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Overview
Background
- Full implementation of the prototype Little Aces program started in September of 2023.
- The Little Aces program is the initial Pathway program for the Ace system that would provide specific information in developing a complete Pipeline Pathway for players aged 5 to 15.
- This reflects recent TC research identifying different routes to achieving international success. One of these routes is for players developed in an Academy setting.
- The concept is to provide uniform guidelines which will help Academies and clubs, coaches, players and parents better understand the players' development path.
- Tennis Canada has endorsed testing the Little Aces program to establish the concept's validity.
- The on-court component of the program is Simon Legare's Frappe System based on four learning programs while providing fundamental technical points to be respected.
- The approach has been endorsed by over 20 Quebec clubs and municipalities.
- Little Aces is the initial Pathway program in the Ace System. It is designed for athletes wishing to follow a high-performance path:
- Red 2-level players
- At the beginning in the Cooperation Program players will be able to:
- rally 6-8 shots
- serve 3/5 balls in target area
- volley 6/10 shots
- The Little Aces plan meets all suggested requirements of the LTAD while providing an initial Pathway for players and parents committing at an early age to an HP option
Program parameters
- Approximately a 35 to 40-week program (September through June).
- A minimum of two sessions per week, 1 hour of court training, 30 minutes of physical Training.
- Physical activity can be done on the court by the head coach or assistant.
- A soft skill section provides players and parents with relevant information.
- Integrating new players as the program progresses is possible.
- One designated head coach.
- Commitment to eight cycle evaluations (15 minutes max).
- Supervised by club/academy tennis director.
- The leaders of the prototype sites evaluate the program's validity to provide real-time dynamic improvements for complete implementation in the fall of 2024 of the Little Aces program.
Information on annual plan
On-court training
The On-court training component is based on the Frappe System (see The 4 Learning Programs and fundamental technical points), which was designed specifically to introduce new players to proper technical development. The system addresses:
- shots after bounce
- serve
- net play
The Ace System has added a key component to the on court training component to assist the coaches and players:
- footwork "get moving"
Physical training
An on or off court training of physical coordination skills with specific attention to tennis specific movement.
Soft skill development
A section for take home with player and parent interaction in developing various skills required for the player’s development, fostering parent participation and understanding.
A soft skill section is being developed to assist players, and parents in understanding the behaviours and habits to be fostered.
How to use it?
Head Coaches
- Access complete system
- Look at on court progression for five weeks.
- See How to organize the planification between the programs.
- Understand the physical component.
- Implement soft skills through communication with the players.
- Ensure that all assistant coaches understand the progressions.
- Provide optional player evaluation at the end of the cycle.
- Provide program evaluation at the end of the cycle.
Parents and players
- Access as per agreement with respective club / academy / coach / Ace Tennis
- Review upcoming lessons.
- Access soft skill section for exercises to do together and to familiarize yourself with the habits being reinforced by the coaches.
