The 2024 Girls’ HS Tennis Season Starts on Tuesday, August 13
First Week: Tue-Fri from 8:30–10:15 AM or 3:30–5:15 PM @ MSL (pick one session)
School Starts Tuesday, September 3 After School Practice 3:30 PM – 5:15 @ MSL
Before the first practice, players must register and be cleared for participation. A new on-line registration system https://mpsathletics-ar.rschooltoday.com/ is live now. Follow the instructions, and our athletic director, will be notified of your registration.
Tennis shoes are necessary! Running shoes will not give you enough ankle support.
The school has many racquets to share if you do not have one. Buy a racquet after you become familiar with the different racquets we have. Because of improved lightweight materials, a racquet will last for years.
Only do the following if you have passed a physical and a doctor determines you are healthy enough to participate in sports.
To get in shape before tennis you can:
Start daily long walks or ride a bike, eventually going faster to get cardiovascular results.
Cardiovascular training should last for 20 to 60 minutes, with the norm being 30 to 40 minutes. It should be performed a minimum of three days per week, with four to five days being optimal and six being the max. Other cardiovascular activities are running, swimming, aerobic dance, step aerobics, kickboxing and jumping rope. The aerobic goal is to get your heart rate to 60% to 70% of max. Sprinting would be a maximum activity and in hot weather 30 seconds would probably be as long as you could run … so a slower paced exercise is needed to increase your stamina. Don’t overdo it. If you tire quickly, tell your parent!
Play catch with somebody. Throwing a ball overhand creates a similar arm motion as serving with a racquet. The serve is the most important stroke in singles: throwing helps serving!
Bring water, an energy bar, fruit or a light snack to practice. Sunglasses or at least a hat with a brim to protect your eyes is essential. Light clothing, sunscreen and comfortable tennis shoes will make practice more enjoyable.
MSL hopes to field two tennis teams (varsity and JV) this season in the Blue Division.
If you have any questions call.
Coach David E. Ratka
ratkade@milwaukee.k12.wi.us