Junior Development Pathway

To ensure proper development Launchpad Junior groups are built with specific technical, mental, and physical goals. Once a player meets the necessary skill requirements they will be moved up to the next group in the pathway.

RED BALL (Ages 4–8)

Main Goal: Introduce players to tennis in a fun, structured way. Build coordination, basic technique, and fundamental understanding of the game.

Technical Goals:

  • Proper ground stroke grip

  • Consistent contact with drop feeds

  • Basic strokes: forehand, backhand, volley, and serve

  • Basic movement (split step, shuffle)

  • Able to rally with coach or peer

  • Understands boundaries of the court

Cognitive & Social Goals:

  • Follows instructions

  • Engaged and focused on class

  • Shows enthusiasm and willingness to learn

Requirements to move to Orange Ball:

  • Can rally 5-6 balls in red court

  • Basic footwork (split step, turn to hit the ball for each shot)

  • Understands simple scoring (1–2–3)

  • Uses the correct grip most of the time for ground strokes

  • Coach approval (based on consistency, attention, and readiness for challenge)

ORANGE BALL (Ages 7–11)

Main Goal: Improve control, direction, and introduce basic tactics. Learn real scoring and match situations.

Technical Goals:

  • Rally 8-10 balls

  • Preparation and recovery for each shot

  • Topspin on forehand and backhand

  • Begins serving overhead

  • Basic volley technique

Tactical & Cognitive Goals:

  • Learn to keep score (15-30-40).

  • Starts and finishes points.

  • Understands simple patterns (ex: crosscourt forehand, approach and volley)

Requirements to move to Green Ball:

  • Rally 8-10 balls

  • Proper grip for all strokes

  • Shows interest in competition

  • Consistent attendance and positive attitude

  • Coach approval (based on maturity, progress, and focus)

GREEN BALL (Ages 9–12)

Main Goal: Full-court play. Prepare for competition. Focus on control, consistency, and footwork.

Technical Basics:

  • Controls depth, height, and direction on full court

  • Serves with proper technique and some variety (spin, placement)

  • Can rally consistently

  • Proper technique for all ground strokes

  • Understands and executes simple rally patterns (e.g., cross court/ down the line forehand)

  • Confident coming to net

Tactical & Mental Goals:

  • Starts getting involved in tournaments/ point play

  • Uses tactics in point play (open court, changes of pace)

  • Starts to reflect on point play outcomes and performance

  • Shows competitive spirit and emotional control

Requirements to move to Next Gen:

  • Ready for tournament play

  • Can play/score full matches

  • Shows commitment to training and improvement

  • Good attitude at practice and willingness to learn

  • Coach believes player is ready for a more intense environment

NEXT GEN (Competitive Stage – Ages 9-13)

Overview:
Next Gen is Launchpad’s transitional training group, designed for players who want to pursue to competitive tennis and train in a more intense environment. It serves as a bridge between the foundational development group and World Tour, building the habits required for long-term success.

Purpose:

  • Teach players how to train with focus and intensity

  • Introduce tournament play as part of development

  • Keep developing proper footwork and mechanics

  • Support long-term growth through structured practice and feedback

Training Session:

  • 2–4 sessions/week recommended for consistent progress

  • Focused drilling with higher intensity

  • Introduction to tactical patterns

  • Integrated movement and footwork development

  • Matchplay and situational training

  • Group discussions on routines, sportsmanship, and competitive habits

Expectations:

  • Participation in USTA Level 7 or Level 6 tournaments (monthly recommended)

  • Commitment to improvement both on and off court

  • Communication with coaches about goals and tournament experiences

5. WORLD TOUR (High-Performance Training for Committed Competitive Players – Ages 14–18)

Overview:
World Tour is Launchpad’s most advanced junior training group, built for players who are fully committed to the competitive pathway.


This group is designed for players who already compete regularly in USTA tournaments and varsity High School. World Tour is intended for players who have the desire to pursue high-level goals such as USTA rankings, Sectional/National performance, College Tennis, or Professional aspirations.


World Tour provides a professional training environment with a focus on elite-level development, competition preparation, and personal accountability.

Purpose:

  • Help players develop their tennis and fitness and prepare them for competition

  • Train players in the same structure and intensity found in top junior academies

  • Support long-term goals through tournament scheduling, physical development, and mental performance training

Training Session:

  • Minimum 3 sessions/week required, ideally 4–5

  • High intensity drilling and point construction

  • Focus on building patterns, problem-solving, and adaptability

  • Integrated fitness, footwork, and recovery

  • Coach-led discussions on strategy, routines, and performance mindset

 Expectations:

  • Competes regularly in tournaments USTA Level 6 or higher

  • Shows commitment and effort in every practice

  • Open to feedback from coaches and developing off court skills