E.P.I.C
Essex Pathway to International Competition
Mark Hayden – Talent & Performance Coordinator - Essex
Rob Ellis – Tennis Development Manager - Essex
Background
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What is performance level tennis – what are we
aspiring to?
Need for a performance pathway for talented
players to progress
Tennis is an early start sport ( but not necessarily
early specialisation)
Benefits of getting the better players together
Working with local club coaches
Producing more performance players in Essex
The EPIC Programme
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2 group sessions per week during term time
1 individual session at this club or if already at a club
with own individual coach
Quality indoor facilities
Quality coaches with low coach to player ratio
Physical training included
Internal Competition every half term
Most talented children will be invited to join this
programme
Purpose of today’s activities
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To identify potential players for the EPIC
programme
To carry out a series of objective assessment
exercises
To select players for entry into the programme
Provide information on alternative programmes
Testing criteria – what are we
looking for?
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Speed – Straight line sprint
Footwork/Agility/Coordination – around cones
Eye-hand coordination - ball skills (throw &
catch)
Competitiveness – will to win
Listening skills – ability to learn quickly
Focus – concentration and commitment
Attitude – determination & desire
Long Term Player Development –
what is required?
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6 Hours of Sport for a 6 year old per week
EPIC programme
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2 x 1.5 hours structured group coaching (inc. 30mins ABCs)
30-60 mins individual coaching at local club
In-house competition organised every 6 weeks
For elite performance – 10,000 hours over 10 years
Windows of opportunity to learn specific skills at
certain ages.
Other sports are still important – foundation skills
National Competition Framework
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7 & under mini tennis red
8 & under mini tennis orange/red
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9 & under mini tennis orange
10 & under full court with green ball
Low compression balls (Sponge indoor/Felt outdoor)
Low net
Court appropriate to size, strength and ability
Competition - compete only on mini red court
Advise on competition format for selected players
Mini Tennis Ratings
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Selected players need to register for free British
Tennis Membership
All 7 & under players with BTM given red 4
rating (starter rating)
Smaller Kids Smaller Courts
Funding & Costs
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LTA Satellite Club Funding
Costs to parents - heavily subsidised £8 per session
Other costs for parents on the tennis journey
Individual lessons essential
Equipment – Rackets/shoes/clothing
Entry fees from £6-£10 per tournament
Travel costs to tournaments
The British Tennis Parents Website
www.britishtennisparents.com
Created by experienced tennis parents Judy Murray and Dan
Thorpe, this site offers up a wide range of advice for parents.
• Appropriate for parents of high performance players and new
players
• Information on how you can best support your child
• Finance advice
• Equipment choices
• Nutrition: Before and during matches
• Specific help via the Ask Judy Q&A Section
Go online to get information and advice to help you make the best
decisions for your children
What’s happens now?
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Players selected for EPIC contacted by email
Exit routes for players not selected at this stage
EPIC programme Jan 2010
Mark Hayden – Talent & Performance Coordinator
07958252103 email: [email protected]
Rob Ellis– Tennis Development Manager 07939016617
email: [email protected]
Essex LTA Office: Amanda Michelow 0208 502 6364
email: [email protected]
Contact Details
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Mark Hayden – Talent & Performance
Coordinator 07958252103 email
[email protected]
Rob Ellis – Tennis Development Manager
07939016617 email: [email protected]
Essex LTA Office: Amanda Michelow 0208 502
6364 email: [email protected]
Club Contacts
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David Lloyd Club – Basildon. Jamie Walker (Tennis & Racquets Manager)
01268 662100 email: [email protected]
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Clearview Esporta Health & Racquets Club. Kingsley Harris – Tennis
Manager/Head Coach 01277 815640 email: [email protected]
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Compete programme HPC-Tom Higgins Tennis Manager
Redbridge Sports Centre-07885968237 email [email protected]
Any
questions?