About the Tennis Program
Every player we work with carries a unique spark—a potential waiting to be fostered and nurtured. As coaches, our greatest privilege is guiding that spark as it transforms into talent, skill, and confidence. But talent is not something we simply discover; it’s something we cultivate, step by step, with intention.
Talent is not solely about innate ability or physical prowess. It’s a blend of commitment, perseverance, curiosity, and an environment that encourages growth. Often, the true skill of coaching lies in creating that environment—one where players feel supported, challenged, and inspired to push beyond their own expectations.
At times, we may feel the weight of results—rankings, wins, and instant achievements. But when we pause to reflect, we recognize that true success isn’t measured by trophies—it’s in the progress we see in our players. It’s in the quiet confidence they develop, the resilience they demonstrate in difficult moments, and the joy they experience throughout their journey.
This is a humbling reminder that our role goes far beyond teaching techniques or strategies. We are shaping lives. We’re not just teaching players how to win; we’re teaching them how to overcome setbacks, how to believe in themselves, and how to navigate both the highs and lows of tennis and life.
So, as we step onto the court each day, let’s remember that talent development is about more than just skill—it’s about creating a space where players feel seen, valued, and empowered to grow into their fullest potential. It’s about recognizing that our influence as coaches often extends well beyond the game.
(WTC 2024)
Igor Schoenefeld
Tennis Academy Coordinator & Head Coach
Since 2006, the ACS Athens Tennis Program continues to provide the opportunity to all participants to learn and advance their tennis skills with the expertise of our qualified coaches in an international environment. The Tennis Program is open to students & staff members of ACS Athens, as well as, children and adults from the general public. Our training sessions take into account the skill level and needs of each individual in order to allow for tailor-made learning and at the same time instill the love of the sport.
Daily schedules are filled with group sessions as well as individual court times.
About Our Courts
Certified Safe
ACS Athens infrastructure and equipment has just passed through its periodic Inspection and Certification by TÜV Hellas, further ensuring the safe operation and usage of facilities provided to children.
Click here to read more.
Coaches
Players of all levels and abilities can benefit from the expert help a tennis coach may offer: accountability, mentorship, accelerated improvement, strategy and inspiration to name a few. Our expert coaches will identify your individual playing style and teach you the skills and strategies to amplify your game.
Schoenefeld, Igor
Tennis Academy Coordinator & Head Coach
Vaxevanakis, Ioannis
Tennis Coach specialized on High-Performance Athlete Development
Dimitris Giakoumis
Tennis Coach
Maria Kallistrou
Tennis Coach specialized in High-Performance & Young Athlete Development
Kourtis, Chris
Tennis Coach
Natasha Antoniou
Swimming Coach specialized in Athlete Development
Schedule
The ACS Tennis Academy program is a YEARLY program for the school, beginning in the middle of September and ending in the middle of June. There are three seasons which may allow for changes, although these are kept to a minimum; separate registration is not needed for each season. A fourth independent season will take place as a summer camp and / or a special summer training program.
- Season 1: 9/16/2024-12/16/2024
- Season 2: 12/17/2024-3/16/2025
- Season 3: 3/17/2025-6/22/2025
- Session 4: 6/23/2025-7/31/2025
* Season 4 is an independent season and tailor-made.
** Season 4 offers a High Performance and Athlete Development Tennis Camp.
Tennis training lesson (60 min)
Only groups of four or five students can be selected during the time slots 3.45-4.45 and 4.45-5.45pm.
7.45am – 8.45am
Available only for ACS students. Private lessons, groups are selectable.
3.45pm – 4.45pm
Available only for ACS students & priority is given to ACS Athens Elementary students & only group lessons with 4-5 participants are selectable.
4.45pm – 5.45pm
Available only for ACS Athens students & priority is given to ACS Athens Middle school students & only group lessons with 4-5 participants are selectable.
5.45pm – 9.45pm
Available for ACS Athens and “NON” ACS Athens members. Private lessons, groups of 2, 3 or 4-5 students are selectable.
Tennis training lesson (60 min)
8am – 3pm
Available for ACS Athens and “NON” ACS Athens members. Private lessons, groups of 2, 3 or 4/5 students are selectable.
- Playing levels are determined according to these guidelines.
- Enrollment is possible all year round; however, space availability may be limited and sessions may already be full. Registration is offered on a first come first serve basis.
Non-Operating Days
Days of Closure: OXI day (October 28), Thanksgiving (November 28,29), Winter School break (December 23-January 6), Clean Monday (March 3), Greek Independence Day (March 25), Spring School break (April 14-April 22), Greek Labor Day (May 1), Whit Monday (June 9), ACS Athens PTO Summer Festival (to be determined), ACS Athens Graduation Day (June 20), Summer holiday.
Membership Packages
Details of our program fees, membership packages, and special discounts can currently be found here.
Important Information
Requested Documentation
A recent medical certificate which will clear the child/adult of any medical conditions is needed at the onset of the program.
Cancellation Policy
- If a student wishes to withdraw from the tennis program before the second training session of a season, a full credit refund is given for another activity.
- If a student wishes to withdraw from the tennis program after the second training session and before 50% of the total sessions are completed, then the family can receive 50% of the tennis fee in credit for another activity.
- No credit will be offered if a student wishes to withdraw from the tennis program after 50% of the total sessions are completed (except in the case of an injury or illness resulting in absence of three weeks or more. Doctors note needed).
- If a participant wishes to cancel an upcoming season, a cancellation form must be submitted (ACS Athens Web page – Athletics – Tennis Academy – Cancellation).
Contact
For further information and/or questions, please contact us via telephone and/or email:
- Telephone: 210 6070413 (Monday – Friday 9:00 – 15:15)
- Email: schoenefeldi@acs.gr
RATING DESCRIPTION
Playing Level Overview
| Rating | Description | Main Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | This player is just starting to play tennis. The trainingfocus is on the right ball/racket contact point and body positioning during basic stroke. | Development of basic stroke techniques in a playful way. Focus of eye-hand & and hand-leg coordination. Development of general and tennis specific coordination skills. |
| 1.5 | This player has had limited experience with stroke development and is still working primarily on getting the ball into play. The training focus is on the ball/racket contact point and accurate movement of the different strokes. Introduction of stroke varieties. | Development of basic stroke techniques in a playful way while moving and hitting the ball with accurate technical movement. Knowledge acquirement of the different stroke techniques. |
| 2 | This player needs on-court experience, with an emphasison play. This player struggles to find an appropriate contact point while moving to the ball. The player needs stroke development and is not yet familiar with basic positions for singles and doubles. | Development of various stroke techniques in a playful way while moving and hitting the ball with the accurate technical movement. Introduction into the different stroke techniques. |
| 2.5 | This player is learning to judge where the oncomingball isgoing and how much swing is needed to return itconsistently. Movement to the ball and recovery areoftennot efficient. Can sustain a backcourt rally of slowpacewith other players of similar ability and is beginning to develop strokes. This player is becoming more familiarwiththe basic positions for singles and doubles. Potentiallimitations: grip weaknesses; limited swing andinconsistent toss on serve; limited transitions tothe net. | Development of hight/length and spin differentiation abilities. Improvement of positioning and court coverage. |
| 3 | This player is fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shots, but is not comfortable with all strokes and lacks accuracy when trying for directional controλ, depth, pace or altering distance of shots. Potential limitations: inconsistency when applying or handling pace; difficulty handling shots outside of their strike zone; can be uncomfortable at the net. | Improvement of consistency and placement of ground strokes as well as proper net game and positioning. |
| 3.5 | This player has achieved stroke dependability withdirectional control on moderate shots, but still lacksdepth, variety and the ability to alter distance of shots. The effective use of lobs, Overheads, approach shots,andvolleys is limited. This player is more comfortable at the net, has improved court awareness. Players at this level may start to utilize mental skills related to concentration, tactics and strategy. |
Improvement of depth, variety and the ability to alter the distance of shots. Better hight/depth/direction and spin differentiation. |
| 4 | This player has dependable strokes with directional control and the ability to alter depth of shots on both forehand and backhand sides during moderately paced play. This player also has the ability to use lobs, overheads, approach shots, and volleys with success. This player occasionally forces errors when serving. Points may be lost due to impatience. Potential strengths: dependable second serve; recognizes opportunities to finish points. | Improvement of consistency and placement of groundstrokes during a defensive or offensive game. Acquirement of tactics and strategy. |
| 4.5 | This player can vary the use of pace and spins, has effective court coverage, can control depth of shots, and is able to develop game plans according to strengths and weaknesses. This player can hit the first serve with power and accuracy and can place the second serve. This player tends to οverhit on difficult shots. Potential strengths: points are frequently won off the serve or return of serve; able to offset weaknesses; may have an outstanding hit around which their game can be built. | Match related improvements |
| 5 | This player has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding shot or attribute around which his or her game can be structured. This player can regularly hit winners or force errors off of short balls and puts away volleys. He or she can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys, overheads, and has good depth and spin on most second serves. Potential strengths: covers and disguises weaknesses well; can hit offensive volleys and half-volleys from mid-court; can employ physical or mental fitness as a weapon. | Match/tournament related improvements |