Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a dual and an invitational?

Dual Match: A dual match involves players competing in a single match against another school. For the official score, there are four singles matches and three doubles matches. The overall winner is the team who wins four of those seven matches.

After the top seven matches are on, coaches will put on exhibition matches in order to develop player skills and allow everyone to contribute to the team

Invite: The are two different types. A team invitational consists of a series of dual matches (see above). The team plays another team on the first day, then they play another match later in the day (ex: Saturday at 9am for match #1). The team then plays another dual against a different team (ex: Saturday at noon for match #2). Sometimes, the team will play a third dual against another team for their final match that day.

Flighted: A bracket is set up in which every player on the team will play someone from another team, but they won't necessarily play someone from the same team at the same time. For example, our #1 singles player might play Nicolet in the first round while our #2 singles player is competing against Cedarburg. Each player moves forward and backward in the draw based on wins and losses, and earns points for the team based on how they do.

2. How will my child be placed on a team?

Girls

Varsity: Top 14-15 players, irrespective of age

Varsity Reserve: #15-30 players (Freshman-Junior)

JV Silver: Junior and Seniors

JV Blue: Sophomores

JV White: Freshman

Boys

Varsity: Top 14-15 players, irrespective of age

Varsity Reserve: #15-30 players (Freshman-Junior)

JV Silver: Juniors and Seniors

JV White: Freshmen and Sophomores

3. What should my child bring to a match?

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, Best #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 higher up in competitive level 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.

4. What if it rains?

Keep in touch with your coach. Varsity will update via the official team Twitter. Other levels will communicate with a texting app. Many times teams will wait out the rain, other times they will call the match and schedule it for a different day.

Unfortunately, other schools are less likely to wait or reschedule the lower level the team. For example, varsity regularly goes indoors to a club to finish matches, while many times freshman teams pack up right away and go home. We will always do our best to wait it out when he host.

For practice...there is always practice, even if it rains. If you are unsure of what to do, text your coach or go to the wrestling room if it is raining.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.