Split Second Coaching Mini-Aces Tennis

Chester Young April 2010

Middlesex Under 8 Tournament

We had two players, Alessandro Di Trollio and Chester Young in the quarter finals and Chester went on to win the competition.

Chester is now a Red 1 player

Chester was invited to County and Regional Identification in September 2010.

Chester is pictured here with his proud coach, Sally

Alessandro Di Trollio and Harry Price June 2010

Middlesex Under 8 Tournament

Alessandro came 2nd in class

He was runner up against a very tough Red 1, before he became a Red 1 himself.

Harry, came a very well deserved 4th in class.

Alessandro has also been invited to County Talent Identification and Regional TI in January 2011.

Harry Price February 2010

Harry was awarded a place on the prestigious Batchwood TARBES programme

The ‘Pathway to Tarbes’ scheme is a funded scheme for the best young talented mini tennis players in the region.

The scheme started in September 2007 and Batchwood has since produced 19 regional and 4 national players.

We offer schools a free Tennis Taster session for children in reception who are born in 2006/7

Mainly these children are in Reception but sometimes in Year 1. The taster consists of a 1 hour session delivered at the school by 2 LTA licensed and qualified coaches, one of whom, is a performance coach from the Academy. The session looks at athletic skills, co-ordination, ability to listen and learn and enjoyment of the sport

All the children are then invited to The Avenue Tennis Club in Finchley to participate in a free tennis festival day, from where we will then be offering selected children a place on the Mini Aces scheme. The Mini-Aces programme carries a 50% subsidy and therefore is a great opportunity for your children. We also offer a full development coaching programme to ensure that every single child has an opportunity to continuing playing tennis

If you would like us to visit your school please contact Sally Bentley on the number above or send her an email

How the programme works

Your child will partake in 2 weekly one hour squads for one term. After this time the player is assessed and if they have made the appropriate progress technically and tactically, will be invited to continue the scheme and commence weekly one to one lessons (121)

The squads cost £4 per player and the 121’s cost £12.50 for half an hour

Most 4 and 5 year olds start on half an hour a week. This progresses as time goes on. One of the squads includes a fitness session and we introduce the players to some of the ‘tests’ that they will experience at County Talent Identification Days

LTA Programme Hours & Guidelines (Weekly Individual Lessons)

8 and Under: 2 hours per week

7 and Under: 1.5 hours per week

6 and Under: 1 hour per week

5 and Under: 30 - 45 minuts per week

Our aim is to get as many of our talented & committed 2003-2005 players on what we

believe is an effective performance pathway by January 2010

Parents with children already having individual lessons see the difference it makes and the good technical habits developed at this young age are ones that will stick with them throughout their tennis career

To view PDF of the Mini Tennis Ratings Chart, click on image.