Excitement, energy, fun!

The main aim of our coaching programme is to help players experience the full fun and excitement of tennis through learning the basics, developing their skills and playing the sport.

Our coaching programme is run by Head Coach Michael Russell, supported by a team of qualified coaches, assistants and tennis leaders.

For juniors, the programme is based on LTA Youth – a fresh, fun approach to coaching tennis, for kids aged 4 – 18, no matter their gender, ability or background.

LTA Youth Start will get young players into the game, teaching them all the basics, while the five stages of LTA Youth will have them playing on a full-size court as soon as possible.

LTA Youth guarantees that every session is full of energy.  LTA Youth courses are packed full of fun games and dynamic training that support kids in developing new skills for life.  We want kids to bring all their energy to tennis; no “quiet please” needed here!

Specially trained coaches will make sure every child has the best start to their tennis journey in a safe and inclusive environment. Sessions cater to all abilities, so no one gets left behind.

Some key points:

• Although we’ve assigned ages to each stage, this is just a guide.
• We understand that kids want to play in groups and with their friends, so whatever stage they start at, all kids will see progression.
• In every LTA Youth stage, kids will be active, having fun and developing skills!

Tots Stage

Play and learn (2-4)

A fun, play-based introduction to tennis for pre-school children. The focus is on developing agility, balance and coordination through play. We encourage children to understand their bodies through movement, while developing ball and racket skills.

Blue Stage

Learn the basics (age 4-6)

Kids will improve their balance, agility and co-ordination through fun games while learning how to play the sport we love.  At this stage it’s not about winning or losing, but getting to grips with the basics.

Red Stage

Serve, rally and score (age 6-8)

This will look a bit more like the tennis you know.  Kids start to practise overarm serves, volleys and learn how to rally, whilst developing their co-ordination, balance, speed and agility.  Still with soft balls and small courts, they'll be introduced to relaxed competition, for teams and individuals.

Orange Stage

Develop a rounded game (age 8-9)

Kids develop into rounded players, not ‘one-shot wonders’!  Time to throw in some tactics, problem-solving and guides to sportsmanship and leadership.  They'll know all of the rules and will be serving and returning in matches.

Green Stage

Test your skills (age 9-10)

This is the big one!  It’s time for kids to play on full-size courts. Now it’s all about growing their game by fine tuning and refining the techniques they’ve learned so far. Kids should now be in a position to act more independently on court.

Yellow Stage

Take your skills further (age 10+)

Time to find your game!  Playing on a full-size court with the same size balls the pros use, kids will continue to explore different styles on the court, and start to choose their own.  By this point, we hope kids will be tennis players, and fans of the game for life!

The new 11 & Under age group is designed to make the transition from Green to Yellow tennis smooth. Our approach helps young players develop their skills, make his challenging but exciting move, then progress through the junior age groups.

For all age groups (from Red to Yellow), there are team and individual competitions with matches using tie-break, short set or long set scoring.  One of the main aims of our coaching programme is to prepare young players to play tennis, making the sport accessible, welcoming and enjoyable for all.

Our first of 2 Summer term OUTDOOR blocks for all age groups will start on Monday 15th April.  Details are published here now and all groups are available for booking! These will run for 5 weeks, followed by another 5 week block straight after!

New for 2024:

* Red - 30 minutes coaching clinic | 15 minutes matchplay/fun games

** Orange/Green/Yellow - 30 minutes coaching clinic | 30 minutes matchplay/fun games

Our coaches are also running sessions for all age groups at Brucehaven Tennis Club in Limekilns.  If you can't find a Dunfermline session at a time that suits you, please check at Brucehaven Junior Coaching.

We also have a small number of 'invitation' groups for young players who have progressed to playing regularly in competitions.

Private coaching is available too - for individuals and small groups.  To discuss your tennis goals and find the right coach to help you achieve them, please contact us.