In this episode
On the 247th episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith, Ivan Ozerets, and Dave Anderson discuss summer tennis camps. Their conversation coincides with their efforts to produce an instructional tape for the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). Almost all college coaches direct summer tennis camps.
(The tape will soon be shared on the GreatBase Tennis Facebook page)
The next few episodes will review input for teaching volleys, groundstrokes, overheads, and serves. Our listeners continually request that we review information, ideas, and insights on teaching basic fundamentals.
Our position, summer tennis camps should be a fantastic experience that creates lifetime memories, plus children should be taught extremely well. In previous generations, summer tennis camps were the gateway to tennis teaching careers. To make an understatement, the success of summer tennis camps is of utmost importance for the future success of our sport.
show notes
In this episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, we dive into the topic of tennis camps as summer approaches. Steve Smith, Ivan Ozerets, and Dave Anderson kick things off with some light banter before moving into a more serious discussion about what parents should consider when sending their kids to tennis camps. Ivan shares insights on his collaboration with the Intercollegiate Tennis Association to enhance tennis education for coaches, emphasizing the production of educational video content aimed at enriching the quality of instruction across the country.
As we navigate the conversation, Dave provides a thoughtful evaluation of the benefits of tennis camps, noting that while many kids enjoy the sheer volume of tennis they play, the quality of instruction can often be lacking. He points out that camps serve as an exciting and social experience for young players, but questions the long-term developmental impact when it comes to actual skills and knowledge transfer. He emphasizes the importance of understanding what a camp should offer, particularly when it comes to meaningful instruction versus merely a supervised recreational activity.
Ivan reminisces about his own childhood camp experiences, noting the differences in learning and retention of skills. We engage in a compelling discussion about how camps can either foster genuine improvement in players or turn into “glorified babysitting” situations. The topic of how tennis instruction can vary significantly between coaches at the same camps surfaces, shedding light on the need for standardized teaching methods and clearer communication among staff to create a more cohesive experience for all students.
Dave brings up the necessity for camps to adapt to modern needs, suggesting that a lack of emphasis on real learning and lasting skill development diminishes the overall value for parents and players alike. The group explores alternative camp experiences that integrate diverse skills such as life management and sportsmanship, offering kids opportunities for personal growth that extend beyond the court.
As the conversation flows, we reflect on the overarching need for better orientation and training for camp counselors, ensuring they are equipped to deliver effective instruction rather than relying on enthusiasm alone. The discussion takes a broader turn as the group considers how the landscape of tennis camps has changed over the years, with shifts in parent expectations and child engagement.
Wrapping up, we challenge parents to evaluate the true worth of tennis camps, urging them to seek programs that prioritize genuine education alongside fun. The insights shared highlight the delicate balance of fostering a love for the game and ensuring that young players receive quality instruction that can set them up for long-term success in tennis.
Listeners are invited to reflect on their own camp experiences and share their thoughts as we continue to explore tennis education, skill development, and the rich culture surrounding the sport in future episodes.
