| Red |
| • |
Aim:
FUNdamental coordination and movement skills, an
introduction to rallying and playing the game and
above all to build confidence and have fun. |
| • |
Age:
Primarily for children aged 4 - 8 years old or up
to 11 years in primary schools where facilities are
limited. Could also be played by all ages in a fun,
social environment and where tennis courts are unavailable. |
| • |
Court size: Approx.
12m x 6m On a dedicated court, a modified badminton
court or a designated area of a tennis court (eg.
across the width). Service boxes are 4m x 3m, net
height approximately 80cm. |
| • |
Balls: Low bounce,
foam or felt covered, larger than a tennis ball for
slow movement. Red coded where possible. |
| • |
Rackets: Strung
rackets, length depending on size and strength of
player: 43cm – 58cm (17” – 23”).
Plastic rackets may sometimes be used in schools. |
| • |
Competitions and
scoring: In a team environment, based on activity
station skills and challenges as well as short matches.
Singles and doubles. Scoring is tie-break style,
very flexible, to 7 points or extended. |
| Orange |
| • |
Aim:
FUNdamentals and playing the game, basic tactics
and play more matches. |
| • |
Age:
7/8 years and upwards (depending on ability and the
age at which the child started to play). |
| • |
Court size: Played
on a normal tennis court, using ¾ of the length
(18m long), the full width and the regular net. The
Orange base line is half way between the service
line and the full court base line. Singles court
for Orange singles, doubles court for Orange doubles. |
| • |
Balls: Modified
tennis ball, tennis ball size, softer and lighter
with lower bounce than a normal tennis ball. Orange
coded. |
| • |
Rackets: Strung
rackets, length according to size and strength of
player but generally 58cm – 63.5cm (23” – 25”). |
| • |
Competitions and
scoring: Team competitions with short matches and
possibly other sports. Singles and doubles may be
played. Scoring is tie-break style, 2 tie-breaks
or best of 3 tie-breaks. |
| Green |
| • |
Aim:
FUNdamentals, physical skills, tennis skills and
matches, encouraging children to be more independent,
understand about warming up, practising, fitness
and health. |
| • |
Age:
9 years and upwards (dependant on ability and the
age at which a child started to play). |
| • |
Court
size: Full tennis court. Singles and doubles court
sizes. |
| • |
Balls:
Modified tennis balls, tennis ball size but slightly
softer and lighter with slightly lower bounce. Green
coded. |
| • |
Rackets:
Strung rackets, length according to size and strength
of player but generally 63.5cm – 66cm (25” – 26”) |
| • |
Competitions:
Team competitions with short matches. Singles and
doubles may be played. |
| Full
Tennis |
| • |
There
is no designated age at which children should move
to full tennis; on average children tend to be ready
for the full game at around 10 years old of age.
Even very talented children who appear to be good
enough to play full tennis earlier can benefit from
continuing to play with the Green ball until they
are at least 9 years old. This inevitably encourages
good technique and develops tactics. |
| • |
Coaches
have clear guidelines for the best time for a player
to move to full tennis. Parents and players should
refer to these before a child enters a full tennis
competition. |
Club
Information 
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