From February 24th to 26th, ÖTV U12 national coach Robert Maieritsch and his support took a close look at the 2012 class at a national training session in the ÖTV performance center in Südstadt. This time, from March 24th to 26th, it was the turn of the 2011 vintage. According to Maieritsch, it was “a relatively large group, with a very balanced squad” who came to Maria Enzersdorf this time – with Luca Sageder, Hector Freitas, Tobias Brandl, Ricky Kletter, Martin Stark, Jakob Mittermayr, Dominic Messenlechner, Nick Schmitzer, Filippa Gosch, Isabella Bereuter, Valentina Dynkowski, Julia Ehrenberger, Mia Neumüller, Jasmin Schaaf, Emma Thaler-Gollmitzer, Annabelle Pichler.
Already a tradition: “The sport motor test was carried out on Friday morning. It took a little longer this time – because of the size of the group,” said Maieritsch. “In the afternoon we did quite a lot of groundstrokes, with open and side leg stances, and the kids worked out a rhythm in their stroke. On Saturday we took a close look at the net game, with volley, smash, moving up to the volley and correct position play at the net. On Sunday we played out points in singles and doubles in the tried and tested way, with different tasks,” Maieritsch described the program.
Of course, this can only be accomplished with active support. On Friday and Saturday, ÖTV coaches Stephanie Hirsch and Manuel Hochegger helped out on the tennis courts, and on Sunday ÖTV sports director and Davis Cup captain Jürgen Melzer also got a personal impression. On Saturday, ÖTV fitness trainer Philipp Wessely was on site for fitness training, on Friday Manfred Kogler took care of this part, who again set the coordination focus. In addition, the kids were given a thorough check-up by a physiotherapist with the support of two assistants on Friday. Possible reserves or problems were pointed out. Maieritsch’s conclusion was ultimately very positive: “It was a large, homogenous group that fit together well and had a lot of fun, even off the pitch.” As it should be.
