Launch Pad Fundamental and Perceptual Motor Skills (FPMS)

Launch Pad 1 – Fundamental and Perceptual Motor Skills (FPMS)
Player: / Coach:
Club: / Term:
All about Launch Pad
Typical age: 3–5 years / Court size: Red ball or variable
Racquet size: 19–21 inch / Ball: 25% compression red ball
Competencies
Skill / Description / Progress report
Physically can...
Locomotor skills /

run in different directions and be spatially aware of each other in a confined area
self bounce and “cup” hands to catch from a stand still start

B D C
B D C

Body control /

stand on one leg and balance for twenty seconds [static balance]

B D C

During game play can...
Serve /Return /

put the ball in play using underarm throw

B D C

Reception / Footwork /

follow [track] a rolling ball and place body behind and bend stop/catch.
starts from a ready position, moves to ball and recovers [completes footwork cycle] either catching or hitting

B D C
B D C

Baseline /

differentiate between a forehand and backhand
hit a ball over the net using a long, slow, smooth swing with one arm for a forehand
hit a ball over the net using a long, slow, smooth, swing with two arms on backhand

B D C
B D C
B D C

Net /

step in and push and stop [freeze] like a statue on a forehand volley

B D C

Socially / competitively can...
Know the game /

count the number of times a task is performed and number of shots in a roll rally
define “in” and “out” in game situations
differentiate between the first and second bounce

B D C
B D C
B D C

Love the game /

engage in all games and activities
have fun enjoying all games and activities

B D C
B D C

Great sport /

follow instructions and copy demonstrations
cooperate with others and take turns
quickly collects balls in a bucket for coach

B D C
B D C
B D C

Coach Comments
FOR MORE FEED BACK PLEASE SPEAK DIRECT WITH YOUR COACH!
Progress report key
Beginning = working on it Developing = making progress Competent = consistently performs this task
Launch Pad 2– Fundamental and Perceptual Motor Skills (FPMS)
Player: / Coach:
Club: / Term:
All about Launch Pad
Typical age: 3–5 years / Court size: Red court or variable
Racquet size: 19–21 inch / Ball: 25% compression red ball
Competencies
Skill / Description / Progress report
Physically can...
Locomotor skills /

do side skips, hop along a line, jump over small obstacles and land with balance
can run and catch a ball with “cupped” hands

B D C
B D C

Body control /

jump and balance with Mick Mouse hands [has dynamic balance]

B D C

During game play can...
Serve /Return /

under-throw to different distances and to different locations
can put ball into play using an over-arm “side-on” throw
do a self drop and hit over the net

B D C
B D C
B D C

Reception / Footwork /

perceives quickly and moves to wide, deep and short balls and can catch the ball on top of bounce
start from a ready position, run to wide ball and side skips to recover
differentiate between hitting the ball on the rise, top or fall of the bounce

B D C
B D C
B D C

Baseline /

play a self tap up rally in a box court
hit a ball over the net using a long, slow and smooth swing from forehand side with one arm and backhand with two arms.
understand what a rally is

B D C
B D C
B D C

Net /

split steps and f/volleya ball over the net with a simple step forward and pushing/blocking action.
split steps and smash a ball over the net with a simple side on stance and rocket launcher motion
play a four ball combination of shots of: f/h, b/h ,f/v and smash.

B D C
B D C
B D C

Socially / competitively can...
Know the game /

recognize and demonstrate a forehand, backhand, volley and smash
score with pegs or cones

B D C
B D C

Love the game /

listens and has eye contact with coach during demonstrations/explanations
have fun enjoying all games and activities

B D C
B D C

Great sport /

follow instructions
cooperate with others and take turns
shake hands or high five with a partner after play

B D C
B D C
B D C

Coach Comments
Coach comment / FOR MORE FEED BACK PLEASE SPEAK DIRECT WITH YOUR COACH!
Progress report key
Beginning = working on it Developing = making progress Competent = consistently performs this task
Red Ball 1 – Explore
Player: / Coach:
Club: / Term:
All about Red Tennis
Typical age: 5–7 years / Court size: 3m x 11m or 6m x 12m
Racquet size: 21–23 inch / Ball: 25% compression red ball
Competencies
Skill / Description / Progress report
Physically can...
Locomotor skills /

move quickly in different directions, be spatially aware and stop on balance
running action is coordinated with arm and legs alternating

B D C
B D C

Body control /

throw a large ball using rotation of upper body
throw and catch a large ball on one bounce in pairs

B D C
B D C

During game play can...
Serve /Return /

do an underarm serve over the net into court
return from a ready position; use a simple low to high action with contact point in front and to the side on both forehand and backhand
demonstrate correct position where to stand when serving and returning

B D C
B D C
B D C

Reception /Footwork /

perceives quickly the direction and flight of short and deep ball and can hit the ball on the top of the bounce
arrives in a balanced position able to hit to side of body
do side skips forward or back for a short or deep ball and then recover to baseline

B D C
B D C
B D C

Baseline /

tactically looks for space to hit /throw the ball away from opponent
rally with the coach 6 or more shots mostly on forehand
do a simple straight back backswing on forehand with one arm and backhand with two arms

B D C
B D C
B D C

Net /

during a rally make a simple f/h approach with a split step and perform a basic f/h volley
do a four shot coach fed combination of f/h, b/h, f/v and smash sequence

B D C
B D C

Socially/ competitively can...
Know the game /

understand server takes it in turns and can spin racquets to decide who serves
keep score with the aid of a scoreboard i.e. using pegs, writing on court
play a modified singles and doubles red ball rules match
call out “yours” or “ mine” in pair play.

B D C
B D C
B D C
B D C

Love the game /

enjoy competition in a variety of formats e.g. games in lessons, colour ball challenges, play with family and friends, Friday Internal Comp.
work on improving a skill and trying to perform it better

B D C
B D C

Great sport /

start to cooperate with others in a pair and team situation
listen actively to instructions and feedback
call lines honestly and scores clearly.

B D C
B D C
B D C

Ready for Friday Night Comp ?
Coach comments / FOR MORE FEED BACK PLEASE SPEAK DIRECT WITH YOUR COACH!
Progress report key
Beginning = working on it Developing = making progress Competent = consistently performs this task
Red Ball2 – Explore
Player: / Coach:
Club: / Term:
All about Red Tennis
Typical age: 5–7 / Court size: 3m x 11m or 6m x 12m
Racquet size: 21–23 inch / Ball: 25% compression red ball
Competencies
Skill / Description / Progress report
Physically can...
Locomotor skills /

copy direction of a coach or pupils with a shadow drill doing all footwork movements e.g. side skips, forward and backward running, cross over steps.

B D C

Body control /

in pairs throw and catch after one bounce a small ball using one or two hands

do alternate leg lunge and jump with Micky Mouse ears

B D C
B D C

During game play can...
Serve / Return /

direct an underarm serve to either forehand or backhand of opponent
adjust return position when returning serve depending upon speed/direction of server

B D C
B D C

Reception /Foot work /

perceives quickly all ball flights and moves quickly to position with correct basic side on footwork
understand all balls should bounce before hitting from baseline by recovering behind baseline after each shot

B D C
B D C

Baseline /

rally with the coach 10-20shots from the red baseline mostly forehand shots
change the direction of the ball and hit into space in a rally situation
maintain a co-operative rally of 10 shots or more doing an underarm serve with a partner catching between racquet and hand and serving back.
can change grip from f/h [bevel 3 or 4] to b/h [bevel 1 or 2] with two arms
do a small loop on f/h backswing

B D C
B D C
B D C
B D C
B D C

Net /

during a rally perform an approach shot with a f/h or b/h, split step and a forehand volley
.perform a coach fed backhand volley and simple over head smash from a stand still start

B D C
B D C

Socially/ competitively can...
Know the game /

understand server score is called out first
understand consistency wins points[last shot in wins]
keep score without the aid of pegs, cones etc

B D C
B D C
B D C

Love the game /

play in our Grand Slam Tournaments or/and Friday “Red ball” internal comp.
enjoy working on improving a skill and trying to perform it better

B D C
B D C

Great sport /

ask the coach to assist with any on court problems
congratulate opponents good shots
display etiquette and rolls balls under the net back to server

B D C
B D C
B D C

Ready for Comp ?
Coach comments / FOR MORE FEED BACK PLEASE SPEAK DIRECT WITH YOUR COACH!
Progress report key
Beginning = working on it Developing = making progress Competent = consistently performs this task
TEAM SQUAD Red Ball3
Player: / Coach:
Club: / Term:
All about Red Tennis
Typical age: 5–7 / Court size: 3m x 11m or 6m x 12m
Racquet size: 21–23 inch / Ball: 25% compression red ball
Competencies
Skill / Description / Progress report
Physically can...
Locomotor skills /

can run with speed, slides, stops and changes direction

B D C

Body control /

do a lunge and twist to both sides [rotation and balance]

B D C

During game play can...
Serve /Return /

direct the serve over the net using a simple over-arm “salute” serve
pronates on all over-arm throws [palm down to palm out]
move in on second serve to use strengths to place pressure on receiver

B D C
B D C
B D C

Reception / Footwork /

sometimes anticipates the ball flight before opponent plays shots
recover with initial cross over steps then side skips

B D C
B D C

Baseline /

rally with a coach for 30 or more random forehand and backhand shots
rally with a partner for 10-20 shots
attacks opponents weaknesses and can aim with control to opponents weaknesses
do a small loop on forehand and backhand backswing
always changes grip from forehand [bevel 3 or 4] to backhand [bevel 1 or 2]

B D C
B D C
B D C
B D C
B D C

Net /

understand when it is best to perform an approach shot during a rally and come to the net
play at the net and respond to all random net shots
play a high forehand [lob] to buy time to recover

B D C
B D C
B D C

Socially/ competitively can...
Know the game /

play a game scoring 15, 30, 40, deuce, add and game
play to own strengths and attack opponents weaknesses
call “in” or “out” using hand signals
circles, but does not touch, close calls to avoid suspicion of unfair play

B D C
B D C
B D C
B D C

Love the game /

play in internal Friday night Red ball comp or/and Grand Slam Hot Shot Tournaments
play in Challenge Matches against other academies

B D C
B D C

Great sport /

support and encourages team members
respect the coaches decisions and feed back
try to work out fairly all on court problems with opponent before seeing the coach
understand effort is more important than outcome

B D C
B D C
B D C
B D C

Ready for Comp ?
Coach comments / FOR MORE FEED BACK PLEASE SPEAK DIRECT WITH YOUR COACH!
Progress report key
Beginning = working on it Developing = making progress Competent = consistently performs this task
Orange Ball1 – Develop
Player: / Coach:
Club: / Term:
All about Orange Tennis
Typical age: 8–9 / Court size: 8m x 18m (3/4 court)
Racquet size: 23–25 inch / Ball: 50% compression orange ball
Competencies
Skill / Description / Progress report
Physically can …
Locomotor skills /

react quickly and adapt movement patterns, including forward, backward, sideways
run, slide and recover using cross over steps

B D C
B D C

Body control /

perform different patterns and movements at the same time e.g. run, balance and hit

B D C

During game play can…
Serve /Return /

serve over-arm first serve with forehand grip
regularly serve under-arm second serve into service box
return serve equally using forehand or backhand

B D C
B D C
B D C

Forehand /

hit with a semi open stance with small loop backswing
has good understanding of correct contact point and concept of “late” or “early”

B D C
B D C

Backhand /

play one or two handed backhand with correct grip changes from ready position
has a small looped backswing which is long and smooth

B D C
B D C

Net Game /

approach the net at the appropriate time during a rally to opponent weakness
change grip from forehand to backhand volley and simple step forward and block in front
quickly track a over head moving back or forward with side skips
decide to lob or pass an opponent

B D C
B D C
B D C
B D C

Socially/competitively can…
Know the game /

understand the main rules of the game e.g. foot fault, let etc
understand basic tactics i.e. unforced and forced errors

appreciate the need to address areas that need improvement

B D C
B D C
B D C

Love the game /

enjoy competition in a variety of formats e.g. games in lessons, colour ball challenges, play with family and friends, Friday Internal Comp.

plays more than once per week in group, squad or privates classes

B D C
B D C

Great sport /

start to control emotions
questions “why” at times in a polite manner

B D C
B D C

Are you ready for compeption?
Coach comments / FOR MORE FEED BACK PLEASE SPEAK DIRECT WITH YOUR COACH!
Progress report key
Beginning = working on it Developing = making progress Competent = consistently performs this task
Orange Ball 2 – Develop
Player: / Coach:
Club: / Term:
All about Orange Tennis
Typical age: 8–9 / Court size: 8m x 18m (3/4 court)
Racquet size: 23–25 inch / Ball: 50% compression orange ball
Competencies
Skill / Description / Progress report
Physically can...
Locomotor skills /

react quickly to coach commands of: forward, backward, sideways and adapts footwork patterns

B D C

Body control /

keep the head still with good back posture and maintain balance during dynamic movements e.g. big ball rally with bat man hands
catch and throw with one hand on both sides of body

B D C
B D C

During game play can...
Serve / Return /

serve over-arm first and second serve with a balanced and rhythmical action
start to use continental grip [bevel 2] with limited success
regularly get a slow second serve into service box
understand the role of receiver in doubles play

B D C
B D C
B D C
B D C

Forehand /

semi open - open stance and swings with angular momentum [hips and shoulders rotate]
understand how to play a topspin forehand
use forehand to attack opponents weaknesses

B D C
B D C
B D C

Backhand /

one or two handed backhand with a smooth, small looped backswing
understand how to play a topspin backhand
[a two handed players can] sometimes play a one handed backhand out wide to recover

B D C
B D C
B D C

Net /

begin to use continental grip [bevel 2] for all volleys and smash
play and understands how and when to perform a bounce smash
uses net play to take away opponents time or can buy time when in trouble

B D C
B D C
B D C

Socially/competitively can...
Know the game /

understand the four doubles position to stand and the role of all players in doubles
understand the idea of “risk and reward” [defence and offence tennis]

name some international tennis players

B D C
B D C
B D C

Love the game /

enjoy competition in a variety of formats e.g. Friday Internal Comp, Challenge Matches, Grand Slam tournaments

play tennis all year round twice a week or more
tennis is becoming main sport child plays

B D C
B D C
B D C

Great sport /

manages emotions in competitive situation.

B D C

Are you playing Comp?
Coach comments / FOR MORE FEED BACK PLEASE SPEAK DIRECT WITH YOUR COACH!
Progress report key
Beginning = working on it Developing = making progress Competent = consistently performs this task
Green Ball1 & 2– Encourage
Player: / Coach:
Club: / Term:
All about Green Tennis
Typical age: 9-10 / Court size: Full court
Racquet size: 25–27 inches / Ball: 75% compression green ball
Competencies
Skill / Description / Progress report
Physically can...
Locomotor skills /

bounces on toes in between “every” shot

B D C

Body control /

dribble two ball with one hand each simultaneously
roll a ball forward with base of foot alternately

B D C
B D C

During game play can...
Serve / Return /

serve with a rhythmical action, coordinate both arms and legs to aid weight transfer and leg drive to accelerate racquet.
add spin to second serve [slice &/or topspin]
direct the first serve to the forehand or backhand of the opponent
change speed of return to attack or defend
direct return to either forehand or backhand side of court

B D C
B D C
B D C
B D C
B D C

Forehand /

play a semi open to fully open stance with semi western grip and core rotation
play a topspin forehand
play a slice forehand to defend

B D C
B D C
B D C

Backhand /

use a circular backswing to develop racquet head speed
play a topspin backhand
play a slice backhand to defend

B D C
B D C
B D C

Net /

play a normal, bounce and jump smash
play a low volley, high volley and wide volley with continental grip
perform a defensive and offensive lob

B D C
B D C
B D C

Socially/competitively can...
Know the game /

implement a game plan based on strengths and weaknesses
explain and evaluate what went well in a match and what could be improved
take time away from opponent by doing drive volleys, hitting balls on the rise, power etc
play to environmental factors [e.g. wind, sun]

B D C
B D C
B D C
B D C