DTP PATHWAY
The Denver Tennis Park provides a learning pathway for youth tennis players of all ages and abilities. We prioritize creating a fun, positive, and enthusiastic atmosphere for players to develop their tennis skills . We place emphasis on our core values of character development, including Attitude, Effort, Teamwork, and Respect.
Youth Tennis Pathways
Our pathways are broken down by Elementary School, Middle School, and High School. Within each age group, we offer three levels: Instructional, Intermediate for tournament players, and Advanced for sectionally competitive tournament players.
All our programs use the USTA player development philosophy as a baseline, while also incorporating fun game-based coaching and good old technique and fundamentals. Additionally, our elementary school programs are broken down using the USTA ROGY (Red, Orange, Green, Yellow) pathway. Learn more about those programs by visiting USTA Tennis for Kids 10 and Younger.
Our goal is to set up kids for success! We place players where they can be challenged, have fun, and learn appropriate skills for their age and stage. We know having players in appropriate groups is important for their tennis and social development. However, every player is unique, so we have several variables we consider when fitting players into groups and classes.
Criteria for Class Placement
Factors that are considered for placement include, but are not limited to:
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Age
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Athletic Development
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Tennis Skills
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Consistency
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Match experience
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Commitment to a number of tournaments and practices
Elementary School Pathway
Instructional Development Program
(IDP)
Age: 5-8
Ball: Red & Orange
Ratio: 6:1
IDP is a fun introduction to the fundamentals of tennis for players ranging from entry level to advanced beginner. Most Players will need to practice for several sessions before progressing to NDP with coach’s approval. One of our major goals is to become match ready!
Intermediate Development Program
(NDP)
Age: 9-11
Ball: Orange
Ratio: 6:1
Requirements:
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Practice: 2x/week
-
Match: 1x/week
NDP is for players who have a good start on fundamentals and are able to rally and play matches. These players are ready for Junior Team Tennis. Focus will be on advanced stroke development and strategy! Coach approval required.
Advanced Development Program
(ADP)
Age: 9-11
Ball: Orange & Green
Ratio: 4:1
Requirements:
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Practice: 3x/week
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Match: 1x/week
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Tournaments: 6x/year
ADP is for players ready to play USTA 10 & Under Circuit tournaments who can rally consistently with a good foundation on all strokes. Focus will be on advanced stroke production, footwork and strategy. Coach approval required
Middle School Pathway
Instructional Development Program
(IDP)
Age: 11-14
Ball: Green
Ratio: 6:1
IDP is a fun introduction to the fundamentals of tennis. Ranging from entry level to advanced beginner. Focus is on learning to rally and play matches. Most Players will need to practice for several sessions before progressing to NDP with coach’s approval.
Intermediate Development Program
(NDP)
Age: 12-14
Ball: Green & Yellow
Ratio: 6:1
Requirements:
Practice: 2x/week
Match: 1x/week
Playing USTA JTT & Level 7 tournaments
NDP is for players who have had a good start on fundamentals and who play matches at the Junior Team Tennis level. Players will work on more advanced stroke development and strategy! Coach approval is required.
Advanced Development Program
(ADP)
Age: 12-14
Ball: Green & Yellow
Ratio: 4:1
Requirements:
Practice: 3x/week
Match: 1x/week
Tournaments: 8x/year, USTA Level 1-6
UTR Level 2.0-5.0
ADP is for sectionally and nationally competitive players working on advanced footwork, strategy, and tournament preparation. Coach approval is required.
High School Pathway
Instructional Development Program
(IDP)
Age: 14-18
Ball: Green & Yellow
Ratio: 6:1
IDP is a fun introduction to the fundamentals of tennis for players ranging from entry level to advanced beginner. A focus will be on learning to rally and play matches, with an extra emphasis on doubles for the high school team! Most Players will need to practice for several sessions before progressing to NDP with coaches approval.
Intermediate Development Program
(NDP)
Age: 14-18
Ball: Yellow
Ratio: 6:1
Requirements:
Practice: 2x/week
Match: 1x/week
Playing USTA JTT & Level 7 tournaments
UTR Level: 2.0-4.5
NDP is designed for players with a good foundation on all strokes, able to rally consistently and play matches at the junior team tennis level. Focus will be on more advanced stroke production, singles and doubles strategy. Coach approval required.
Advanced Development Program
(ADP)
Age: 14-18
Ball: Yellow
Ratio: 4:1
Requirements:
Practice: 3x/week
Match: 1x/week
Tournaments: 8x/year, USTA Level 1-5
UTR Level: 5.0-9.0
ADP is for sectionally and nationally competitive players working on advanced footwork, strategy, and tournament preparation. Coach approval is required.