An LTA Orange ball is a softer, slower tennis ball used in the LTA's Orange stage of Mini Tennis, designed for players aged 8-9 (or older starter players) to help them develop a well-rounded game on a smaller court before progressing to a full-sized court and a yellow ball. The orange ball is a key step in the LTA Youth programme, building on the red ball stage to teach technique and tactics in a fun, supportive environment.