So what is it I do for a living?! Basically, I run a performance tennis programme at Craiglockhart, which is one of 6 national performance clubs in Scotland. Our aim is to identify talented young players and provide them with a pathway which allows them to fulfill their potential - quality coaching on a performance surface year-round, on and off-court training programmes, and access to sports science support. Coaching is delivered by myself and Ross (Murdoch) through technique-based individual lessons, and squad sessions with a more tactical, physical and mental approach. Individual coaches prepare a competition schedule for each player, so we vary the intensity of their training programme around priority tournaments.
Futures Squad
The youngest group of kids ("Futures") we work with are aged 6-7, who use mini tennis orange balls on a 3/4 size court. The next group ("Satellites") are aged 7-9 and are split into 2 levels, both using mini tennis green balls on a full size court. "Challenger" level players aged 10-11 use yellow balls on a full size court, and are East of Scotland County standard.
The highest level players (aged 11-16) are in the Performance Squad and are playing at County, National and in some cases International Level. We have 4 kids who are part of the East Area Institute of Sport (ESIS) - with unlimited access to physiology, psychology, nutrition, physiotherapy and strength & conditioning.
Last weekend there was a Performance Club Challenge event in Prestwick, all the kids competed really well and enjoyed themselves. There were 2 boys and 2 girls in Under 11 and Under 14 age groups representing each team. I was impressed with our kids showing a great team spirit and supporting each other throughout the weekend. It makes a big difference and of course it becomes more fun as well.
And finally...last night I organised a mens & ladies county practice session with a BBQ afterwards which turned out to be really good fun. We played several sets of normal/mixed doubles with various partnerships and some fortified drinks for hydration along the way. Mark & Sylvia came up to watch which was nice, because they got to meet some of the kids I talk about and put faces to names.
Labels: tennis
See more pics!
Sunday I took Mark & Sylvia to the great Kingdom (of Fife) and we met up with Fiona & Bernard to do the chain walk at Elie. Was a good laugh although next time we need to do it when the tide is higher so there's actually a need to use the chains :) Took the coastal road around the fishing villages afterwards, ending up in St.Andrews to walk around. The weather was great and we had a fun time being tourists (and me trying to be a good tour guide!)
