Tennis tactics will boost juniors | Ipswich Tennis | Tennis in Ipswich

George Alder Tennis Centre manager Dan Swords will work with partner Clint Fyfe to improve player performances in the region. Photo: Sarah Harvey MA0810HF

HAVING played overseas, new George Alder Tennis Centre head coach and manager Dan Swords knows the value of learning the right tactics.

That’s why he’s excited about entering a three-year lease on the redeveloped clay court facility at Leichhardt.

With Tennis Fitness Performance Academy partner Clint Fyfe, Swords wants to better utilise Ipswich’s upgraded tennis complex that will host five national or international events throughout April.

The events to be staged in Ipswich from March 31 are the Optus 14s and 12s National Claycourt Championships, the Pat Cash-backed Gallipoli Cup, an Ipswich ITF Junior Grade 4 tournament and Ipswich Pro Tour circuit.

“You’ll see the best kids in the country here,” Swords said.

“Being a clay-court venue as well, I think it makes it more unique.

“It’s just the thrill of knowing these events are coming up. It will be great for Ipswich and tennis in general.”

However, while the leading events will showcase Ipswich, Swords and Fyfe are focused on other ventures at the centre.

Former Sydney player Swords will manage the centre on a daily basis and look after coaching. Sunshine Coast-based Fyfe will regularly visit Ipswich to assist with major programs.

One of the first high-performance camps is planned for March 20-21.

“We’re working together with other recognised coaches to develop juniors,” Swords said.

“What we really want to focus on is the Tennis Australia Hotshots Program (for primary school children).”

Swords, 32, was a member of the Australian Tennis Academy in the 1980s. He’s now a level 2 club professional coach keen to see players develop through tournaments such as those in Ipswich.

“It will be great quality tennis and it will create a lot of attention in the community,” he said.

“For juniors as well, they can pick up so much – what you have to do to get to that standard.”

Swords said learning to play on clay gave players a huge advantage.

“They (clay courts) just help your game so much,” he said. “You get your ground strokes harder, you play smarter.

“Here, you really have to tactically use the court better and be fitter.”

Swords cited five-time French Open champion and regular Grand Slam title winner Rafael Nadal as an example. “To do that and the stamina he’s got, he’s a stronger player,” the new Ipswich coach said.

Swords is keen to work with regional coaches and players to take tennis forward in the city.

“I’m trying to create a community feel not just for elite juniors but for people taking up tennis,” he said.