Texas Junior Racquetball Team
All Juniors are encouraged to sign-up for the Texas Junior Racquetball Team. You can print a Junior Team Application (pdf document) or you can send an e-mail to Lance Gilliam to have one sent to you. Membership to the team does not cost any money, but does have rules/guidelines that are part of the Junior Code of Conduct.
There are junior divisions offered at most tournaments, summer camps, and opportunities for kids to play racquetball all over Texas. Keep checking back as we will keep all the kids and parents updated on all our new programs and upcoming tournaments.
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TXRA Junior Summer Camp
Summer Camp Attracts Kids From All Ages
Maverick Athletic Club--Arlington, TX
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The TXRA held their Junior Summer Camp & Tournament at the Maverick Athletic Club in July. Nearly 30 kids came from all over the state for a chance to improve their game with professional instruction from Coach Woody Clouse. The camp was a chance for kids and parents to receive the highest level of training for racquetball skills, training techniques, and mental strategy. The camp was free for the kids, but they had to sell $10 raffle tickets to help pay for the camp expenses. Nearly $3,000 was raised and the winner of the all expense paid trip to Disney World was to be announced at the Saturday night pool party.
Day One--The camp began with registration on Friday night and some very articulate mental training exercises. Kyle Welch was named as the official assistant to Coach Woody and helped him throughout the weekend. Parents also volunteered to help and a big thanks to Assistan Coaches: Mike Welch, Jaime Contreras, Marty Ahoumada, Joey Yelverton, Phyliss Claire, Peter Kendrick, Lance Gilliam, and Jeff Franco.
Day Two: Saturday began with early morning stretching techniques, warm-up drills and some video analysis of each child's stroke. Coach Clouse evaluated the kids on video and showed them ways to improve their control and shot selection. Most of the kids had some background and general knowledge of the game and were anxious to play. After a nice lunch, the kids were then split up in groups based on their age, skill level, and experience. Assistant Coaches then supervised the kids as they played a round robin format mini-tournament. As they day came to a close, Coach Clouse rounded up the kids for a brief meeting and cool down session. This was a chance for the kids to ask any questions and seek any additional information about the topics taught on Saturday. Then it was time for the Saturday night pool party and bar-b-que cookout. All the kids and parents were treated to hamburgers and hotdogs out by the pool to end the day on fun note.
Day Three: Sunday was a chance for the kids to test their skills as the camp came to a close. Before the kids split up in groups to play, another session of stretching and warming up was to follow. Coach Clouse emphasized the importance of good sportsmanship and having fun while on the court. The tournament began and all the courts were used as matches would go on until lunch time.
After a short lunch break the kids were then given a special awards ceremony recognizing the tournament winners as well as awards for sportsmanship, most improved and honorable mentions. Coach Clouse then presented each junior with an autographed copy of his book entitled, "Winning Racquetball".
Overall the camp was a huge success and all of the kids agreed that they would come back and attend another camp. Special thanks to The Maverick and Bob Sullins, Woody Clouse, Amy Gilliam, Jennifer Allen, and Leo Vasquez for assisting with the camp.