Prep for Sectionals

{m4v}Lets-Go-Smash{/m4v}

Logistics Overview

JTT Sectional Playoffs for Middle States Districts

Division: 18-and-under Advanced

Where: Mercer County Park (1678 Old Trenton Rd West Windsor Twp., NJ 08550 – click for Google directions)

Travel: Arrive at the Wallingford Swim and Racquet Club by 6:30 am on Wednesday.

Start time:·Check in at 8:30 am on Wednesday. Matches start 9 am.·

Format: 6 game pro-sets, no ad scoring, no tiebreaks. Total games won is deciding factor.

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Format: 

 

Flight 18 & Under Advanced

(home team bold faced)
9:00 am

Lehigh Club Tennis vs. Swarthmore Smash
11:00 am

Swarthmore Smash vs. Pittsburgh Yinzers
2:00 pm

Swarthmore Smash vs. Wind Jammers

 

For the players:

  1. Practice playing the 6 game, no-ad pro-set format.

  2. Plan your gear: 
    1. Check racquet, strings, grip. Have at least one back-up of every key piece of equipment in your bag.
    2. Wear your JTT team shirt (white with red trim). Bring sweat bands, hat, visor, etc.
      Take a change of clothes for afterward, if you like. The facility has locker rooms.
    3. Bring along personal items for the ride, such as music (with earbuds!), reading material, sunblock (SPF 30+), etc.
  3. Get to bed early, so you wake up feeling refreshed. Do this Monday night and Tuesday night, and it will be easier to wake up Wednesday morning.
  4. Stay clear of non-tennis related sports or activities until after the event on Wednesday. Let’s just minimize the risks.
  5. Pack any snacks you want for the day. Fruit, sandwiches, snack bars, and so on are great choices.
  6. Bring a refillable container for water.
  7. Bring a container of sunblock to put on in the morning before warm up and to reapply after lunch. 

 

When we arrive at the site:

  1. Top priority will be to get warmed up. By arriving together, we can be sure we can get on court together. 
  2. Second priority will be to check in with the tournament official at 8:30 am, so that she knows we’re ready to play.
  3. Third, will be to ready for playing, cheering our team, or scouting another team. Everyone will have a role.

Remember, we will have on gender doubles, gender singles, and then mixed doubles for each match. This format ensures that matches move along smoothly and gives us opportunities for understanding the competitive landscape a little better.

 

Returning:

  1. If you come up on the van, I expect that you’ll come back on the van, unless your parents contact me in advance or on site. 
  2. I will be letting parents know when to pick up back in Swarthmore once I know our departure time from the Mercer County Park.
  3. We will build in time to stop for a treat on the way home.

 

Parents/family/friends/fans might also want to consider:

The start time of matches is outside my control. What you see above is the latest info that I have. Plan accordingly.

  1. Bring a camera (with fresh batteries and lots of disk space).
  2. Bring a portable chair – the courts are in good shape and well-designed, though lack seating areas for fans
  3. Bring a hat, visor, or sun umbrella.
  4. Bring snacks.
  5. Let me know if you are available to watch/track matches or help in any way. I will make good use of all the talent and energy available!