ROGY Tennis Classes
Developing an early athletic foundation gives a junior player the proper tools to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. These classes will follow the USTA American Development Model for tennis player development. Most importantly, we aim to help your young athletes grow as people.
ROGY Tennis Class Information
Contact: If you need to get in touch about any questions or concerns contact Sidney Elofson:
Email: picklebarnmn@gmail.com
Phone: 507-304-7173
Registration: Class registration can be done through our booking software called Court Reserve or by emailing Sideny Elofson.
What you need for class: Please bring a clean pair of shoes to change into before class begins. If you have a racquet bring it with to class, if not, no problem, we will have some available to use. We do have a drinking fountain next to the courts, but if you would like to pack a water bottle that is great!
Cancellations/Make-up Days: If Mankato Area Public Schools are cancelled due to the weather there will be NO CLASS. If we need to cancel class date we will have one make-up day at the end of the session. We will email the parent contact if class needs to be cancelled.
Class Size: Class Size will be capped at 8 players per class and has to have 3 players registered for the session to run. During the session, if there are absent players, class time will reduce to 45 minutes for 2 or fewer players.
What is ROGY Tennis?
"ROGY" stands for RED, ORANGE, GREEN, and YELLOW that describes different low-compression tennis balls that a junior player will use during each stage of development. ROGY is the recommended progression for junior players by the USTA to maximize enjoyment, skill acquisition, and movement. Red and Orange ball are played on 10 & under sized courts which are very similar to a pickleball court. That is why we are able to progress players through orange dot ball on our indoor courts. After the switch to green dot ball, players will transition to a traditional size tennis court.
What ROGY Class is best for my junior player?
RED BALL CLASSES (Ages 3-8)
Red ball is the first level of tennis ball compression. The ball is slightly larger and the softest.
Parent/Little Red Ball Class
New to Tennis: ages 3-4
This class will focus on basic movement and coordination development. Class will have a fun and relaxed feel with frequent change in activity. Parents attend with their little athlete for a half hour class.
Red Ball Starter Class
New to Tennis/Early Returning Players: ages 4-6
Red Ball Starter Class is a great introductory course for interested players. Class will be once a week and focus on development of athletic and technical skills, and getting a feel for tennis. It is suggested that each player does a private or small group lesson at least once a week outside of class. Class will be a great opportunity for kids to reinforce what they learned in their lessons.
Red Ball Rally Class
Advanced Returning Players: ages 5-8
This class will focus on pre-rally and rally development as well as game/tennis knowledge. Class will be energetic with the goal of beginning to play live points, preparing for orange ball. It is suggested that each player does a private or small group lesson at least once a week outside of class. Class will be a great opportunity for kids to reinforce what they learned in their lessons.
Red Ball Games Class
Returning Players: ages 4-7
This class will be games, games, and more games! Class will be energetic with the goal of beginning to move to the ball, developing technical skill, but most importantly have fun playing tennis with friends!
ORANGE BALL STARTER CLASSES (Ages 7-11)
Orange dot ball is the next progression up from a red ball. The ball is still low compression but a tad firmer. The ball also decreases to the size of a regular yellow tennis ball.
Orange Ball Starter Class
Ages 7-10
This class will focus on athletic and technical skills and development of tennis strokes and knowledge of the game. This class will also work on developing court positioning and begin working on multi-directional movement and recovery. It is suggested that each player does a private or small group lesson at least once a week outside of class. Class will be a great opportunity for kids to reinforce what they learned in their lessons.
Orange Ball Rally Class
Returning Players: ages 7-11
This class will focus on pre-rally/tennis movement and knowledge of the game. This class will also work on developing court positioning and continue working on multi-directional movement and recovery. It is suggested that each player does a private or small group lesson at least once a week outside of class. Class will be a great opportunity for kids to reinforce what they learned in their lessons.
Orange Ball Match Play Class
Advanced Returning Players: ages 7-11
This class will focus on point play and strategy. This class will also work on developing court positioning and continue working on multi-directional movement and recovery. It is suggested that each player does a private or small group lesson at least once a week outside of class. Class will be a great opportunity for kids to reinforce what they learned in their lessons.
What is the best way for my junior player to grow their game?
We truly believe the key to grow as a tennis athlete is developing their love of the game. Our philosophy on how to properly develop a junior player is a mix of scheduled classes, tournaments, unstructured play and visual learning. One of the biggest things we see holding juniors back is their lack of drive to develop their game outside of structured play. Tennis is unlike any other sport. A tennis match is made up of dozens of mini victories and failures and learning how to handle those is so important. There is no recipe for success and this list is not for everyone, but if your junior is serious about tennis and wants to continue to improve their game, here is our recommendation;
- Choose a Tennis class appropriate for skill level
- One 60 minute tennis lesson (with someone who can work on both technical and mental training)
- Watching tennis as a family (either on TV or local teams)
- Play in Junior Tournaments (when ready)
- UNSTRUCTURED PLAY! (Play with friends/family or hit off a wall)
Meet your Coaches
We feel it is very important to keep a consistant and seemless transition throughout the progression of a junior player. Meet Mitch and Sidney! One or both coaches will be leading tennis class.
Mitch Elofson
Former Gustavus Adolphus College Men’s Varsity Tennis Player
Former Gustavus Adolphus College Men’s Tennis Assistant Coach
Former Sanchez-Casal Tennis Academy Mental Coach
Masters in Sports Psychology (MNSU)
Bachelor’s in Psychology with a Coaching Minor (Gustavus)
International Coaches Institute Certified Tennis Pro
PPR Certified Pickleball Professional
15+ years of tennis coaching experience
Sidney Elofson
Former Gustavus Adolphus College Women’s Varsity Tennis Player
Former Gustavus Adolphus College Women’s Tennis Assistant Coach
Masters in Sports & Exercise Physiology (MNSU)
Bachelor’s in Exercise Physiology with a Coaching Minor (Gustavus)
International Coaches Institute Certified Tennis Pro
PPR Certified Pickleball Coach
ACSM Personal Exercise Specialist
15+ years of tennis coaching experience
