Practice
Saint Ignatius Boys Tennis will hold practice regardless of weather conditions.
Athletes will receive weekly schedules to help them plan their weekly commitments.
All team members are to change in the locker areas and bring the proper athletic
wear and equipment to all training sessions. Practices will last 2 hours but may
be decreased to 1 ½ hours depending on the match schedule. Athletes are expected
to be on time and ready to participate. Tardiness and missed practices will result
in match suspensions. The practice sessions will concentrate on the following aspects
of tennis preparation: fitness, shot-making, singles and doubles techniques, match
strategies, and match management. Athletes will improve their abilities, fitness,
and teamwork through physical training, individual and team drills, competitive
match situations, competitive games, and challenge ladders. Many drills will be
modified to help each player work on individual characteristics of their tennis
game.
Matches
The coaches’ match philosophy is to play the best players at the varsity and junior
varsity levels, regardless of age. Catholic League matches require 7 players at
each level (3 singles and 2 doubles) while weekend invitation tournaments feature
6 or 8 players. At the varsity level, the team enters 2 singles and 2 doubles teams
in the sectional tournament, where a semi-final finish guarantees a spot in the
state tournament. The following is expected of all players regarding matches:
- Players are to wear ties to school on match days.
- Players are to be prepared with their proper equipment, uniforms, and supplies.
- Regardless of the match score, players are expected to give their full effort and
maintain their sportsmanship.
- Players are to monitor their stretching, diet, and rest in order to avoid injuries.
- All athletes are to stay to support their team until all matches are completed.
- Athletes are to manage their academic commitments, especially when away matches
mean a late return home.
Parent Guidelines
Some helpful guidelines to help parents partner with the coaches to ensure success:
- Please plan family events around practice and match schedules
- Demonstrate supportive sportsmanship at all athletic contests
- Encourage your son to discuss concerns directly with the coaching staff
- Support team and school policies and decisions
- Understand and support IHSA rules regarding match play and player conduct
- Help students monitor and maintain a proper diet, healthiness, and rest
- Be familiar with the school policies regarding athletic privileges