The Hallamshire Development Squad Programme is where players either start their tennis learning or continue their development after Mini Tennis in a group situation, and is open to Members and Non-Members. Players aged 8 and over must join the Hallamshire Tennis Club after 1 block of coaching.

Emphasis is placed on Technical, Tactical, Physical and Mental development in coaching sessions.

Coaches attend regular training sessions, to ensure continued high quality tuition.

Players are put into the following levels based on a snooker ball scale, according to age and standard :

White level is for players aged 11, who have just left Mini Tennis Green, or are just entering the game. Children within these squads are just beginning to learn how to play on a full court, and sessions include lots of work on technique and shape of shots.

Red (beginner)

Red level is for players aged 11 – 12, who have progressed from the White squads, or have left Mini Tennis Green Invite. Children within these squads have a basic grasp of the game, and can start to maintain a short rally together. Sessions include lots of technical work, as well as allowing the pupils to start to play competitive games.

Yellow

Yellow level is for players aged 12 upwards. Children within these squads are now able to maintain a rally from baseline to baseline. Sessions include a lot of work on teaching the pupils the use of different spins, as well as introducing the various tactical elements of the game.

Green

Green level is for players aged 12 upwards. Children within these squads are able to play a match to a competent level, which includes understanding the different elements of the game. Sessions are very much about introducing a lot more tactical elements, such as being consistent from the back of the court, and being able to come to the net at the correct time.

Brown

Brown level is for players aged 12 upwards, who are starting to be introduced into tournaments and team matches. Children within this level will be looking to enter different tournaments and Box Leagues. Sessions will be used to help the pupils to improve their knowledge of the game, and help them to use it in a match situation.

Blue

Blue level is for players aged 13 upwards, who will have had a few years of match experience, and will play for the junior teams. Sessions will be very much match oriented, with competition being a key element, including both singles and doubles tactics.

Pink (advanced)

Pink level is for players of around the ages 14 upwards, these players are some of the strongest juniors in the Club, and are very keen match players. Sessions are geared towards match play which will help these players in the various tournaments and matches which they compete in.

Black (advanced)

Black level is for the strongest juniors at the Club, including some County players. These players will compete in tournaments to a high standard, and will be starting to play for the Club’s senior teams. The sessions are very much match based, with higher technical, tactical, physical and mental development.

Progression is at the discretion of the Coaching Team.

Assessment Forms are distributed at the end of each block.