This 50 minute Sponge Ball Development Class (SBDC) is for 7-11 year olds. This class is where we work on the coordination skills needed using sponge balls and on reduced size tennis courts, almost all children regardless of age will start in the Red Sponge group. We always start with the basics i.e. throwing, catching, ready positions, skipping, balance, running, stopping and for the very young ones: simply listening to instruction from a coach. It is not uncommon for a child to be in a SBD classes for several terms or even years before being ready for another class. The LTA strongly recommend Sponge balls up until aged 11 and the RPT (in Spain) will still use a Red Sponge ball even for an adult beginner. Sponge Ball develops the correct tennis stroke that is with the player for life.