[Monday, October 29, 2018 20:36]

Junior Tennis Camp - Camp Diary Day 1 Picture 1

Junior tennis camp at the Alexander Waske Tennis University - an intensive, tailor-made start to training

With the trunk packed to the brim, we set off from Stuttgart at 8:30 a.m. towards Frankfurt-Neu Isenburg for the 4-day junior tennis camp at the Alexander Waske Tennis University . The first training session for our two tennis-loving kids was scheduled to start at 1 p.m. We cruised the 250 km north without a hitch – surprisingly and happily, without any traffic jams. This left us with a good 1.5 hours to spare at our destination, the Kempinski Hotel Frankfurt, which we spent relaxing in the elegant spa lounge.

We arrived at the two-court inflatable hall , where a fast Rebound Ace surface had been installed. At first, our eyes and ears had to adjust to the light and the unique soundscape – but that happened quite quickly. It was interesting to watch two tour pros train – they were really going at it, the impact was intense!

Coach Ivana impresses right from the first training session

At 12:45 pm, Ivana, the trainer for the day, arrived, and we immediately started with an intensive 30-minute warm-up . Ivana quickly established a great rapport with our two kids – a cool mix of "drill instructor" – in a positive sense, following the motto of challenging and motivating – and buddy – excellent! Our Mia was also happy to have a trainer by her side for once!

First, the basic forehand and backhand strokes were practiced with closed and open stances : using medicine ball throws and focusing on a stable upper body during the stroke. Ivana also filmed both kids' basic strokes. Then came rally training with target drills. And finally, they practiced their first serves in a very relaxed way. The first two-hour training session was over in a flash, and the kids relaxed in the stylish hotel lobby.

Second training session with match-oriented hitting training and a varied fitness session

From 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm, a training session was scheduled, focusing match-oriented training with serve-return and third ball

Immediately afterwards, I went with athletic trainer Robert to the stylish gym for an hour of fitness training . There, we did various exercises focusing on reaction time, explosive power, and acceleration. They were presented in a fun and engaging way, but with plenty of intensity. A few stability exercises and then some stretching, and the first day of training was already over.

Then off to the hotel 7km away for some delicious food. And then a relaxing shower, and it's sure to be a very, very quiet night.