On Court Services
USPTA-1 Instructor and store owner Tony Taverna is now available for private and semi-private lessons at Farmington Farms Tennis & Athletic Club
CT Tennis Academy Philosophy
Tony Taverna USPTA-1 Founder and Program Director
"Whether teaching beginners or national competitors, my teaching philosophy embraces the importance of building the best foundation possible for all aspects of tennis. When skilled coaches take the time and energy to develop strong mental, physical and mechanical fundamentals, players develop the confidence and skill to reach the highest level attainable for them. A strong foundation also allows a player to develop and master more advanced skills, including specific tactics, mental toughness, emotional power and control and elite level stroke production. It is my belief that teaching and developing a solid foundation is the true key to advanced success."
CT Tennis Academy uses the latest and best teaching techniques, including, “QuickStart”, “Natural
Learning”, “Tennis I.Q.” and “Fit for Tennis”.
Little people should have little racquets, smaller courts and slower tennis balls! QuickStart Tennis builds an entire tennis world around the height, strength and coordination of young children. In this arena, children learn to hit shots properly and develop advanced match-play skills faster and better. When properly administered, the quick start philosophy will produce skilled players who love to play. This, in turn, will help produce our next champions.
Natural Learning
Developed by USPTA -1 professional Tony Taverna, Natural Learning allows each player to learn and improve based on that player’s natural physical and mental inclinations. This method of teaching has already helped hundreds of juniors and adults to develop into strong competitors who truly love the game of tennis.
Tennis IQ
When should players develop the ability to think about shot placement, point structure and mental prowess? I believe these skills should be developed harmoniously with learning how to strike the tennis ball. Thinking about the “where”, “why” and “when” of hitting a particular shot is just as important as the “how”. Principles of “Tennis IQ” are woven into every class and skill.
Fit for Tennis
Regardless of age and level, gaining physical endurance, strength and speed is a critical component to becoming the best player possible. In addition to being fundamental to becoming a good tennis player, improved physical fitness leads to healthier and happier players and can greatly increase self-esteem, both on and off of the tennis court. Fit for tennis exercises will be taught and applied to all ages and levels according to class age and level.
Class Descriptions and Objectives
QuickStart Level 1 (ages 4-6)
Equipment provided: Mini-nets and courts lines for a 36' court. Level 1 (red) decompressed tennis balls
Recommended equipment NOT provided:
19 & 21” tennis racquets.
- It is recommended that children have their own racquets and balls in order to practice on their own. Equipment can be purchased at Perfect Racquet locations
- Different games and specific QuickStart lesson plans will be implemented to make the experience fun and dynamic. Children will be kept moving and occupied. Coaches will seek to interact with students throughout the entire class.
- Games, activities, and breaks will be taken when appropriate in order to keep classes fresh and enjoyable.
Level 1 Goals and Objectives
- Develop sound stroke mechanics on both forehand and backhand ground strokes.
- Expand concentration skills and judgment skills to successfully participate in rally games
- Accomplish a rally of 6 strokes in a row with proper stroke mechanics
- Introduction of the forehand and backhand volley
- Understand and implement concepts of good behavior and respect for teachers, fellow students and self.
QuickStart Level 2 (ages 7-10)
Equipment provided: Mini-nets and court lines for a 60' court. Level 2 (orange) decompressed tennis balls
Recommended equipment NOT provided: 23 & 25” tennis racquets. Tennis shorts, skirts and shoes
- Length of court expanded as skill level increases. Different games and lessons plans will be implemented to help level 2 players learn how to rally and play as soon as possible
Level 2 Goals and Objectives
- Self-start small rallies with proper grip and stoke technique
- Accomplish a rally of at least 10 shots back and forth with proper stoke mechanics
- Learn all basic strokes - forehand & backhand ground strokes, forehand & backhand volley (Eastern FH Grip), serve (Eastern and semi-continental grips)
- Learn concepts of ball placement and basic tactics for singles and doubles play
- Learn court dimensions and the basic scoring format of tennis
- Beginning singles and doubles match play
Accelerated Learning 16 & Under
Mastery of all tennis strokes, singles/doubles positioning, tactics and match-play. Mental toughness training and physical conditioning.
Advanced Training for Varsity and Level 7 Players
Players in this group should be on a High School Varsity team and/or currently compete in level 7 Sectional tournaments.
Stroke production for this group will advance to the high performance level, including development of specialty shots and spins. Speed, strength and agility training will be done on a daily basis. Advanced tactics and strategies will be discussed and practiced for both singles and doubles. Mental toughness drills will be used to develop players into formidable competitors. Singles and Doubles match-play will be supervised and coached. Players are encouraged to stay after, when possible, to practice portions of the game that have been targeted by the coaches as needing improvement.
Premiere High Performance Training
Players in this group should have a high sectional ranking and/or a national ranking and should have aspirations of playing top college or professional tennis.
Stroke production for this group will advance to the elite level, including mastery of specialty shots and spins. Speed, strength and agility training will be done on a daily basis. Advanced tactics and strategies will be practiced for all match-play scenarios. Mental toughness drills will be used to develop players into elite competitors. Supervised, competitive match-play will take place every day. Players are encouraged to stay after, when possible, to practice portions of the game that have been targeted by the coaches as needing improvement.
