BECOMING a tennis star takes more than just a good forehand and some lessons.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
Budding tennis aces also need to know how to act on and off the court.
A program in Redland Bay is helping young elite tennis players reach the top and stay there.
Redland Bay Tennis Club coach Tim Low organised the classes to get his young players into shape and competitive form.
Lara Walker, from Redland Bay, who is Australia's no.2 under 15 title holder, is taking advantage of the program to increase strength and stamina.
Fitness trainer Peter Hull, from Victoria Point gym P2P, has collaborated with the tennis club to draw up specialised gym routines, nutritional information and schedules for the elite players.
The program is two days a week in the gym with Hull and one day a week on the tennis court with Low, who also takes the students for private sessions.
It works on injury prevention, warm up and cool downs, nutrition and professional routines both on and off the tennis court.
The juniors are physically and mentally put to the test in the gym with Hull to achieve their goals.
"The gym program is aimed at any junior athlete who is willing to work at a high level to reach the top in tennis," Low said.
"We believe the program has helped our juniors to be a lot tougher and fitter and also behave in a professional manner both on and off the tennis court.
"The physical improvements have been amazing in the first five weeks of the program and it has been great to work with another small businesses operating in the sports industry in the area."