The Lakewood Property Owners' Association proudly announces summer camp programming for residents and non-residents. Our summer camp is a meticulously curated selection of eight-week camps categorized by level of play and age. Through this comprehensive approach, we will ensure that every junior, from beginners to advanced players aged 8 to 18, finds a camp experience specific to their development.
Beginner Focus
Building A Foundation is Critical: Players in beginner camps will learn the five primary strokes: the topspin forehand, topspin backhand, forehand volley, backhand volley, and, most importantly, serves. They will also learn the elements of a tennis racquet, including the various grips they'll use in their primary strokes.
Rules and Regulations: Introduction to the basic rules and court etiquette will be on our agenda, and this topic will include discussions on scoring, dimensions, and calls to be made in court. Good sportsmanship and 'The Code' will be explained to all players.
Drills and Games: While our juniors need to develop the above skills, we must treat this as a fun learning environment during their time off from school. This will help reinforce the skills we focus on throughout the camp, keeping the players engaged. It is also a great way to sneak in physical conditioning and footwork; we will include exercises that improve agility, coordination, and endurance. At the heart of our camps, this approach blends an instructive and enjoyable experience groundwork for a lifelong passion for tennis.
Intermediate Focus
Fundamental Stroke Mechanics & Stroke Variation: Continuously refining the techniques for the primary strokes is vital for this level of play to find consistency. Players at this level often develop bad habits they may not be fully aware of. Our mission is to bring these crucial habits to rest and ensure the player understands the issue, why it needs to be changed, and what our next step is to break this habit. Learning or developing higher-quality shot variations such as slices, drop shots, and lobs will occur at this level.
Footwork, Movement, and Awareness: We aim to improve court coverage through speed and agility drills; proper court positioning for different shots and moving effectively around the court will build overall awareness and purpose in a match. Basic tennis strategies include playing to opponents' weaknesses, setting up points, and adapting tactics during matches based on opponents' playing styles.
Match Play Experience: Players will be assessed on their ability to perform in a match. They will learn to stay composed and resilient during points, deal with pressure, and maintain a positive mindset regardless of the score. However, not all players are the same, and each player may have a specific area, such as developing a particular weapon through coaching feedback.
Advanced Focus
Advanced Refinement: Players at this level will fine-tune all strokes and develop greater consistency, power, and place in their shots. Mastering footwork at this level is crucial for advanced-level players, enhancing court coverage and anticipation. Through video analysis, players will be assessed on technique to identify areas of improvement in their strokes, such as swing path, contact points, and decision-making during match play.
Physical Conditioning & Sports Psychology: In this focus, mental preparation, such as visualization and positive self-talk, will help players manage stress and anxiety during competition. Strength, Flexibility, and cardiovascular conditioning will improve the quality of match play and allow players to focus on the most important aspect of tennis, which is their mental preparedness.
Sportsmanship and Character Development: Tennis is a sport of respect, integrity, and fair play. We must ensure our high-level athletes build fundamental teamwork and learn to handle success and failure humbly. Players will learn to manage their emotions and maintain composure under pressure in a very mentally demanding sport. Frustration, anger, or disappointment during matches are expected, but outbursts and tantrums are not.