1. sports
2. tennis

SPRING | 2015
LTC News
I
LTC News | Spring 2015
Mark your calendar…
March 28 – Opening Day
April 7 – Adult Open House
April 9 – Junior Open House
April 10 – Junior Team Tryouts
April 10–13 – House League Clinics
April 11 – Team Try-outs start
April 13 – Adult Clinics start
April 15 – House League starts
May 22 – Junior Carnival
May 23 – Davis Cup Tournament
May 29 – Teen Social
June 19 – Junior Tournament
July 4 – Wimbledon Tournament
August 8 – Club Champs start
In this issue…
LTC web site undergoes a makeover
While the LTC web site looks the same as
ever, members will soon be greeted to a
whole new online presence for the club.
Work is currently underway to re-design
the site, so stay tuned. This new site design
will allow for eventual online registration
for clinics and tournaments but,
unfortunately, we will not be ready for this
season. We will, however have a much more
dynamic calendar that will allow for easier
updating and considering how much we have going on, that’s a very good thing.
Given our development timeline we expect to be able to debut the new site at the
Open House on April 7th. We had hoped to offer online registration for clinics this
season but we want to make sure we get it right so we will start with a new
site…and then will turn our attention to online clinic registration. Having
successfully introduced online registration for House League last year it is clear the
vast majority of House Leaguers prefer that method of registration. So this year,
House League players must sign up exclusively online and registration for the
Spring session is now open. Just log in to the members-only area, fill in the form and
submit.
Clinic registration will be handled in person at the Open House. All you will need is
your completed form (see page 10) and one cheque (yes, one cheque). But don’t fill
in the amount until you are at Open House and confirm you have a spot in all your
desired clinics.
President’s Message ................... 2
The Social Scene .......................... 3
Tournament Corner .................... 4
House League .............................. 5
Competitive Teams ..................... 6
Adult Clinics ................................ 8
Calendar Notice .......................... 9
Junior Program.......................... 13
Ryan’s Rap ................................. 14
Membership update ................. 15
Courts opening early this year…we hope!
Easter comes early this year so, weather permitting, the nets and windscreens will
go up the weekend before on March 28 but the courts will be locked until April 1st
when the permit takes effect. Our hope is that the club will be fully operational so
members can enjoy some tennis over the long weekend if they so desire. We’ll
confirm status via an e-blast once we have more details.
But we can’t do all the heavy lifting alone. Please consider volunteering your
services. If you can help, let us know at [email protected]. We’ll confirm the
date & time on the web site and will provide the appropriate refreshments for the
crew. All of this depends on a spring thaw however so watch the web site for
updates.
And just so you know we listen to member requests, this year we are adding flat
benches to the inside upper courts.
Tom Kern, Director House & Courts
1
© Leaside Tennis Club 2015
SPRING | 2015
LTC News
Message from the President
Thank goodness spring is almost here!!!!!
I’m sure we’re all looking forward to a warm, dry season.
I’d like to welcome Christine Barachina and Tony Oliveira to the board, as our new Secretary
and Tournaments Director, respectively.
Welcome back to our Head Pro Ryan Chow, his Assistant Pros Jon Kudjerski, and Taylor
Hawthorne and all our fantastic monitors. Ryan will handle the bulk of
lessons with his assistant pros stepping in when required.
I have been attending regular meetings at City Hall, as part of a group who will be revising the
city’s outdated Tennis Policy. Part of the discussion was the 7am start time. Last year we were
told that it would be our final year opening at 7am. I am happy to announce that the city has
agreed to allow all clubs who have opened at this time in the past to continue to do so.
Adventure Valley TC has extended an offer to Leaside members. Anyone interested in some
extra court time can contact them at: [email protected] 905-731-2267 ext 226
7th
Join us April
for the Adult Open House, and April
say hello to all your Leaside TC friends.
9th
"Work for a cause,
not applause.
Live life to
express, not
impress. "
- Anonymous
for the Junior Open House. Come out and
Honorary Lifetime Member Gus Morhart recently acquired the Islamorada Tennis Club in the Florida Keys. He has
extended an open invitation to all LTC members to visit the facility once renovations, and additions are complete. The
facility will be primarily used as a training facility for Canada’s Davis Cup team, but court time and accommodations
will be available for our members as well. More information will be provided at a later date.
Rita Lee, President
Leaside Tennis Club 2015 Board of Directors
President
Rita Lee
Vice-President & House League
Tony Saunders
Adult Player Development
Robert Walker
Communications
Nancy Lee Martin
Committee
House & Courts
Tom Kern
John Drummond – House League
Junior Player Development
Laurel Neal
Membership
Andre Velloso
Newsletter Editor
Social
Jen Palacios
Nancy Lee Martin
Teams
Xenia Proestos
Tournaments
Anthony Oliveira
Treasurer
Maureen Timmins
Secretary
Christine Barachina
Leaside Tennis Club | 1601 Bayview Ave., P.O. Box 43599 – Leaside | Toronto, ON |M4G 4G8
www.leasidetennis.org | Email: [email protected]
2
© Leaside Tennis Club 2015
LTC News
SPRING | 2015
The LTC Social Scene
Tennis Players know how to have a Good Time!!
Our End-of-Season Party in October was a ton of fun. Due to limited capacity at the clubhouse, and since our Party is
so popular and fun, we had another change of venue. We were going to head back across the street to the church,
however, rising costs had us reconsider. Instead we went to the Leaside Pub just down the street from the courts.
The Leaside Pub closed their doors to the public for the night, put out a beautiful buffet dinner, and even donated
some great prices to give-away. We had the same fantastic band that everyone knows and loves, The Parkhursts,
and the dance floor was full!!
Another great feature of the Leaside Pub was that Roger’s slideshow was played on all the television screens
throughout the room – so everyone was able to see the memories of the past Summer. Thank you, Roger, for once
again putting together a great slideshow!
It’s always nice to see all the members enjoy a night out together, and this year’s party was no exception.
2015 LTC Open House is April 7th!
Please remember to come out and have some fun at the Adult Open House on Tuesday, April 7th at 6:30. We will
have all 6 courts for some tennis fun (weather permitting). There will be pros available to do some drills and give
you some pointers after a long, cold winter. Of course, we will have the usual great food and beverages – and
socializing is a must at this event! So come by and sign up for House League, or grab a bite, or sign-up for clinics, or
stay for a beer, or just stop in to say “hi” - whatever the reason, we look
forward to seeing you on April 7th!!
Jen Palacios, Social Director
Jen says… “You don’t have to play in the tournament to have fun at LTC.
Just come and be social…like me!”
We share all the social antics on Facebook. Don’t miss out…
Like Us to stay connected!
© Leaside Tennis Club 2015
3
SPRING | 2015
LTC News
Tournament Corner
LTC tournaments did really well in 2014 and we hope to keep the excitement going by bringing out all levels of
players in 2015. This season, all tournaments will take place after the long weekends. So while you are enjoying
that extra day off, remember the next weekend you can be on the courts participating in a fun tournament to test
your skills against other club members. And we have even added a tournament to take place on the very last day of
the season so that we have all long weekends covered. And even if you don’t play…come out and watch…or help
out. We always have a great time. Here’s the line up for this year…
Davis Cup Tournament – May 23th
We start the tournament season with our Davis Cup
Team Event. A popular event that is all about fun and
determining which country will raise their flag as the
Leaside Champions for 2015.
Teams and supporters are encouraged to bring and try
country-themed food, cheer for your favourite country
and just enjoy.
3rd annual Wimbledon Charity Event –
July 4th
This is our big charity event that allows us the
opportunity to give back to the youth. In 2013, we
raised over $3,000.00 for the Philpott Children’s
Charity. In 2014, we raised over $5,000.00 for the
charity and this year, our goal will be $7,000.00. All
support is welcome and needed.
Wear your Wimbledon whites, challenge the pros
earning great prizes and all for a great cause. A fun day
for you to come out and support us, enjoy great food,
silent auction and surprise grab bags.
Club Championships – August & September
The Club Championships is a great way to challenge your skills and show the club members your competitive edge.
There is no entry fee and this year all entrants will receive a free dri fit t-shirt.
August 7th to 9th
September 10th to 13th
September 17th to 20th
Mixed Doubles – Levels A, B, & C
Men’s / Women’s Doubles – Levels A, B, & C
Men’s / Women’s Singles – Levels A, B, & C
Want to play doubles and don’t have a partner? Sign up anyway. We’ll match you with a partner.
KAOS Tournament – October 17th
Join us for the season ending KAOS tournament. And fair warning…chaos may ensue because it’s ALL levels, ALL
random teams, ALL random opponents, and mostly ALL about fun!
Anthony Oliveira, Tournament Director
4
© Leaside Tennis Club 2015
LTC News
SPRING | 2015
House League
Every Wednesday evening, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., our courts are bustling with House League matches, all
arranged according to your level (2.5 to 5.0).
The 2015 Spring House League runs from April 15 to June 24th, and the summer session runs from July 8 through
to September 23th. Start times for matches will vary. Only ADULT (18+) MEMBERS may sign up.
We want everyone to enjoy playing House League and it is the Captain’s responsibility to ensure that his or her players
enjoy competitive matches. So, Captains are expected to use the set guideline when scheduling and assigning players to
courts.
When fielding a team, Captains will use
the following guidelines:
Courts 1 & 2 for Levels 3.5 - 5.0
It is necessary that you correctly evaluate your level of play. See the SelfRating Guide in this newsletter (page 12) for to help with your selfassessment. There will be times where this may not be feasible, and
exceptions may need to be made due to scheduling changes. However,
whenever possible these guidelines will be followed.
Courts 3 & 4 for Levels 3.0 - 3.5
We would like to stress that, once on a team, you have made a
commitment to play on the prescribed date and time, unless the Captain
chooses to locate spares, it is each player’s responsibility to find a spare if
they cannot play on their scheduled date. Spares should be selected from
the team first and then the HL spares list. That failing, players from other
teams may be used, within the HL Rules. Any player that is a no-show for their scheduled match, without providing a
spare, should be advised that another no-show will result in their removal from the team. If you cannot commit to a
team, join in as a "spare".
Courts 5 & 6 for Levels 2.5 - 3.0
This year House League sign up will be handled exclusively online. Visit the members’ only section of
www.leasidetennis.org and click on the Compete tab, then House League). Online registration will help us to gather all
your information into a database and ensure no one is missed.
Hurry - regular spaces are limited!
Tony Saunders, House League Director
HOUSE LEAGUE CLINICS are being
held on:
April 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
April 11 from 2 to 4 p.m.
April 12 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
© Leaside Tennis Club 2015
5
SPRING | 2015
LTC News
Adult Competitive Teams - 2015
2015 promises to be another fun and competitive year for team tennis. Leaside will be represented in the ladies’ day
and evening leagues and in the mixed Inter-County B and C divisions:
Ladies Day Team (A & C): Wednesday morning; April-June
Ladies Premier & IV: Monday evening; April-June
Inter-County B (3 men’s doubles; 2 mixed doubles; 1 ladies doubles): Tuesday evening; May through August
Inter-County C (3 men’s doubles; 2 mixed doubles; 1 ladies doubles): Thursday evening; May through August
These teams are a great way for competitive players to enjoy good doubles matches against other local clubs. All
Members are invited to attend try-outs in the spring and to cheer on the teams once the season is underway.
Past participants’ feedback is very important to us. Following a teams’ town hall last fall, where all teams were
represented, we’ve made modifications to the try-out process. There will be two try-out sessions for each team. Three
Club Pros will select the teams. Only players who attend at least one try-out will be eligible to play on a team so please
be sure to note the try-out schedule below. As for the selection process, the Pros will be evaluating the following
criteria:




Scores from the tryout games (you will be randomly partnered and rotated)
Conformity (biomechanics)
Effectiveness
Past performance (i.e. previous years’ league scores), where available
Each of these factors will be rated and the results combined for each player. To ensure the strongest team is put
forward, 12 players will be selected for each of the ladies’ teams; 12 men / 6 women for each of the Inter-county teams.
Players who are not selected for the team roster will have the option of being placed on the “sub” list.
Please also take a moment to fill out the attached form to give to the Pros at the try-out to ensure the Pros are aware
of your preferences.
Date
Location
Times
Teams Trying Out
Saturday, April 11th
Fitness Institute
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Inter-County B
8:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Inter-County C
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Ladies Evening II
9:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Ladies Evening IV
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Ladies Day Team – A
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Ladies Day Team – C
9:30 am – 11:30 am
Inter-County B
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
11:30 am – 1:00 pm
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
10:00 am – 11:30 am
11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Inter-County C
Ladies Evening II
Ladies Evening IV
Ladies Day Team – A
Ladies Day Team – C
Sunday, April 12th
Monday, April 13th
Saturday, April 18th
Fitness Institute
Fitness Institute
LTC
Sunday, April 19th
LTC
Monday, April 20th
LTC
Saturday, April 25th
LTC
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
All teams: team meetings / practice
All of the teams will be selected by April 23rd. Their first order of
business will be selecting a Team Captain and Co-Captain who will be
responsible for organizing the weekly line-up, liaising with opposing team
captains, reporting the match scores to the league director and organizing
6
Xenia Proestos, Teams Director
© Leaside Tennis Club 2015
LTC News
SPRING | 2015
Team Tryouts @ the Fitness Institute
Directions to the Fitness Institute
2235 Sheppard Avenue East, North York M2J 5B5. Telephone: 416491-5830.
It is on the ground floor of an office tower located East of the Don
Valley Parkway/404.
To access the underground parking: turn left immediately after
turning into the main driveway and follow the road around
the building to the far East side where you will see the
underground entrance. Once in, drive straight ahead and then go left and park
near the stairs that take you back up to the lobby of 2235 Sheppard and the entrance to the Fitness Institute.
There are also parking meters outside the buildings, along the east side street. Do not park in the driveway or the
roundabout.
LTC 2015 Team Try-Out Player Information Sheet
Name:
Phone #:
Email:
Level of Play:
2015 Team:
Let us know which team you are trying out for. Please provide both 1st and 2nd choices just in case you
don’t make your 1st choice.
First Choice
Second Choice
☐ Inter-County B
☐ Inter-County C
☐ Ladies Evening II
☐ Ladies Evening IV
☐ Ladies Day A
☐ Ladies Day C
☐ Inter-County B
☐ Inter-County C
☐ Ladies Evening II
☐ Ladies Evening IV
☐ Ladies Day A
☐ Ladies Day C
Are you willing to act as Captain?
Yes
☐
No ☐
If you have any questions about the teams, scheduling or being a captain, please contact: [email protected].
© Leaside Tennis Club 2015
7
SPRING | 2015
LTC News
Completing
the Application
Form
Adult
Player
Development
Clinic Registration
If you are not able to attend the Open House festivities on Tuesday April 7 and there are still some openings,
As I write and snow is piled up just outside my window, my thoughts wander to Spring tennis? So it’s time to think
about
joining
with
friendsany
to sign
forTuesday
the LTC program
of regularly
you
can also
register
timeup
after
April 8th by
doing thescheduled
following:adult teaching clinics. Each session
can handle up to four participants per court, and consists of four one-hour sessions.
1. Fill in your level of play and full contact information with email address in the appropriate
As in pastspaces.
year, our
Senior
Pro Ryan
Chow
his team
of certified
Tennis
Canada
coaches
from the Toronto Tennis
Use
the check
boxes
toand
indicate
your
preferred
clinic[s]
and
time slot[s].
Academy will offer expert coaching to upgrade your skills and teach new game strategies. These clinics are organized
2. members
Enclose aonly.
cheque
for the
$68.00
perclub
clinic,
(e.g., two
wouldinbe
2 x clinics, our
for club
For those
of full
you amount,
who are new
to the
or haven’t
yetclinics
participated
these
$68.00
=
$136.00)
made
payable
to
the
Leaside
Tennis
Club.
Applications
can
only
be to improve
instructors follow an athlete-centered, game-based teaching approach that focuses on four key elements
confirmed
with
appropriate
payment
provided.
your game:
3. Hand-deliver the application to Clubhouse during supervised hours. Make sure the
“starting the point” (serve and return),
envelope is addressed to the attention of “Robert Walker, Director – Adult Development
“building the point” (forehand and backhand ground strokes),
Teaching Clinics”) and asked the Club Supervisor to write the date and time on the outside
“closing
(approaching the net, volleys, overheads), and
of the
the point”
envelope.
“winning the match” (putting it all together with strategy and tactics).
Please note:
 Applications will be handled on a “first-come, first-served” basis Opening Night and (if openings are still
It’s a time-tested teaching methodology approach with proven results based on personalized coaching that
available)
as determined
by theand
dateweaknesses.
of arrival at The
the mailing
address, is
with
every
to from
recognizes
your particular
strengths
same approach
used
for effort
everybeing
level made
of player,
meet
your
preferences
beginner to professional.




 Pay careful attention to the self-rating guide;
For the 2015 spring season, the Adult Development Teaching Clinics will run from:
 Each clinic must have a minimum of three members enrolled or it will be cancelled. If a clinic is
Monday
April
13th
Saturday
June
cancelled, you will be contacted
and
given
the through
opportunity
to switch
to 13th.
another clinic;
clinic is one (1) hour long
 All clinic sessions fill up extremelyEach
quickly;
 There are no clinics on Saturday,
May– 16
or Monday,
18–due
to –the
Victoria
Monday
Thursday
(7:00
8:00
9:00
AM) Day Weekend.
 To confirm your registration in
a clinic and
names
of clinic
Saturday
(2:00
– 3:00
– 4:00participants,
– 5:00 pm)please check the Clubhouse
notice
board. You
willregistration
be notified only
if there
is a problem
with your
registration.
Last year
we adopted
a new
system
– everything
was done
in one
shot on the Opening Night for the
club. It proved a much better approach than having members running around dropping forms and cheques in
 Feedback on clinics is helpful. I can be reached by email at [email protected] or text
personal mailboxes or at post office boxes. So we are going to use the same system this year.
message at 416-917-4396 or telephone 416-695-8600 x 4802 for further information.
These
clinics you
are are
verynew
popular
with
a limitedlong-standing
number of spaces,
so note
the
date and
prepare
toalso
act fast!
It is
“firstWhether
LTC or
a returning
member,
these
teaching
sessions
are
a great
way
come,
first
served”!
This
year,
the
Open
House
and
Opening
Night
Social
for
the
club
is:
to get to know other members, find compatible playing partners, arrange games, improve your game and,
most importantly, have fun.
Tuesday April 7th, starting around 6:30 PM.
See you on the courts!
Sign-up for adult clinics will take place this same night when doors open for the social event. All registration requests
will be processed on the spot. If last year is any indication, by the end of the evening, the clinics will be sold out.
Be sure to bring along your Adult Teaching Clinic Application Form (page 10, or download from our club website at
www.leasidetennis.org). Don’t forget your chequebook. Payment is required at the time of registration in order to
confirm your participation. If you want to reserve as a group, bring everyone along to join in opening night fun (or at
least bring one form for each person your want to register plus the required payment). I will try as best as I can to
accommodate your request. This year, you will need only one cheque to pay for multiple clinics – but don’t fill in the
amount until you know you have secured a spot in all desired clinics at time of registration. .
The Self-Rating Guide (Page 12 of this newsletter) is important for helping you to choose the clinic that is best for
you.
8
© Leaside Tennis Club 2015
LTC News
SPRING | 2015
Robert Walker, Adult Development Director
Calendar Notice:
Please note, we will no longer publish the calendar in the newsletter. While all attempts
are made to complete the calendar in time for the spring newsletter, inevitably things
change and the calendar that is printed is out of date almost immediately upon
members receiving it. The current month’s calendar will be posted in the clubhouse and
the full season calendar is always available on the website.
© Leaside Tennis Club 2015
9
SPRING | 2015
LTC News
REGISTRATION FORM - SPRING 2015
TEACHING CLINICS - ADULT DEVELOPMENT
In-person Registration Date)
Tuesday, April 7th, 6:30 – 10 pm @ the Club House
Name [please print] ____________________________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________ Postal Code ______________________________
Tel. Day ________________________________ Tel. Evening _________________________________________
E-Mail _________________________________ Cheque Amount ______________________ (See Note)
Note: $68.00 per Clinic (includes HST). Members may enroll in as many clinics as they wish. If registering for multiple clinics,
your cheque must cover the amount of all clinics (one cheque is acceptable). To avoid registration delay, your payment must
accompany your Registration Form.
Return this completed form to: Robert Walker, Leaside Tennis Club
By Personal Delivery:
By Mail:
Club House, 110 Rumsey Road, Toronto, Ontario M4G 1P2
1601 Bayview Avenue, P.O. Box 43599, Leaside, Toronto, Ontario M4G 4G8
PLEASE INDICATE YOUR LEVEL OF PLAY:
(see Self Rating Guide on Page 12)
Please Check One:
Levels 1.5 – 2.0
10
Levels 2.5–3.0
Levels 3.5 –4.0
Levels 4.5 & up
© Leaside Tennis Club 2015
LTC News
SPRING | 2015
Saturday Clinics
Time
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Clinic Type
Beginners [Levels 2.0, 2.5]
3:00 – 4:00 PM
OPEN [All levels]
4:00 – 5:00 PM
EXPERIENCED [Levels 3.0 and up]
5:00 – 6:00 PM
EXPERIENCED [Levels 3.0 and up]
Session & Dates
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
S2 (A): April 18, April 25, May 2, May 9
S2 (B): May 23, May 30, June 6, June 13
S3 (A): April 18, April 25, May 2, May 9
S3 (B): May 23, May 30, June 6, June 13
S4 (A): April 18, April 25, May 2, May 9
S4 (B): May 23, May 30, June 6, June 13
S5 (A): April 18, April 25, May 2, May 9
S5 (B): May 23, May 30, June 6, June 13
Weekday Clinics
Time
Day of Week
7:00 – 8:00 AM
MON & WED
TUES / THURS
8:00 – 9:00 AM
MON / WED
9:00 – 10:00 AM
TUES / THURS
MON / WED
TUES / THURS
7:00 – 8:00 AM
MON & WED
8:00 – 9:00 AM
TUES / THURS
MON / WED
9:00 – 10:00 AM
TUES / THURS
MON / WED
TUES / THURS
7:00 – 8:00 AM
MON & WED
TUES / THURS
8:00 – 9:00 AM
MON / WED
TUES / THURS
9:00 – 10:00 AM
MON / WED
TUES / THURS
7:00 – 8:00 AM
MON & WED
TUES / THURS
8:00 – 9:00 AM
MON / WED
TUES / THURS
9:00 – 10:00 AM
MON / WED
TUES / THURS
© Leaside Tennis Club 2015
Session & Dates
Session A
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
MW7 (A): April 13, April 15, April 20, April 22
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
MW7 (B): April 27, April 29, May 4, May 6
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
MW7 (C): May 11, May 13, May 20, May 22
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
MW7 (D): May 25, May 27, June 1, June 3
TT7 (A): April 14, April 16, April 21, April 23
MW8 (A): April 13, April 15, April 20, April 22
TT8 (A): April 14, April 16, April 21, April 23
MW9 (A): April 13, April 15, April 20, April 22
TT9 (A): April 14, April 16, April 21, April 23
Session B
TT7 (B): April 28, April 30, May 5, May 7
MW8 (B): April 27, April 29, May 4, May 6
TT8 (B): April 28, April 30, May 5, May 7
MW9 (B): April 27, April 29, May 4, May 6
TT9 (B): April 28, April 30, May 5, May 7
Session C
TT7 (C): May 12, May 14, May 19, May 21
MW8 (C): May 11, May 13, May 20, May 22
TT8 (C): May 12, May 14, May 19, May 21
MW9 (C): May 11, May 13, May 20, May 22
TT9 (C): May 12, May 14, May 19, May 21
Session D
TT7 (D): May 26, May 28, June 2, June 4
MW8 (D): May 25, May 27, June 1, June 3
TT8 (D): May 26, May 28, June 2, June 4
MW9 (D): May 25, May 27, June 1, June 3
TT9 (D): May 26, May 28, June 2, June 4
11
SPRING | 2015
LTC News
Self-Rating Guide
Start reading from the top of the chart, beginning with Level 1, to find the level that best describes your general level of play.

Ask your Coach to validate your self-rating, if you think that will help.

Update your rating periodically. Remember that as you play more, and improve, your rating may improve.

Results in social and competitive matches will validate whether your chosen level is reasonably accurate.
Rating
12
Ground Strokes
(Forehand & Backhand)
Return of Serve
Net Play
(Volleys and Overheads
Serve
1.0
This player is just starting to play tennis
1.5
This player has been introduced to the game, however has difficulty playing the game due to a lack of consistency rallying and serving
2.0
Can get the ball in play but lacks
control, resulting in inconsistent
rallies. Often chooses to hit
forehands instead of backhands.
Tends to position in a manner
to protect weaknesses.
Inconsistent return.
In singles, reluctant to come to the
net. In doubles, understand basic
positioning; comfortable only with
the forehand volley; avoids
backhand volley and overhead.
Incomplete service motion; Toss
is inconsistent; Double faults are
common.
2.5
Can rally consistently 10 balls in
a row, especially on the
forehand, with an arched
trajectory over the net when
the objective is to hit to a
partner at moderate speed.
In singles, consistent when
returning towards the middle
of the court. In doubles, has
difficulty returning cross court
to start the point.
Becoming at ease at the net in
practice but uncomfortable in a
game situation.
Attempting a full service motion
on the first serve. First serve is
inconsistent (less than 50%). Uses
an incomplete motion to ensure a
steady second serve.
3.0
Rally consistently 10 balls in a
row on forehands and
backhands. Maintain the rally
when receiving high, short or
wide balls, assuming ball is
received at a moderate pace,
especially on the forehand.
Can control the direction of the
ball in both singles and doubles
when receiving a serve of
moderate pace.
Very consistent on forehand volley
with easy balls, inconsistent on
backhand volley. Overall has
difficulty with low and wide balls.
Can smash easy lobs.
Full motion on both serves.
3.5
Able to move the opponent
around the court or hit harder
when receiving easier balls. Can
execute approach shots with
some consistency (more than
50%).
Can return fast serves or wellplaced serves with defensive
actions. On easy second serve,
can return with pace or
directional control; can
approach the net in doubles.
Becoming confident at net play; can
direct FH volleys; controls BH volley
but with little offence; general
difficulty in putting volleys away.
Can handle volleys and overheads
that require moderate movement.
Can vary the speed or direction
of first serve. Can direct the
second serve to the opponent's
weakness without double
faulting on a regular basis.
4.0
Able to develop points with
some consistency by using a
reliable combination of shots.
Erratic when attempting a
quality shot, when receiving
fast or wide balls, and when
attempting passing shots.
Difficulty returning spin serves
and very fast serves. On
moderately paced serves, can
construct the point through
hitting a good shot or
exploiting an opponent's
weakness. In doubles, can vary
returns effectively on
moderately paced serves.
In singles, comfortable at
following an approach shot to
the net. In doubles, comfortable
receiving a variety of balls and
converting to offensive
positioning; can poach on weak
returns of serve. Able to put
away easy overheads.
Can vary the speed and
direction of the first serve. Uses
spin.
4.5
Can use a variety of spins.
Beginning to develop a
dominant shot or good
steadiness. Erratic when
attempting a quality shot in two
of the following situations:
receiving fast balls, wide balls,
and in passing shot situations.
Off first serves, can defend
consistently but very
inconsistent (less than 30%)
when attempting an aggressive
return. In doubles, has difficulty
(less than 50%) returning a first
serve at the feet of the
incoming serve and volleyer.
When coming to the net after
serving, consistently able to put
the first volley in play but without
pace or depth; however,
inconsistent when trying to volley
powerful or angled returns. Close
to the net, can finish a point using
various options including drop,
angle and punch volley.
Aggressive first serve with power
and spin. On second serve
frequently hits with good depth
and placement without double
faults. Can serve and volley off
first serves in doubles, but
experiences some inconsistency.
5.0
Able to maintain a consistent
rally, 10 balls in a row on faster
balls. Very steady strokes or has
a dominant shot. Periodically
succeeds (50%) when
attempting a quality shot when
receiving fast or wide balls, and
in passing shot situations.
Periodically succeeds (50%) at
aggressive return of fast first
serves using dominant shot
(forehand or backhand). In
doubles can return at the feet
of server and volleyer.
In doubles, after the serve, has a
good, deep cross court volley.
First serve can win points outright,
or force a weak return.
Overhead can be hit from almost
any position
Second serve can prevent the
opponent from attacking.
Able to achieve more than 50%
success on first serve.
Second serve much slower than
first serve.
Serves and volleys on first serves in
doubles with consistency.
© Leaside Tennis Club 2015
LTC News
5.5
6.0 &
7.0
SPRING | 2015
This player is capable of playing in "open" category provincial level tournaments.
These players have obtained a provincial, national, or international ranking
© Leaside Tennis Club 2015
13
SPRING | 2015
LTC News
Junior
Ryan’sProgram
Rap
A regular feature from our Head Pro
Good-bye Winter...Hello Spring!!
Well okay, maybe a little premature...but we are so excited to announce some wonderful improvements that are in
the works for this upcoming junior season at Leaside. We have a full program to help all our aspiring Genie’s and
Milos’ learn the skills they need to be successful on the court. From our Progressive Tennis Program to our
competitive team play, Leaside coaches are geared up to help every
young player develop a love of the game while learning how to play.
Progressive Tennis Development Program
Beginner (Red Ball); Ages 5-8, 12 spots: A fun way to introduce kids
to the game of tennis. Participants will learn in a safe and fun
environment through the games-based approach to learning while also
working on the 5 basic FUNdamentals. Progressive nets, slower balls,
appropriate sized racquets make it the right time to learn!
Novice (Orange Ball); Ages 7-10, 6 spots - Players will build on the 5
fundamentals. This is the most important stage of progressive tennis
development. Court size is from the service line with the potential to
play from 3/4 of a full court. Typically orange colour sized tennis balls
will be used to rally and play games with.
Intermediate (Green Dot Ball), ages 9-12; 6 spots - kids at this stage can typically rally over a net from the
service line (half of a regular court) Players will be now challenged at a 3/4 court stage. They have an idea of how
to hit the ball at the different stages of the court including the net. Players will learn through a variety of drills and
games. Players will learn to compete while emphasizing good sportsmanship and fair play.
Advanced; Ages11-16, 6 spots. Players at this stage have an idea of all the shots in tennis and show they can play
on a full court. A mixture of easy play and regular tennis balls will be used both as a teaching aid to improve at a
quicker rate. Players should be able to rally and play from the 3/4 court line and will then move to the full court
line based on the level of the group. Players will learn to compete in both singles and doubles. Many players in this
group also play for Leaside's junior teams or play outside the clinics as well for fun!
Exceptions and group placement may change based on age, skill level, athleticism, motor skills, ability to follow
instructions, advancement over the course of classes, and the coach’s discretion.
Inter-County and Junior Doubles League Team Play
We will be offering a more structured and streamlined tryout process, running over two days. These tryouts will
continue to be free to all keen junior members. So be sure to come show your stuff on court. If you have good basic
tennis skills and a keen desire to compete and learn doubles strategy then this is an awesome opportunity for you
to come out and participate on a tennis team!
Once offered a spot on one of Leaside Junior Rockin’ teams, you will have the opportunity to commit to 8 team
training sessions. These sessions will run on Friday’s for 2 hours and will be intensely, fun and challenging! You
will leave the court raring to compete. There will be a cost for these team training sessions and all participants will
receive a cool team jersey. Get all the details on the website!
Good tennis, Juniors!
Laurel Neal, Junior Program Director
Photo Credit Copyright: <a href='http://www.123rf.com/profile_czamfir'> / 123RF Stock Photo</a>
14
© Leaside Tennis Club 2015
LTC News
Tactics/Game Plan
SPRING | 2015
Ryan’s Rap … continued
Keep it simple; successful doubles teams don’t over complicate the game plan.
Become
a Better Doubles Partner
1. Get first serves in.
2. Serve into the body or near the center of the court to limit potential angles for the returner.
I hope3.
everyone
a great
winterintennis
season
and enjoyed every minute they spent on a
Volleyhad
down
the center
between
the opponents.
nice warm
court
out
of
the
snow.
Perhaps
some
of
you were even tough enough to endure the
4. Focus on placement over power.
cold, on
a
one
of
the
many
outdoor
community
courts
throughout
city. the
Regardless,
applaud
allhonest.
of you who found
5. Keep returns crosscourt and occasionally down
the linethe
to keep
opposingI net
player
the time
to
stay
active
and
try
to
keep
your
game
sharp
over
the
winter.
For
those
of
you
who
didn’t,
there
is no need to
6. If things aren’t working or your opponents are winning their service games handily, change
up your
loose any sleep
over
your
lack
of
play,
as
there
will
be
lots
of
opportunities
this
spring
to
join
clinics
or
take
positing. Both players can start at the baseline to extend the rallies. A small change can make yourone-onone’s with opponents
a pro.
over think and over play the balls leading to more errors.
I spent quite some time debating what I could write a piece on to help as many players as possible at the club and
finally
decided
doubles.
geta ready
to learn some
of the
forthe
becoming
better doubles
player.
Doubles
Hopefully
thisonarticle
has So,
been
good refresher
for you,
butsecrets
if any of
tips are aunfamiliar,
give them
a try
next is a
fast-paced,
team
game,
which
can
be
a
ton
of
fun
and
easy
to
time you’re playing doubles and let me know how it goes.
play if you know a few simple rules.
Ryan Chow, Head Pro
See you out on the courts!
Communication
An open line of communication is essential for a successful
partnership between a doubles team. Both players need to
always be on the same page. For instance, if the server tells his
partner he is going to serve out wide but decides at the last
second to serve in the middle of the box, their partner is still
positioned
out-wide
serve.
nowithas
better
By
the time for
youan
read
this, the
clubThe
will returner
be full. Was
evera not?
We can’t wait to start playing again with
ability
of
hitting
a
shot
down
the
middle
of
the
court,
which
the freeze?
Copyright: <a href='http://www.123rf.com/profile_nyul'> / 123RF Stock Photo</a >
temperatures a little higher than 42C below zero. Do tennis balls
I hope this will be over when you read this
net
player
would
have
covered
if
they
had
known
where
their
and the balls will be bouncing again at the LTC courts.
partner was actually going to serve. Doubles is a game of
angles,
sowe
it isopened
very important
both partners
to agree upon
wheremuch
they earlier
will hitthan
the first
ball
inthis
order
tovery
properly
This
year
the onlinefor
registration
for returning
members
usual
and
was
cover
the
court
in
anticipation
for
the
next
shot.
successful. Most members registered right away. Some even forgot that they had registered in November and sent
emails to us asking why they could not register (again). Yes, true, but besides being a little funny, this proves that
Alwaysisremember
doubles
is will
a team
sport
both partners
must respect
andjust
support
one2015
another.
sooner
definitely that
better
and we
open
the and
membership
registration
for 2016
after the
AGMKeep
on negative
or
hurtful
words
to
yourself.
If
you
didn’t
agree
with
you
partner’s
shot
selection,
do
not
try
to
coach
them
how
October 21, 2015. That date, along with all the other important dates (tournaments, socials, etc…) is already to hit
the ball on
– this
benefit But
the partnership
way.own
Instead,
assure
themdon’t
theyforget?
made the right decision and
marked
thewill
LTCnot
calendar.
why not addin
it any
to your
calendar
so you
encourage them so you are both well prepared and confident going into the next point.
If you forget the date, don’t worry. As long as your email address and other information is up-to-date in your
Positioning
member
profile, you will receive renewal reminders starting in November, 2015. To review and update your
profile, log into the member’s area of the club website and click on the My Profile link. Make sure you never opt
Initial
starting
position:
out
from
the email
communications of the club. We never spam members; we only send important information
(like membership registration reminders). And this season, we will be sending monthly news updates you won’t
Server
Stand
in thethere
middle
ofno
thelonger
baseline
doubles line and center mark.
want
to -miss
because
will
be abetween
summerthe
newsletter.
Membership Update
Server’s
partner
-- Inarea
an athletic
nearmembers’
the middle
of theinformation,
service box. Look
to level,
followand
theavailability
direction offor
where the
Also,
in the
member’s
you canposition
view other
contact
playing
serve
lands.
playing (you need to update yours too). So keep in touch with your friends, set up your matches, and remind them
when the time comes to renew their membership as well. That way, you won’t lose your favourite playing partner
Returner -- Depends on your preference and the quality of opponents serve. Typically the slower and more
if he or she misses the renewal deadline.
predictable the serve, the closer you can stand to the court, in order to take the ball earlier and hit a more aggressive
shot. wait to start playing outdoors again!
Can’t
Returner’s partner -- Starts on the service line a couple of steps over Andre
from theVelloso,
center service
line. Your
role is to
Membership
Director
initially cover the middle of the court.
Director
© Leaside Tennis Club 2015
15
LTC News
© Leaside Tennis Club 2014
Spring | 2015
16
LTC News
SPRING | 2015
TO OUR REGULAR
SPONSORS…
© Leaside Tennis Club 2015
17