TSP: TENNIS

What is the Hunter Sports High School Tennis Program?

The program has been operating since 2001 and provides students committed to tennis with a comprehensive program to develop their skills, enhance athletic ability and gain competitive experience. Students involved in the tennis program will undertake study in both on court and fitness management strands. Each student will be required to set goals, establish a diary and regularly monitor their performances.

The program includes:

• 2 x 1.5 hour on-court sessions per week.
• A strong fitness component including stretching, speed, endurance and strengthening activities.
• A comprehensive wet weather program utilising the schools gymnasium, video, (Dartfish) sessions, psychology and nutrition lectures.
• Entry into individual and team schools competitions.
• Visit to a Tennis NSW State Training Squad session.
• Fitness Assessment at Balance Health Club tri-annually
• Tennis training camp

How does the Program work?

• Head Coach Keith Williams has an intensive annual on-court program supported by a yearly physical fitness and psychological program.
• A heavy emphasis is placed on skill and court craft development in both team and individual situations.

What has the Program Achieved?

• 2005 Final Girls Hunter Region Tennis School Knockout Competition.
• 2006 Semi Final Boys Region Tennis School Knockout Competition
• 2 TSP Squad members were selected to represent the Hunter Region in CHS State Team Championships in 2005, 2006 and 2007
• Students from the TSP Tennis Squad are competing in National Junior Pointscore tournaments on a regular basis

What does the program provide?

Modules studied will include:-

- Fitness
- Nutrition
- Basic movement skills
- Sports Medicine
- Individual skill development
- Drugs in Sport
- Group/ Team skills
- Sports Psychology
- Laws of the Game
- Sports Physiology
- Strategies and Tactics in play

How does the program link to the area tennis development structure?

Students are encouraged to source or maintain a private coach and should be aligned with a tennis club for regular practice and competition play. Our program is designed to complement the student’s current training program. The students are provided with information on tournaments and competitions and advised on the appropriate events in which to participate.

Who are the coaches?

Keith Williams (T.C.A level 2) Head Coach

The program coordinator, Keith has over 25 years experience, is currently running his own tennis academy and is a Hunter Academy coach. He has trained players of all standards including Satellite players and nationally ranked juniors.

Jenny Hoffman (T.C.A. level 1) Tennis Coordinator has 13 years coaching experience. As a player she reached WTA world ranking of 250. Jenny played professionally for 6 years and coaches at the Hunter Academy of Sport.

What do the players say about the program?

“The Targeted Sport Tennis Program allowed me to effectively develop all areas of my game, tennis skills, match play and fitness, which has resulted in me becoming a more capable and confident player. Whilst being in the program I was provided with many opportunities to trial for selective CHS teams and play in different CHS tournaments.”

“Being involved with the Targeted Sports Tennis Program was an enjoyable, encouraging and rewarding experience. It gave me the opportunity to participate in the sport I love whilst still being able concentrate on all of my academic requirements.” Testimonials from Kristy Kellert and Dylan Holden (past students)

How do I become part of the Program?

To be part of this program prospective students need to obtain an application package from our web page. Students must participate in regular tennis competitions and undertake a trial, and provide supporting documentation as detailed in the application package. Note that students may be in any year, and acceptance and ongoing placement in the program is based on continued academic effort, acceptable attendance levels and an excellent behaviour record.
Students are supported by a school environment which caters for the academic and welfare needs of the talented athlete, allowing students to gain a quality education whilst still pursuing their sporting dreams.