Welcome to the Wayside Tennis Academy!
Wayside Tennis Academy (WTA) at Wayside (junior elite tennis program), under the leadership of Ron Parlman and Bill Hamilton, offers one of the most experienced professional teaching teams in the region. Our pros are certified by the USPTA and/or USPTR and this combination of expertise and training means quality tennis instruction to players of all levels and interests.
Beginning at age 5, children learn the game of tennis – the basics, the techniques, and strategies. When they are ready, they can progress to competitive play.
For additional information, please contact Tennis@WaysideAthleticClub.com or 508.481.1797, extension 24.
Developmental Classes
Red Ball: Ages 5 – 8: Young players start learning with a red ball that is larger, slower, and lighter. They play on a smaller court with a lower net, scaled to size to allow players to cover the court, hit more balls, and build confidence. Young juniors develop their technique and learn simple tactics.
Orange Ball: Ages 8 – 10: Orange balls are the same size as a standard yellow ball, but are lighter and bounce lower. Play is on a mid-sized court with a standard net. Juniors continue to build technique and tactical skills as well as confidence in their playing ability.
Green Ball: Ages 9 – 12: As junior players grow and build strokes, movement and tactical skills, they move to a full-size court. The green ball is slightly lighter and slower than a yellow ball which gives players more time to get to and return shots.
A prerequisite for Green Ball is having taken a number of Orange Ball intro classes or to be able to rally with proper stroke mechanics. The 1½-hour clinic focuses on advanced stroke production, serve consistency, volley, and overhead development. Players will learn match play strategies along with a beginner court fitness program.
Teen Tennis: Ages 13+: Designed for the teenager who has had little or no prior tennis experience. Students will learn all the basic strokes as they develop enthusiasm for the game. Fitness and movement are also emphasized.
Next Session Begins in The Fall
Competitive Classes
Advanced Orange Ball: A prerequisite for Advanced Orange Ball is to have taken a number of Orange Ball introductory classes or to be able to rally with proper stoke mechanics. Our 1½-hour clinic focuses on advanced stroke production, serve consistency, volley, and overhead development. Players will learn match play strategies along with a beginner court fitness program.
Advanced Green Ball: Players at this level are expected to execute strokes with proper technique and grips. Our 1½-hour clinic places a strong emphasis on advanced groundstroke drills and rallying. Cooperative drills and competitive games will be used. Mental toughness will be introduced, along with on-court conditioning. Players are expected to come to weekend open play to develop their match skills to prepare them for USTA tournaments.
Next Session Begins in The Fall
Performance Track
High School Junior Varsity: Designed for those with a basic knowledge of the game, this class concentrates on developing competitive players. Stroke mechanics will be an important part of each class, and full-court drills that emphasize consistency and control will be practiced. Fitness and movement skills will be stepped up in this class.
High School Varsity: This class develops and improves the full-court game with an emphasis on patience, consistency, and intelligent play. Spins, placement, approach shots, passing shots, volley control, and more advanced techniques are developed at this level. Players learn good singles and doubles strategy. Challenging fitness drills will be included in each session. Players are encouraged to attend Weekend Open Play and club team matches against other area clubs.
Level 7 Tournament Group: This level is designed for players who have had prior match play experience at summer clubs, summer camps, and indoor clubs, and are looking to explore playing USTA Level 7 Tournaments. Players develop the necessary skill sets to succeed under our top ASTA coaches. Parents will be given advice by the ASTA staff on how to navigate the USTA web site, and which tournaments to play in. Players are encouraged to participate in Weekend Open Play when not playing a weekend tournament.
Next Session Begins in The Fall
High School Drop-ins
High School Ball Machine Clinic – $15/class (no commitment)
The tennis ball machine: your #1 partner! Come practice your shots and footwork, build concentration and get some cardio exercise with your buddies every Friday at Wayside Athletic Club. No commitment; just email Kevin and drop-in whenever you feel like hitting some balls and getting a great workout in!
HS Varsity/JV/Level 7 Open Match Play – $18/class (no commitment)
No commitment; just email Kevin and drop-in whenever you feel like hitting some balls and getting a great workout in!
Competitive play in USTA-sanctioned tournaments!
Wayside offers USTA sanctioned tournaments for Adults and Juniors. USTA tournaments provide competitive play for multiple levels of singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Players must be current members of the USTA to participate.
For additional information, please contact Tennis@WaysideAthleticClub.com or 508.481.1797, extension 24.
