On The Rise Tennis Academy

A neighborhood academy that grew by word of mouth

On The Rise Tennis Academy began in 2017 with a simple proposition: keep groups small, make fundamentals nonnegotiable, and build a place where kids want to come back the next day. Founder and head coach Brandon Sieh started with just a handful of juniors. The promise was straightforward and practical, not flashy. Teach footwork that holds up under pressure. Teach contact that produces predictable ball flight. Teach a few patterns that win on real courts. Over the years that approach resonated with families across North County San Diego, growing into a year-round program that now serves a wide base of juniors and adults while keeping the same small-group DNA.

What makes the academy feel different from the first visit is its neighborhood identity. Training blocks are scheduled on familiar hard courts at local schools and community venues, so drop-off looks like a normal Tuesday rather than a road trip. The staff knows first names, remembers last week’s focus, and keeps language consistent across levels so that a beginner can hear the same swing-shape cues as a varsity starter. Parents who value clarity over hype tend to recognize the fit quickly. On The Rise is unapologetically about fundamentals, repetition with purpose, and steady progress that shows up on match day.

Location and climate: the San Diego advantage

North County San Diego is built for outdoor tennis. Winters are mild, spring arrives early, and summer heat is moderated by the coastal breeze. Rainouts are rare enough that a lost week of tennis is an exception. For families balancing school and activities, that climate becomes a real training advantage. On The Rise structures its calendar to take full advantage of the weather, offering weekday group classes after school and weekend options, plus longer seasonal camps when school is out. Venues rotate within North County, with frequent sessions in Rancho Bernardo and camp weeks often staged on an eight-court bank at a nearby high school. The result is a program that keeps athletes on court consistently without long freeway commutes.

The setting also mirrors the surfaces players will face in local leagues and USTA Southern California tournaments. Because training happens on well-maintained public-school and community hard courts, the bounce and speed match the competitive environment. Players who learn to control depth, shape, and serve placement on these courts tend to translate those skills directly to varsity and tournament play.

Facilities: practical, familiar, and close to home

On The Rise does not present itself as a gated campus with dorms and a dining hall. It is a community-based academy that uses accessible infrastructure to keep costs reasonable and the daily logistics simple. That practical footprint has three advantages:

• Proximity for families. Sessions are held at sites parents know, with easy parking and straightforward check-in. The time saved on logistics often becomes time students spend on homework, recovery, or simply being kids.
• Surfaces that match competition. Hard courts at schools and community centers are the surfaces most juniors will see in varsity and weekend tournaments, so practice feels like a dress rehearsal.
• Cost control. Without the overhead of a large campus, the academy can invest in coaching, curriculum, and player contact rather than buildings.

Within that footprint, the academy maximizes the training environment:

• Courts. An eight-court bank is used for seasonal camps, allowing organized stations, live-ball waves, and efficient rotations. During the school year, junior groups meet in Rancho Bernardo and nearby neighborhoods, with private lessons traveling across North County.
• Strength and conditioning. Movement is integrated into on-court blocks. Expect dynamic warm-ups, footwork ladders, rhythm work at the split step, and interval-style movement that simulates point construction. There is no dedicated weight room on site, which suits the academy’s training philosophy for developing bodies.
• Recovery and safety. Hydration breaks, shade planning, and cool-down routines are built into daily blocks. Coaches track heat and sun exposure, and athletes are taught practical habits they can repeat on tournament days.
• Technology. Video is used selectively for checkpoints like the serve, contact height, and swing shape. Players receive clear visual cues tied to a few key fundamentals rather than endless slow-motion analysis.

Venues may rotate by season and availability, which the staff treats as a feature, not a bug. Learning to show up at different courts and perform is part of being a match-ready player.

Coaching staff and philosophy

The academy is led by Brandon Sieh, whose presence is consistent on court and in the curriculum. The staff follows a shared playbook that emphasizes movement, balance, contact, and a short list of repeatable patterns. The tone is upbeat but direct. Athletes hear why a correction matters in points, not just that it looks better on video. That practicality makes sessions feel purposeful and avoids the trap of chasing form without function.

A defining choice is the nine-to-one player-to-coach cap in groups. That smaller ratio creates space for live-ball coaching, not just line-feeding. Coaches can track whether a new grip is holding up under pressure, whether split-step timing is on time against faster servers, and whether depth control survives when a player is winded. Small groups also let coaches float between stations and deliver feedback at the moment a habit is forming.

Progression is the second pillar. Classes are named and staffed to reflect a staircase of skills, not just age. A beginner might focus on first-rally competence, toss discipline, and continental grip basics. A developing player is pushed to rally with shape, land a high percentage of first serves to big targets, and manage the first two balls after the return. Varsity-bound athletes are held to higher standards for footwork out of the split, depth through the middle third, and patterns that protect strengths.

Programs offered

The academy’s menu is built around a clear junior pathway, plus flexible options for adults and private work.

Junior Group Pathway

• Beginner. One-hour sessions that build rally skills, serve toss consistency, and basic footwork. Rackets and balls are matched to age and size, with a focus on repeatable contact.
• Novice. Longer blocks that add shape and depth to rallies, first-serve percentage to large targets, and simple point starts. Players begin to log match-like reps and learn how to score.
• Satellite. Intermediate groups that emphasize point construction, return plus one, neutralizing height, and transition skills. Conditioning is layered into live-ball drills.
• Open (invite-only). Advanced groups with higher ball speed and tactical demands. Serve plus one patterns are tracked, and players are held to standards that look like varsity practice.

Placement is based on rally competence, spin control, depth management, serve consistency, and readiness to compete. The staff communicates placement decisions clearly so families understand how and why a player moves up.

Seasonal camps

When school is out, the academy runs Monday through Friday camps with a full block of court time. A typical day blends technical stations, serve work, games that reinforce footwork and spacing, and daily match play. The nine-to-one ratio holds in camp weeks, and the eight-court layout allows for efficient rotations so players see a high volume of live-ball reps. Camp structure is balanced: enough repetition to change habits, enough play to make those changes stick under pressure.

Private and semi-private lessons

One-to-one sessions are popular for serve rebuilds, grip changes, and high-leverage adjustments that are easier to make without the pace of a group. Semi-privates pair training partners who share goals or complement each other’s games. Coaches also schedule debrief lessons after tournament weekends to turn match notes into a week of purposeful training.

Adult coaching

Adults train across North County in small groups or private blocks. The curriculum mirrors the junior philosophy but with adult scheduling in mind. Players returning to the sport get a fundamentals reboot that resolves common issues like inconsistent contact and scattered targets. Match-minded adults work on tactical patterns, point starts, and serve plus one plans that translate to league play.

Online resources

The academy offers self-paced materials that reinforce what happens on court. Athletes who like to review on their own get checklists, key concepts, and simple video cues tied to the serve, consistency under pressure, and overall technique. Families appreciate that the language matches what coaches say on court, which keeps the message consistent.

Training and player development approach

The program is built on five integrated lanes: technical, tactical, physical, mental, and educational. Each lane has a small set of nonnegotiables.

Technical

• Contact and swing shape. Players learn a reliable low-to-high path on groundstrokes for topspin and margin, along with a firm but relaxed wrist at contact. Coaches focus on the height of contact and spacing so the body can rotate without crowding the ball.
• Serve fundamentals. Toss discipline, shoulder-over-shoulder motion, and a consistent trophy position are trained early. Second-serve development happens sooner than most players expect so confidence grows alongside pace.
• Net game. Compact preparation, split step near contact, and a clean punch volley are taught as tools to finish points rather than isolated techniques.
• Return of serve. The academy emphasizes base position, early unit turn, and a prioritized target list that supports hold and break percentages.

Tactical

• Depth before direction. Players learn to stabilize rallies with depth through the middle third, then add direction, then add pace. That sequence reduces unforced errors and keeps the initiative.
• Serve plus one and return plus one. In advanced groups, patterns are named, tracked, and reviewed. Athletes are pushed to choose patterns that protect a forehand strength or that pin an opponent’s backhand.
• Neutralizing and re-building. Situational games build habits like using height to reset, changing cross to down-the-line at the right time, and finishing to space rather than to the line.

Physical

• Movement literacy. Dynamic warm-ups, rhythm at the split step, and first-step acceleration are daily. Ladder work and cone patterns train balance and recovery footwork without overloading time with equipment.
• Tennis-specific conditioning. Interval sprints and change-of-direction sets are integrated into live-ball drills so conditioning matches the rhythm of points.
• Injury-aware progression. Younger athletes are protected from excessive volume on serves and overheads, and rest is programmed on hot days.

Mental

• Process goals. Every session pairs a technical cue with a tactical outcome, like height over the net tied to depth through the middle third. Players learn to judge a practice day by controllable inputs, not only by the scoreboard.
• Between-point routines. Breath control, release of the previous point, and a simple plan for the next ball are rehearsed in practice so they are automatic in matches.
• Competitive focus. Score-based games and time pressure drill segments simulate tournament stress in a controlled way.

Educational

• Light journaling. Juniors are encouraged to bring a small notebook or use a simple checklist to track weekly themes. It turns coaching points into habits.
• Film and feedback. Short, targeted video clips let players see the difference between what they feel and what actually happens.
• Tournament planning. Coaches help families pick appropriate events and review patterns that emerge so training can be adjusted.

Alumni outcomes and success stories

On The Rise measures success by durable skills and real match results rather than splashy headlines. Alumni include local high school varsity starters, team captains, and junior tournament players who have climbed levels step by step. Many began as beginners who could not rally and now contribute points in dual matches because they can land first serves to large targets, defend with height when needed, and finish to space.

For adults, success often looks like moving from inconsistent league results to reliable holds of serve, cleaner service returns, and pattern-based play that stands up under pressure. The academy shares progress stories in terms of skills gained, not just trophies, which keeps the message grounded.

Culture and community

Culture shows up in small decisions. Coaches use consistent vocabulary so players hear the same cues across levels. Expectations for effort and sportsmanship are explicit. Younger athletes are paired with slightly more advanced players at times to model footwork and routines. The staff communicates clearly with parents about placement, goals, and schedules, and is transparent about the steps needed to move up a group.

The academy’s community vibe extends beyond drills. Scrimmage days create gentle pressure without the formality of a tournament. Occasional theme days keep camps lively while still aligned with the curriculum. Families appreciate the balance: the environment is fun, but the training is serious about getting better.

Costs, accessibility, and scholarships

The academy’s practical footprint helps keep training accessible. Group classes are priced competitively for the San Diego market, with multi-session packs that reduce the per-class cost. Seasonal camps are packaged as full-week blocks, and the nine-to-one ratio is maintained in those weeks so players receive meaningful feedback. Private and semi-private lessons are available at higher intensity and price points for families who want targeted work.

As of 2025, the academy continues to offer need-aware options and flexible scheduling when possible. Sibling discounts and make-up policies are communicated at registration. Equipment guidance is straightforward, with coaches helping families choose an appropriate racket and string setup rather than pushing unnecessary upgrades. For players who need support, the staff works to identify scholarship possibilities or creative scheduling so cost does not become the only barrier.

What makes On The Rise different

Several differentiators stand out:

• Small groups with a hard cap. The nine-to-one ratio is not marketing copy. It is visible on court, and it changes the texture of practice.
• Curriculum before cosmetics. The program prizes skills that win points over picture-perfect technique that collapses under stress.
• Neighborhood logistics. Training happens where families already live and go to school, which keeps participation high over time.
• Progression clarity. Players and parents know what skills move an athlete from one group to the next, which keeps motivation clean.
• Selective technology. Video and checklists are used to accelerate learning, not to overwhelm.

Families comparing options can also look at other models on our site. Larger residential programs like the Smith Stearns Tennis Academy offer full-immersion boarding environments. Community-based hubs such as the Cary Tennis Park Academy run broad public programs at major facilities. Southern California families exploring high performance in Orange County often consider the Advantage Tennis Academy in Irvine. On The Rise sits comfortably in the neighborhood-training lane, designed for players who thrive with consistent reps, clear coaching, and a short drive home.

Future outlook and vision

The academy’s next chapter focuses on depth, not just size. Plans include continued coach development so every court runs the same high-standard session, an expanded video library of short skill clips that match on-court language, and additional Open-group availability during peak seasons. The staff is also exploring partnerships with local schools to streamline facility access and community events that combine match play with parent education on topics like tournament scheduling, nutrition, and recovery.

Scholarship growth is another focus. By earmarking a portion of camp proceeds and inviting community support, the academy aims to widen access for motivated players who might otherwise be priced out of consistent training.

Is On The Rise the right fit for you

Consider On The Rise if:

• You value small groups and consistent, practical feedback.
• You want a clear pathway from first rally to varsity-level training without leaving your neighborhood.
• You appreciate coaches who explain why a change matters in real points, not just how it looks.
• You prefer year-round outdoor tennis and surfaces that mirror local competition.

It may not be the perfect fit if you are seeking a residential academy with dorms, a cafeteria, and a national travel calendar. In that case, explore options like the Smith Stearns Tennis Academy or larger hubs such as the USTA National Campus for a centralized, multi-court environment with on-site amenities.

Conclusion

On The Rise Tennis Academy is the kind of program that turns the idea of steady improvement into reality. It does that through small groups, a fundamentals-first curriculum, and practical logistics that keep families engaged month after month. Players learn to move with balance, find reliable contact, and build points with a simple plan. They learn routines that translate to varsity matches and weekend tournaments, and they do it on courts that feel like home. If you are looking for a San Diego academy that values substance over spectacle and believes that great tennis starts with repeatable basics, On The Rise is built for you.