Junior Competitive

Liberty's Junior Competitive tennis program started over 30 years ago and has become a model for junior tennis throughout the United States. The goal of the program has always been to maximize each student's enjoyment and improvement in tennis. This has been accomplished by creating a very positive environment where students are excited about developing tennis skills.

The results have been dramatic with amazing improvement at all ability levels. At the highest level there have been many nationally ranked players and state high school champions. Parents have commented about the added confidence their children have gained and how it has helped their self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and performance in the classroom. The Liberty program has truly been a positive life experience for its participants.

For more information, or to schedule a placement evaluation, please contact Dean Eisner at (734) 665-3738 (ext. 16).

The program is divided into four groups based on ability. The following is a brief description of each group beginning with the Red Group as the first step in the program.

Red Group
Player must have a moderate consistency in serving and the ability to sustain a groundstroke rally. Groundstroke technique at this level begins to incorporate topspin. The ability to play at the net and to volley, and hit an overhead smash is at a very basic level.

Maize Group
Player must have ability to have an extended rally with groundstrokes and the confidence to place the ball both cross-court and down the line. More power, especially on the forehand, further defines this level of player. The ability to move more effectively and get to more balls allows the player to have more effective match results. Serving is quite consistent and there is refinement in their skills around the net.

Silver Group
Player must have considerable competitive experience and is capable of winning points from the baseline and at the net. Serving becomes more accurate, and much more powerful. This player is already playing on a high school team, or will be when appropriate age is reached. In the Silver Group there becomes a mastery of topspin and slice on the groundstrokes along with an understanding of how to use spin on the serve.

Blue Group
A truly accomplished player who has considerable competitive experience and in most cases has either a district sectional or national ranking. Years of training and dedication define this level of player. Many players in the Blue Group have become state high school singles and doubles champions. Private instruction complements this group to personalize styles of play. Most of these players continue on to play collegiate tennis.

Junior Competitive Activities

Junior Team Tennis
Junior Team Tennis involves four teams from the Maize, Silver, or Blue Groups competing with other clubs. These teams play throughout the school year on designated weekends and are open to Liberty's Junior Competitive players aged 14 or younger.

Contact Christie Dickinson in Tennis Administration at ext. 26 for more information.

Red and Maize Grand Prix
This seasonal tennis party is offered to all our Junior Competitive program players in the Red and Maize Groups. Tennis pros coordinate matches, drills, and games. Pizza is served.

Be sure to review our policies related to these programs.