|
The Mankato Athletic Tennis Center began in February 2000; our main goal was to become the center of tennis growth in the area—for adults, but mostly for junior players—for that is how all great tennis clubs grow—from the young up. We’re proud after 5 ½ years, we’ve helped develop some of the best players the area has ever seen and improved numerous teams in the process—and yet, we’ve just scratched the surface of what can be done. In 2000, players in the area were doing 2 to 3 hours per week in the winter and just a few more in the summer—now many of our players are doing 7 or more per week in the winter and 12 or more in the summer. The work has shown results—with numerous players earning state invites and playing on college teams. We’re proud of the tradition we’ve begun but look forward to expanding that tradition to include state winners—of players and teams. We’re ready if you’re ready. This year at the Section 2A girls tennis tournament, it was wonderful to see 2 of our JETS members—Chelsea Nowak and Eryn Jenzen of Maple River, cheering on their MATC teammate but high school foe Kate Ostrowski. They were the loudest cheerers for Kate there and that is what MATC set out to do—bring the tennis community together for the benefit of all. St. James will only compete with Rochester Lourdes if Maple River gets better—and Mankato East will not get better if Mankato West doesn’t get better—every girl, every boy that raises their level, will raise the level of the area—making us more able to compete once our players do get to state. This year, for the first time since MATC started, both of our area girls players and MATC members and JETS participants—Ashley Eckstrom and Kate Ostrowski won their first round match at state. We hope this is the beginning of a trend not an anomaly. The St. James girls’ team got better and better at state, and a favorable draw could’ve easily given them 2nd place in the state tournament. We want that to be the norm in the area not the exception—we want players and teams that represent us to represent hard work, dedication, and performance. We’re on our way—and even the top is possilbe. MATC’s winter schedule includes more junior tennis than ever—from tournaments to matchplay to junior lessons to traveling team tennis—a little of everything to raise the level of your game. Join us and improve your game. Players may be required to audition to place them in the appropriate group. There is no cost for this audition. More classes may be added or subtracted due to demand and/or schedules. Call for more information. All payments must be paid up front and pro-rating done before play begins.
* Must be approved by Tennis Director – Gerard Schwarz – call if unsure where you belong Matchplay – charted, videotaped, and ranked Saturday matchplay lets juniors play tennis on Saturdays versus any other MATC junior member (or pre-approved adult players ++ask for list) for just $1 for an hour (each person) (maximum twice per month against same player). For just $5, you will receive a videotape of the match. For an additional $7, your match video will be charted and analyzed so that you can see where you need to improve your game. We’ll tell you what your playing is showing your opponent that is helping them win points, and what part of your game is working and should be utilized more to win more matches. Prizes will be awarded to those who play often.
JETS is where many area players join in—to create a variety of players and styles—drilling and working non-stop—except competition—for 3 hours on Sundays. It’s for those who might not be able to make weekday lessons because of winter activities as well as those who just need more tennis. JETS is a great way for players to get acquainted with others players from other area towns, compete with boys and girls, play against area college players, and compete against area tennis clubs. It’s a bit less lesson-oriented than group lessons but contains many drills, fitness, movement, and match play simulations. There is a $1 charge for any matches we play against area teams—when playing at MATC. Other clubs may charge you a small fee when we play their players.
JETS Begins November 20th – No JETS on Christmas–December 25th but there will be JETS practice on January 1st * Must be approved by Tennis Director – Gerard Schwarz Private lessons are available with the Tennis Director. Private 1-hour lessons are $40 per one, $36 per lesson for 6, and $32 per lesson for 12. There is a discount of $5 per lesson for MATC members. (See MATC private lesson sheet for more info). A free ½ hour get acquainted lesson is available to all or a 1 hour introductory lesson for $20. What is the best way for my son/daughter/me to improve my tennis? Many parents and players wonder what is the best and quickest way to improve their tennis in the off-season—the answer varies with the player—where they are in their development and what their goals are for the upcoming season and their tennis career. Some of our players improve the most by playing in our adult doubles leagues—where they start out losing but grow to be able to beat a variety of players. Many of our players improve by participating in JETS—with players whose goals and or levels are more compatible with them then players on their own high school teams. In JETS, many of our younger players get the opportunity to hit with college players on a regular basis—something very few young players in the state get to do. If you’re unsure what is best for your game, call Gerard to discuss this. How much tennis is too little/too much? The basic answer is—if the player is the one asking for more tennis, then more tennis is a good thing—if it takes the parent or the coach to talk them into going, in the end, it probably won’t be a good thing. The player needs to set realistic goals and then can get realistic expectations back—if they want it, they’ll earn it; if they don’t, they won’t. Tennis
is expensive and we can’t afford it.
If finances are a problem, please call
MATC
and ask for Gerard. We have generous members who are very willing to
donate financially to help an individual who is ready to work and improve.
If
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
