March 25: during Talent Development sessions at NTC on Monday, March 25, 2024. Photo by TENNIS AUSTRALIA/ SCOTT BARBOUR

Zone Squads

Zone Squads play a pivotal role in Tennis Australia’s Player Development Pathway, offering talented players a structured environment for competitive training. These squads are designed to support players transitioning from Super 10s and extend through the 11/U,13/U and 15/U age groups. They provide an opportunity to participate in a Tennis Australia program outside of regular private training.

Participants in Zone Squads receive similar developmental opportunities as those in National Development Squads. These include sessions on nutritional education, strength and conditioning, guidance on Athlete Development Plans, tournament strategies, match play, training camps, and other tailored supports.

Moreover, Zone Squads serve as a pathway for players to potentially advance to National Development Squads within their home state, contingent upon their performance and progress. The squads operate across various regions:

• NSW:  Metro Sydney and Regional
• QLD:   Metro Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast
• SA:       Metro Adelaide
• TAS:  Launceston, Hobart (metro), Burnie, North-West Coast
• VIC:  4 x Metro locations, Bendigo, Traralgon, and Geelong
• WA:  Metro Perth, Geraldton, and Busselton

Get Involved

Private coaches are integral to the Zone Squad Programs, providing sessions within their zones. Participation is by invitation, with criteria including Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) and tournament results. This collaborative approach exposes participants to diverse coaching expertise and experiences.

Coaches involved in Zone Squad Programs benefit from coach professional development sessions, touring coach support, potential employment opportunities with National Development Squads, and opportunities to present at workshops and conferences.

For players interested in joining a Zone Squad or coaches seeking more information about becoming involved, please contact the Talent Operations Manager in your state. This initiative aims to enrich players’ tennis experiences and foster their long-term development within a supportive and competitive framework.