What is Mini Tennis?

Mini Tennis is a great introduction to the sport for young children between 4 and 10 years old. It’s just like the real thing, but with smaller courts, nets and rackets and lower-bouncing balls.

There are three levels of Mini Tennis; Red, Orange and Green, each with their own court size and type of ball. this tailored approach, based on age and physical maturity enables players to develop vital skills and techniques at an early age.

The low compression balls used in Mini Tennis are now being used by clubs and coaches across the UK to introduce adult beginners to the sport. The slower and lower bouncing balls make it far easier to learn the game.

Once a player starts playing in tournaments their results go towards increasing their Mini Tennis Rating which is used to determine a player's level and assists with entry into high levels of competition as a player improves.

Red – 8 Years and Under

Red ball is a great way for players to start out in tennis and is for players aged 8 and under. It is played on smaller courts with shorter rackets and softer balls. It’s just like the real game and gives players opportunities to have long rallies and play different types of shots.

What age is red ball mini tennis aimed at?
Red ball mini tennis is for players aged 8 and under.

What ball is used?
A red sponge ball is used indoors and a red felt ball is used outdoors.

What size court is red ball played on?
A court with dimensions of 11m x 5.5m. It’s fine to use badminton court lines.

What height is the net?
The net is lower than yellow ball tennis at a height of 80cm (31″).

What racket is best to use?
A shorter racket of 43cm-58cm (17″-23″) is recommended.

Orange – Ages 8 & 9

Orange ball is a great way for players to continue their progress from red ball and is for players aged 8 and 9. It is played on slightly larger courts than red ball, with bigger rackets and balls that are not as soft as red balls. It’s the next stage to go through before you start playing on a full sized court and it will help players develop all the different shots, providing fun competition.

What age is orange ball mini tennis aimed at?
Orange ball mini tennis is for players aged 8 and 9.

What ball is used?
An orange ball is used. It has a low compression that makes it bounce lower, giving the player better control at an important stage of their development.

What size court is orange ball played on?
Orange ball is played on a singles court of 18m x 6.5m and a doubles court of 18, x 8.23m (so the full width of a singles court)

What height is the net?
80cm (31″) at the middle of the net

What racket is best to use?
A racket of 58cm- 63cm (23″-25″) is recommended

 Green – 10 Years Old

Green ball is a great way for players to continue their progress from orange ball mini tennis. It is played on a full tennis court, with bigger rackets and balls that are a little softer than yellow balls. It’s the next stage to go through before you start playing with a full compression yellow ball on a full sized court and it will help players work on and improve all aspects of their game.

What age is green ball mini tennis aimed at?
Green ball mini tennis is for players aged 9 & 10.

What ball is used?
A green ball is used, which is ideal for players moving from orange ball to actual tennis balls.

What size court is green ball played on?
Green ball is played on a full tennis court for singles and doubles.

What height is the net?
The net is at full height – 91cm (36″).

What racket is best to use?
A bigger racket of 63cm-66cm (25″-26″) is recommended.

Below is a list of all the Mini Tennis groups we offer:

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