IMG Tennis Academy

Established over 40 years ago, IMG Tennis Academy program sets the standard by which all tennis academies around the world are measured and provides student-athletes with the resources they need to perform at the highest level. Student-athletes progress technically, tactically, physically, and mentally while also seeing personal growth through character development and leadership skills.

The size and depth of IMG tennis academy allows for not only a dynamic and challenging setting, but also features the most comprehensive atmosphere where individuals always have another player above and below their level with varying game styles. IMG continues to be home to the world’s top ATP/WTA players, allowing student-athletes to train within an incomparable atmosphere. Student-athletes are challenged on a daily basis to reach their full potential and to become champions on and off the court.

THE IMG TENNIS ACADEMY STANDARD

It’s the competitive atmosphere and the unmatched intensity and drive within the courts that creates such a balanced and supportive culture within IMG Tennis Academy program. IMG tennis coaches and trainers customize individual development plans and tournament schedules that set each student-athlete up for success. Paired with challenging academics, the tennis program’s college-preparatory environment offers a schedule that closely mirrors that of a collegiate program.

With structured and tangible plans in place throughout the week, student-athletes and coaches communicate regularly and build relationships that lead to unprecedented success. Student-athletes utilize video analysis to review key elements of their games as well.

Fundamental instruction and individualized on-court training in addition to internal Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) tournaments creates an ideal balance between instruction and competition. Technical and tactical elements remain the focus, along with footwork, conditioning, mental toughness, vision training, leadership, nutrition, and speed and agility training.

By creating a challenging environment that drives accountability, strength, and respect, the tennis academy continues to focus on making an impact on each individual to reach his best version as both a student and an athlete. Within the program, student-athletes have a defined development track that includes:

• Foundation
• Developmental
• Competitive
• Junior elite
• Professional

No matter if a student-athlete aspires to join a high-level D1 program, attend a university of the highest academic regard, or compete on the ATP and ITF tours, IMG Tennis Academy program understands how to create a personalized track for every individual.

ENROLLMENT & EVALUATION PERIOD

Coaches familiarize themselves with a student-athlete’s game as much as possible during the enrollment process and begin to create a plan and training structure for each student-athlete throughout their first few weeks on campus. During that period, student-athletes and coaches will work on the below:

• A physical evaluation
• Addressing anything technical or tactical that may need improvement
• Understanding what works best for each individual and develop programs accordingly
• Competitive match play
• Progression and development from drills to competition

INDIVIDUAL, WEEKLY PLANS AT IMG TENNIS ACADEMY

Depending on a student-athlete’s upcoming tournament schedule or previous week’s play, coaches will create individual, weekly plans inclusive of in-house match play, drills and training, and performance elements like mental toughness and vision training. In-house tournaments (described below) are incorporated into weekly plans dependent on the student-athlete’s overall tournament and travel schedule.

Weekly plans incorporate the following methods:

• Establishing an objective and goal
• Coaches increasing or decreasing intensity/volume based on pre-post competition
• Situational sessions based on a student-athlete’s upcoming opponent(s)
• Coach/player meetings following the week to understand performance, next week’s focus, and next-steps for improvement

IMG TENNIS ACADEMY COLLEGE RECRUITMENT

With the continued evolvement of the game, college is a huge part of player development. The prestige of IMG’s tennis program creates an unrivaled atmosphere for the college recruitment process and offers endless opportunities both academically and athletically. No matter the path a student-athlete hopes to take, the tennis program, along with the College Planning and Placement Department, outlines a strategic plan for success at the next level, inclusive of the below:

• Standardized test prep
• College applications from enrollment in grade 9 through graduation
• Working directly with a specific college advisor to confidently reach next-level goals
• Creating recruitment videos
• Creating a list of schools that suit the student-athlete both academically and athletically
• Communication with college coaches through visits to IMG Academy, official, and unofficial visits

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULES & PROGRAM ENVIRONMENT

IMG Academy’s tennis program provides the world’s most diverse and well-rounded competition available. Student-athletes work with their coach to develop a tournament schedule that fits their level and needs, as each player’s pathway to success varies. With the ability to outline the year dependent on initial skill level, ranking, and qualifying ability, if applicable, student-athletes feel comfortable entering each tournament with a structure and a plan. Additionally, depending on the event, coaches may travel to tournaments with players. Tournament schedules may include:

• ITF Junior Entry Level, Advanced, and Pro level
• COSAT
• USTA (local and national)
• UTR
• Junior Grand Slams
• IMG In-House Tournaments (details below)