The Tormead School tennis squad travelled to Barcelona for a week-long, pre-season training camp at the Barcelona Tennis Academy during the last week of the Easter holidays. The objective of the tour was to provide the girls with the opportunity to experience intensive, professional instruction and match-play as part of their preparation for the up-coming the tennis season. Twenty five players from years seven, eight, nine and ten made up the squad while three members of staff provided support and supervision.

After an uneventful flight, the tennis camp bus picked up the squad and delivered them safely to the hotel in the town of Villanova which was situated about half-an hour outside of Barcelona. The accommodation was very comfortable and conveniently located just two minutes walk from the beach. Last year’s trip was plagued with rain however the forecast for this year looked promising.

Each morning, the girls went on an optional run along the beach before breakfast in the hotel restaurant. The girls were then picked up by bus for the short ride to the academy. The day was divided into technical, tactical, fitness and match play periods on both red clay and hard surfaces. After two morning sessions, there was break for packed lunches and then a final two sessions.

The squad started off each day with a warm-up and stretch after-which, they were divided into groups of similar playing ability for the coaching sessions. Some of the skills worked on included, backhands, serving, volleying as well as doubles and singles strategy. Each day would finish with match-play.

The week culminated in a tournament to get the girls used to playing in a competitive situation under pressure. Rachel Jewkes and Victoria Banks beat Sophia Rossi and Lucy Yates in a closely contested cup final and there were some other very good performances.

In the end, the weather was ideal and required several visits to the beach and ice-cream parlor. Miss Peterken, Mrs Jewkes and Mr Philippi were very pleased with how the girls conducted themselves throughout the tour and were especially impressed by their focus and hard work. Thank you to Mrs Jewkes and Miss Peterken for organizing such a great trip!