Junior coaching
Mini Tennis Tots – 3 to 4 year olds
Mini Tennis is for children aged 3 to 5 years and consists of a selection of activities and fun games that primarily develop ball skills, co-ordination, balance and movement in readiness for transferring to mini tennis red classes. This course uses fun games and activities that primarily develop co-ordination, ball skills and movement in preparation for mini tennis.
At this level, children play with sponge balls and 19 or 21 inch rackets and the focus is about making it as much fun as possible.
Mini Tennis Red – 5 to 8 year olds
Introduction to tennis using light-weight rackets, sponge balls and a smaller court. An excellent way to develop co-ordination, racket and ball skills and basic stroke technique. Lots of fun games including a selection of activity stations designed to provide a variety of tennis related learning experiences – the emphasis is very much on FUN.
> Mini Tennis Red is for players aged 8 and under.
> It is played on a smaller court with short rackets and soft balls.
> A shorter racket of 43cm – 58 cm (17” – 23”) should be used depending on the size and strength of the player.
> A foam or felt ball is used which is 75% slower than a yellow ball to give players more time to hit the ball.
> A court with dimensions of 11m x 5.5m or 12m x 6m. It’s fine to use badminton court lines.
> The net is at a height of 80cm (in the middle).
> Players are encouraged to play fun competitions in teams and as individuals, with short matches using tie-break scoring.
Mini Tennis Orange – 9 year olds
Mini Tennis Orange is a great way for players to continue their progress from Mini Tennis Red and is for players aged 8 and 9. It is played with shorter rackets, softer balls and courts are bigger and wider than the red stage but still smaller than full-size tennis courts allowing players to develop a rounded game whilst learning a range of techniques and tactics.
For players progressing from mini tennis and have developed their skills sufficiently to move to a full size court with low compression balls. Equipment and court size are adapted to cater for the ability of players. Sessions cover co-ordination and movement, progressive development of the strokes, basic rules and tactics.
It is the next stage before playing on a full sized court and helps players develop different shots and tactics. There is also the chance to Earn Your Stripes through the LTA Mini Tennis Orange Rally Awards.
> Mini Tennis Orange is for players aged 8 and 9.
> An orange ball is used which is 50% slower than a yellow ball, giving players better control at this important stage of development.
> Mini Tennis Orange is played on an 18m x 6.5m court.
> The height of the net should be 80cm at the middle of the net.
> A racket of 58cm – 63 cm (23” – 25”) should be used depending on the size and strength of the player.
> At Mini Tennis Orange there are team and individual competitions with matches using tie-break scoring – usually the best of three tie-breaks.
Mini Tennis Green – 10 year olds
Mini Tennis Green is a great way for players to continue their progress from Mini Tennis Orange. It is played on a full size tennis court, with bigger rackets and balls which are a little softer than yellow balls.
Mini Tennis Green is the next stage before moving on to full compression yellow balls on a full sized court and helps players develop and improve all aspects of their game.
For children who have played little or no tennis before and also for those from 8 years old who have progressed from mini tennis orange. Sessions include development of technique for all strokes, basic rules and tactical situations within a game to enhance skills and extend learning.
> Mini Tennis Green is for players aged 9 & 10.
> A green ball is used, which is 25% slower than a yellow ball.
> Mini Tennis Green is played on a normal size court.
> The net is at full height.
> A bigger racket of 63cm – 66cm (25” – 26”) should be used but not compulsory.
> At Mini Tennis Green there are individual and team competitions, with scoring extended to short sets.
Junior Tennis Coaching – 11 to 17 year olds
Tennis is a great way to keep fit, make new friends and also keep in touch with old ones.
Our Junior Programme caters for all standards and abilities, whether you have been playing from the age of five or you are just taking tennis up for the first time we will have a course to suit you. All of our courses are taken by LTA qualified coaches.
>Beginner groups for children who would like to start playing tennis. Our beginner groups teach the basics of all aspects of the game.
> Improver For children who are able to maintain a groundstroke rally from the baseline, serve and play a game of singles, and have a basic knowledge of the rules. Sessions include technique, incorporated within drills, games and tactics for both singles and doubles play.
> Advanced improver For children who can rally consistently from the baseline with both forehands and backhands. They must be able to play all the basic shots with a variety of spins and have an understanding of the rules and tactics for both singles and doubles. Sessions include drills and tactics for both singles and doubles match play.
> Advanced For players who have an understanding of the rules and tactics for both singles and doubles. Players should be able to rally from the baseline and able to play all the basic strokes with spin, depth and accuracy. Players wishing to attend this should have an LTA rating and be approved by the Head Coach.