A rare opportunity for four talented juniors and two leading coaches in Tasmania to participate in the National Talent Development Camp at the world class national academy in Melbourne was on offer during two days of high performance activities. The camp was showcasing the very best talent from Tasmania and Victoria headed by national academy head coach and former professional player Scott Draper. The camp was a unique insight into how to move, hit and compete in a high performance environment.
Top ranked juniors William Gibson and Samuel Whitehead were under the tutelage of private coach James Bolzonello whilst on the girls side Georgina Fish and Charlotte Ingram attended the camp with private coach John Playle. Bolzonello and Playle are both talent development and club professional coaches in Launceston and Lindisfarne respectively.
After a introduction and expectations from various national academy coaches players took to the court completing various high performance drills and movement exercises to test their fitness and endurance. This was very beneficial for both coaches in attendance with Playle impressed by the professionalism and dedication each player brought to the exercise. Players and coaches were encouraged to think outside the box and how to tackle adversity together.
After the day of high performance drills and movement, day two was all about competing and hard work. These words were reiterated numerous times throughout the camp with all players encouraged to fight out every point and drill till the end. Off the court players were exposed to the other side of the national academy which included the gym, physiotherapy, nutrition and recovery areas. There was much emphasis placed on body conditioning and to be a professional you need to eat, train and treat your body like a professional.
Both coaches were extremely impressed with their charges with Samuel Whitehead being awarded the Hewitt award for his competitiveness and hard work and Charlotte Ingram receiving the Barty award for great movement. John Playle quoted “It was a great experience for all involved. The bar has been set for the level of professionalism and dedication required to become a world class athlete and we have shown the national academy that Tassie players can match it with anyone.”
Next up on the calendar is the brand new Burnie Open Silver AMT/Bronze JT at the Burnie Tennis Club June 7-9. This Silver AMT has $5,000 in prize money on offer whilst the Bronze Junior event has national ranking points on offer. Entries to this tournament close Saturday so to enter now click here.
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