway through Red, Orange, Green and Yellow ball tennis. We are a Net Generation accredited facility and have completed the USTA Safe Play Program and NCSI background checks for all our teaching professionals. We are also proud to have our 10 & under program officially accredited by the USTA.
These classes are for our youngest players ages 3-4. Players use the 10 & under format, 19-21” racquets and red foam balls. Hand-eye coordination, basic movements, cooperation, and fun games are all used to teach basic skills. This class will introduce tennis in a fun way and help the kids establish a love for the game.
Players ages 5-7 use low compression red balls or foam balls to encourage successful contact with the ball. Play is on a 36’x18’ court with 21-23” racquets. Red 1 players will learn tracking skills, movement patterns, racquet control and basic stroke mechanics. Red 2 is the next progression who have built confidence making contact with the ball and are ready for more structured development.
This is for players ages 8-9. This clinic is designed for beginner and intermediate juniors who are ready to play on a larger 60’x21’ court with 23-25” racquets, and orange low-compression balls. At this level there will be an emphasis on serving, rallying, and how to keep score.
This clinic is designed for intermediate level players ages 10-12 using the green-dot balls. Our main emphasis at this level is a rally-based curriculum that will focus on developing sending and receiving skills, purposeful footwork, and sound racquet mechanics. Players learn to position themselves on court, adjust to different ball heights and speeds, and hit with a clear purpose. Advancement to Green 2 requires approval from the teaching professionals.
Competitive Yellow is for intermediate players ages 12+ who are ready to strengthen their technical skills, tactical understanding, and match-play abilities. This group will refine stroke mechanics, improve ball control, develop reliable serves and returns and move with greater efficiency. Athletes recognize their personal strengths, construct points with purpose and strategy.
The Yellow Elite Training group is reserved for athletes who demonstrate advanced skill, competitive maturity, and the ability to train at a high physical and mental intensity. Training emphasizes advanced stroke technique, efficient movement patterns, shot variety, and the tactical and mental competencies required to compete successfully at the highest junior levels. Entry is limited by invitation or an individual skill evaluation.