Frequently Asked Questions
1. What, exactly, is Junior Lancers Tennis?
You can click here to read our mission statement. Basically, it's a group that will get kids involved in playing tennis from 1st grade all the way through the summer before their freshman year in high school. We will provide high quality instruction and access to instructors and facilities that students will have when they attend Brookfield Central. We hope to help prepare them for play at BC as well as instill in them a passion and love for the game of tennis.
2. What should I bring to camp?
The basics...
1. Racquet (one will be provided if you don't have one)
2. Water: some information on types of containers is below
Best option, Best option #2 (lots of water fits and it stays cold)
Will work (won't fit a lot of water but it will stay colder)
Not ideal (the fact it is clear works against this type)
Will definitely not work (won't stay cold, plastic warms up)...one exception is that some players bring miniature coolers with these types of water bottles...in that case, this type works fine if stored in a cooler with ice or an ice pack
3. Shorts/skirt with pockets/ability to store an extra ball: when serving, players must have a place to store the extra ball so that it is not placed on the ground anywhere in the court area.
4. Something for the sun: sunglasses, hat, visor (not all players use something, there are a few who operate without any of those items. You should try them out during camp to get a feel for what you feel most comfortable with.
5. Sunscreen: it is always a good idea to be prepared, and with the weather we've had it is very important to put on and bring sunscreen.
As you get older and compete in longer days (ex: playing 2-3 hours or more in a tournament, not for summer camp)
1. Change of socks: as you get older and compete in longer matches, having a change of socks can be very helpful
2. Extra shoelaces: sure, the odds are against breaking a shoelace, but the one time in your entire career that it happens you'll be happy to have extra
3. Healthy snacks (for days when you'll be competing for longer than an hour, not necessary during a normal summer camp day: granola, fruits, vegetables, sports drinks are all great choices...candy, energy drinks, soda and caffeinated items are just about the worst thing you can consume while playing tennis
4. Homework: during the school year, you might get back later and having your homework with you to work on during a bus ride or down time can be a major time saver.
3. What if it rains?
Never fear, we will still have camp. In the event it rains, we will conduct indoor activities including classroom strategy and instruction, guest speakers on nutrition, team building activities and indoor modified play. The only day off we'll have is the Fourth of July, but in the event of rain, we'll modify our plans so your child can still get the most out of their summer experience. Click here to access our Twitter account where updates will be posted on all sorts of topics, particularly updates on rainy days. The indoor sessions will take place in the gym or classroom at Wisconsin Hills Middle School.
4. I don't have a racquet, what should I do?
Do not go out and purchase a $180 racquet just to have something to play with. First, make sure your child is going to enjoy and stick with tennis. You can borrow one from a friend or family member or you could purchase a used one at a garage sale or used sporting good store. Our club also has extras your child can use. If you are a member at a club, speak with one of the pros there, and they will let your child hit with some different racquets to try them out. The overall idea is that your child should get a feel for different racquets and talk to a club pro prior to making a purchase.
5. My child plays tennis regularly, and we know they want a brand new racquet...what should we do?
Talk to a pro at the club you play at or one linked below. Your child can demo some of the racquets they have. If you take lessons, hit with some of your friends' racquets to get a feel for what you'd like to purchase. When you do buy the racquet, clubs will generally deduct the demo fee from your purchase. Click here for some local club options. or, you can buy the racquet online or at a store such as Les Moises on Bluemound Road. In all cases, don't make a decision after hitting once. Once you have the choices narrowed down, use the racquets a few times in different scenarios (hit for fun, participate in drills, play a match against a friend) to truly get a feel for how it will work for you.
6. What is the United States Tennis association? (USTA)
The USTA is the not-for-profit governing body of tennis in the United States. The organization focuses on player participation from a young age, player development and instilling the value and joy of tennis into youth, teenagers and adults alike. The organization works with players from just a few years old through players in their 90s. Their mission is focused on promoting and growing the game of tennis. The USTA is the largest tennis organization in the world. Click here for more information. The USTA is an excellent partner for any tennis organization in that there are numerous tournaments throughout the year that will help your child gain match experience against other talented players in the area.
7. I would like my child to play USTA tournaments, but the process is confusing. Where should I start?
Great question. The USTA has so many amazing opportunities that the website can be a bit difficult to navigate. Click here for information on joining USTA tournaments.
8. What is the benefit of playing a tournament?
First, playing in a competitive environment has tremendous benefits. Players are forced to apply the skills and knowledge they have learned and practiced in a way that helps them learn and grow from the experience. One truly competitive match is worth a tremendous amount considering the experience and decision-making abilities they will develop during and after the match. If the match is at a USTA tournament, there is no coach or parent involvement. In other words, the players are required to think for themselves, and whether they win or lose, such a competition offers a solid learning experience. Other benefits include being able to play a variety of players from other areas of the state that the player would not ordinarily be able to compete against. Finally, exposure to college recruiters and preparing for upcoming high school seasons are very strong reasons to compete in USTA tournaments.
9. What benefits does a USTA membership offer?
A primary benefit is entering USTA tournaments that can greatly benefit player development. In addition, USTA members will receive instructional publications and opportunities that help connect players with instruction and competition in their area. Click here for more information on the benefits of joining the USTA.