Ages 4-6
Blue – Learn the basics
Young kids are bundles of energy just running around without a care in the world. Play is on smaller courts with short rackets and a foam or felt ball which is 75% slower than a yellow ball, A shorter racket of 17” – 21” is recommended depending on the size and strength of the player. The programme is designed to finesse their fine motor skills like balance, agility and coordination. At this stage it’s not about winning or losing but just getting to grips with the basics.
Ages 6-8
Red – Serve, Rally and Score
Although still using soft balls and smaller courts, this looks a bit more like the tennis you know with overarm serves, rallies, scoring. It gives players opportunities to have longer rallies and play different types of shots. The net is at a height of 80cm (in the middle). A shorter racket of 21” – 23” is recommended depending on the size and strength of the player. Kids can use their new knowledge to play in competitions as teams or individuals. kids are learning everything they will need for the game ahead.
Ages 8-10
Orange – Develop a rounded game
All the skills they’ve been learning are turning them into tennis Titans. Time to throw in some tactics, extra techniques, problem-solving and leadership too; The game is still played with shorter rackets. Courts are bigger and wider than the red stage, 18m x 6.5m court, but still smaller than full-size tennis courts allowing players to develop a rounded game whilst learning a range of techniques and tactics. The net is 80cm at the middle. An orange ball is used which is 50% slower than a yellow ball, giving players better control at this important stage of development. A racket of 23” – 25” should be used depending on the size and strength of the player. At this stage there are team and individual competitions with matches using tie-break scoring – usually the best of three tie-breaks.
Ages 10-14
Green test your skills
Where does the time go? Players are fast becoming moody teenagers and so it’s time to let them loose on real, full-sized courts. Now it’s all about fine tuning and refining the techniques they’ve learned over the years. Welcome to the Big Leagues. Play is on a full-size tennis court, with bigger rackets. It’s 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. A green ball is used, which is 25% slower than a yellow ball. Doubles matches should also be played on a normal size court. The net is at full height. A bigger racket of 25” – 26” should be used but not compulsory.
Ages 14-17
Yellow take your skills further
Played on a full size court with the balls the professionals use. Players will continue to explore different game styles and start to find their own. They will evolve through well-rounded motor skills development whilst improving their physical capacities. Please note that although private coaching will be available for all players at Hylands via an affordable low-cost membership, for Squad training we will refer you to our associate club, Elm Park Lawn Tennis Club.