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The NTS Pathways create seamless progressions of mastery, based on age divisions, levels of play and degrees of commitment. Students find their proper starting point and progress to any level they seek. At every stage the Programs provide a suitable quantity of training and play, always at maximal levels of quality.

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NTS Pathways of Development

  1. NTS INTRODUCTORY PROGRAMS
    Everything starts here! Our Mighty Mites and Futures Programs are organized by age group. They run on a seasonal basis throughout the year. 

    These programs are led by full-time teaching professionals, with maximum 4 players per court, and modified equipment to make the game immediately accessible to young and beginning level players. The lessons are highly organized, and the atmosphere is filled with enthusiasm. Many NTS players begin here and proceed to provincial, national and international levels of play.  

     

  2. THE DILIGENT DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY: 
    Starting from the Introductory Programs, this Pathway includes Intermediate and Advanced Levels. Each level is divided into U14 and U18 Divisions. 

    Students on this Pathway are seeking highly organized and professional programs, with steady training throughout the year and regular opportunities to play. Students practice a minimum of twice per week and participate in suitable competition. 

    The Diligent Development Pathway leads to successful play at High School and Regional levels. If the basic programs are combined with additional training and play, it can lead to success at Provincial and National levels.  

     

  3. THE ITF PATHWAY: 
    ITF stands for International Tennis Federation. The ITF Pathway supports successful play at the international level. These players are entering the NTS "Mastery and Refinement" stage of development.

    Players normally enter this Pathway at U16, but can begin preparation and exposure as early as U14. Players at this stage are normally established national competitors, ready to work their way through the 5 grades of ITF events, building an international ranking and profile.

    The players on this Pathway are engaged in the "Learning to Perform" stage of the Tennis Canada Development model, and are introduced to "Living as a Pro." 

    This pathway requires the highest levels of commitment, organization and expertise from teachers, players and families. It requires collaboration with provincial and national federations, and support from clubs, coaches and  schools, as players deal with sustaining their education while undertaking international travel, and the need for ongoing improvement of skills and results.

     

  4. THE COMPETITIVE DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY: 
    This Pathway leads to successful play at provincial and national levels. Players emerging from the Competitive Development Pathway are normally eligible for NCAA scholarships, leading potentially to professional tennis. The total Pathway includes All-Stars and Master-Class sections.

    The All-Stars phase includes everything Under 10. It cultivates enthusiasm, athleticism, sportsmanship, positive player mentality, basic tactics and the stroke essentials. It is known as the "Classical Foundations" stage within the School.   

    The Master-Class section starts at Under 12. Tennis is becoming a central focus in life, and training is organized around a schedule of competitive play. It continues the work of building the Classical Foundation, while merging into the "Playing is Learning" stage. 
    The Competitive Development Pathway culminates with the U18 Master-Class, which has players attending sport study schools, or home schooling, in order to maximize training and play. 

    Players on this Pathway are distinguished by their exceptional levels of enthusiasm and commitment, which means they are ready for comprehensive training and competitive development.  

    Every program includes private and group training, coached matchplay, physical preparation, tennis classroom and formal competition, always suited to the age and developmental stage of the players. 

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