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Everyone can benefit from good coaching, from those just hitting a tennis ball for the first time to experienced players wanting to hone their skills. The two club coaches at Basford provide regular group coaching sessions for juniors and adults and can also accommodate private coaching for those who would like to concentrate on a specific aspect of their game. As well as developing playing technique, the coaches emphasise the importance of tactics and strategies to optimise results. They have the use of a ball machine and can offer video analysis of play.
Head Coach Mike Armstrong (pictured left) is a Level 1 LTA Licensed Coach (CRB checked, first aid, insurance), is an Instructor Grade member of the Professional Tennis Registry and has a BA (hons) in Sport and Leisure Management. Assistant Coach Paul Armstrong is also a Level 1 LTA Licensed Coach (CRB checked, first aid, insurance). In addition to junior and adult coaching, he is the mini tennis coordinator and the schools links coordinator.
Group coaching is open to both members and non-members (except sessions that are by invitation only) and need not be pre-booked. Private coaching is available from Mike or Paul at £15 per hour for members, £18.00 for junior non-members and £20.00 for adult non-members.
Coaching of youngsters is based on the LTA developed mini tennis scheme, using smaller rackets and larger, softer balls, enabling young children to be introduced to the game.
This session is aimed at young players that are just starting out. It uses low compression balls and a smaller court to teach children the basic techniques and fundamental skills required to play tennis. Members £2.50, non-members £3.50
The orange session is the next step in tennis development. It still uses a low compression ball, but is played on a 3/4 sized court. Children continue to develop the techniques and fundamental skills required for tennis. Members £2.50, non-members £4.00
This session is for talented young players and older school team standard players. Players use a normal tennis ball on a full-sized court and begin to learn more complex techniques and tactics. Members £2.50, non-members £4.00
The advanced coaching session concentrates on tennis fitness followed by drills and points play. The earlier session is for younger players who are regularly competing and older players who are starting to compete. The later session is designed for teenagers who play in LTA tournaments and for school team members. Both sessions are available by invitation only. Members £3.50 (April-October), £4.00 (November-March), non-members £5.00 (April-October), £5.50 (November-March)
The performance squad training focuses on advanced fitness and drills. It is available by invitation only.
The adult coaching session is aimed at both beginners wanting to learn how to play the game and club players wanting to improve their game. The session concentrates on technique and tactics (particularly doubles tactics). Members £4.00, non-members £5.00