The Giammalva Journey - U12 Parent Meeting
GIAMMALVA PATHWAY
This past April, we hosted our very first Giammalva Journey Parent Meeting!
Thank you to all the parents who attended. Your commitment to elevating your child’s tennis experience is what creates true TENNIS STARS.
At the meeting, our Under 12 Program Director, Coach Helga, provided an overview of the U12 program. She began by introducing our dedicated coaching team: Coach Helga, Coach Cote, Coach Jose, and Coach Maria. These are the primary coaches your children will see on the courts.
As the meeting continued, Coach Helga explained the Giammalva Path—the developmental journey our students follow. Players begin in the Under 12 program and, upon graduation, transition into either our Junior High/High School Program or our Next Gen Program.
The U12 program is designed to build strong foundational skills while nurturing a love for tennis at a young age. Each level of the program offers a unique experience tailored to different stages of player development. Let’s take a closer look at each stage:
RED BALL:
At this level, players use low-bouncing red balls, making it easier to learn and enjoy the game. The focus is on developing basic skills, coordination, and an understanding of tennis fundamentals—all in a fun and engaging environment. Red Ball is a positive introduction to the sport and helps foster a lasting love for tennis.
ORANGE BALL:
Here, players transition to slightly higher-bouncing, lower-compression orange balls. These balls are easier to hit than standard tennis balls, helping players enhance their technique, rallying skills, and tactical awareness. Orange Ball offers a smooth progression, helping young players build confidence and continue their development.
GREEN BALL:
At this stage, players use green balls with a bounce and speed closer to standard tennis balls. The emphasis is on refining technique, improving consistency, and learning more advanced strategies. Green Ball helps bridge the gap to full-court play and prepares players for competitive matches.
It’s important to understand what your child is working on at each stage, and to know that consistency is key in the Under 12 program. We strongly recommend attending at least two classes per week to reinforce learning and ensure steady progress.
Once your player reaches Green Ball or Advanced Orange, we encourage you to register them for tournaments. You can create a USTA profile to find local events, many of which are hosted right here at Giammalva. With around 90 tournaments a year, our facility is a perfect place to begin. Players benefit from competing on familiar courts, with supportive coaches and the entire Giammalva Family cheering them on.
As your child continues to grow in the program, remember that progress takes time—and consistency, patience, and support go a long way. Every practice, every match, and every milestone is a step forward.
We're in this together.
Thank you for being such an important part of your child’s tennis journey. Your support, encouragement, and involvement make all the difference. At Giammalva, we’re here to guide your player every step of the way—from their very first rally to their first tournament win.
We can’t wait to see how your child grows on and off the court. Let’s keep showing up, cheering loud, and building tennis stars—together.