Youth Tennis

Athletic Club Members currently participating in youth programs receive FREE court time only during the session dates in which they are enrolled.

Big Shots - Ages 4-5

This class is designed to introduce the game of tennis to young children. Fun is a priority and will be achieved through positive reinforcement during games and instructional drills. Children will learn basic tennis strokes, hand-eye coordination, and other athletic skills.

QuickStart 1 - Ages 5-6

The second level is designed to introduce the game of tennis and skills needed to play. Working on skills with a partner and competing through skill based tasks.
Size of the court: 36’ Mini court
Type of Ball: Foam balls
Children will develop:

• controlled movement movements including running, jumping and hopping
• different throwing and catching patterns with various balls
• using basic stokes with simple grips and swing shapes
• building a rally over a short distance with a partner
• starting a point using a simple underarm or overhead serve
• understanding game concepts like in and out and how to score

QuickStart 2 - Ages 7-8

Children at this level will have an understanding of the game and will start to compete, both on a team and in some simple individual events.

Size of the court: 36’ Mini court
Type of Ball: Foam balls and transition balls
Children will develop:

• coordinated movements in different directions
• better body control, posture and balance
• longer stroke shapes including consistent contact point
• rallying from the baseline of the 36’ court and directing the ball
• coordinated use of the arms on serve using small action
• keeping score and understanding the rules of the game

QuickStart 3 - Ages 9-10

Players will be making the transition from the 36’ court to the 60’ court. Some skills will be repeated from the previous levels and players will compete in team events and individual challenges.

Size of the court: 60’ mid-court
Type of Ball: Foam balls and transition balls
Children will develop:

• moving quickly and efficiently with good balance
• coordinated rotations and use of both arm together
• developing effective swing shapes including the use of spin
• staring to rally from 60’ baseline including cross court
• serving in balance with a consistent action and higher contact point
• keeping in short singles matches and team events

Want to improve your game? The Tennis Department offers private lessons with all of our qualified coaches. Private lessons may be purchased at the service desk. For information on private lesson rates and coach availability, please call the Tennis Team Leader at 616-594-7013.

MVP Stars

Participation based on ability and experience and subject to Pro’s approval
This program is designed for young players beginning to play in USTA junior tournaments. The introduction of proper “tennis effort” will be established with emphasis on a solid foundation of rallying skills resulting in no weaknesses on either side. The introduction of the flat and slice service motion will be emphasized.

MVP Tour

Participation based on ability and experience and subject to Pro’s approval
The Tour STARS Program is designed for players with solid rallying skills so that a foundation of adaptation may be introduced. The introduction of the kick, slice and power serve will be emphasized. Athletes will be asked to develop one or two skills at an exceptional level to set the stage for Elite training.

MVP Elite

Participation based on ability and experience and subject to Pro’s approval
The Elite STARS Program is designed for highly ranked state, national or international players. Athletes will be trained on three phases of rallying (high tempo), adaptation and attacking. Emphasis on developing a weapon will be stressed along with solid counter attacking skills. Our team of USA Tennis High Performance Coaches, and USPTA and USPTR certified professionals will your athletes game style to better enhance their natural ability.

MVP Tennis Academy / Grades 7-12 (or w/Pro approval) 

MVP Tennis Academy is dedicated to building the person behind the player by providing the most positive atmosphere for tennis growth in this area. Players will be expected to work hard, maintain focus, and raise intensity levels during competition. MVP will have daily competitive match play to prepare you for middle school, high school and tournament play. Academy will be led by MVP Tennis Professionals, Mark Doren and Matt Gahan.

*Academy will be held indoors at MVP Athletic Club on August 10-August 11.

Friday Tournament Day / Grades 7-12 (or w/Pro approval)

This tournament is to help prepare students for USTA tournaments and their upcoming tennis season. This tournament will feature many different formats that occur throughout the season ranging from compass draws to round robins to double elimination tournaments. This tournament will be held every Friday at West Ottawa High School.

MVP Junior Tennis Academy / Grades 5-6

MVP Junior Tennis Academy is dedicated to building the junior player by providing the most positive atmosphere for tennis growth in this area. Our Junior Academy will mimic our MVP Tennis Academy, but with a modified instructional schedule that caters to the younger player.

Academy Features

Speed and Agility Training:
Our professional staff will train each player to increase speed and agility. Each player will also be trained on tennis specific exercises they can incorporate into their individual workout plan.

Daily Competitive Match Play:
MVP coaches will be by the player’s side, training them on decision making, strategy, and mental toughness during match play.

Additional Help Sessions:
This is intended for those who need some extra help with a particular area of their tennis game. MVP staff will be available on Tuesday and Wednesday after the academy. 

Tournament Coaching:
MVP Tennis staff will attend and provide coaching at the Holland Open for players enrolled in the MVP Academy this summer.

General Information

Lunch:
MVP Tennis Academy participants must bring their lunch Monday-Thursday during their session.

Inclement Weather:
MVP Athletic Club will be the back up site in case of inclement weather. Call MVP Athletic Club at 616-594-7000 to see if we are indoors or outdoors on that day. The MVP tennis staff will have a decision made by 10:00am daily. In case of inclement weather during the Academy, MVP staff is NOT allowed to transport kids. Travel arrangements will need to be made by the parents for Academy participants.

Refunds:
Any cancellations must be made by 10:00am Thursday before the week you are registered and a $20 fee will be assessed for cancelling. Refunds will not be granted after 10:00am on Thursday.

Registration:
Players may register in person at MVP Athletic Club, online at www.mvpsportsclubs.com, or by calling the tennis office at 616-594-7005 or 616-594-7013.

To register please have the following information:

• Session or summer price option
• Name of player
• Phone number and email address
• Payment method