Mini Tennis for Children
Mini tennis is an excellent introduction to the sport for young children between 4 and 10 years old. It features a smaller court, lower net, and lower bouncing balls, making it easier for kids to learn and play. Here are some key aspects of mini tennis for children:
- Red ball (8yrs & under): Use a smaller court and numerical scoring (1, 2, 3, etc.)
- Orange ball (9yrs & under): Use a larger court, but still with numerical scoring (1, 2, 3, etc.)
- Green ball (10yrs & under): Use the whole court and conventional scoring (15, 30, 40, etc.)
Foam balls for indoors. Heavier felt balls for outdoors.
Levels of mini tennis
There are three levels of mini tennis – Red, Orange and Green, each with its own court size and type of ball. This tailored approach, based on age and physical maturity enable players to develop vital skills and techniques at an early age.
The low-compression balls used in mini-tennis are now being used in many countries to introduce adult beginners to the sport. The slower and lower bouncing balls make it far easier to learn the game.
Once a young player starts playing in tournaments their results go towards increasing their mini-tennis rating. This tool is used to determine a player’s level and assists in their entry into higher levels of competition as they improve.
RED BALL – 8 years and under
The red ball provides a great way for players aged 8 and under to start out in tennis. Players play it on a smaller court with a shorter racket and softer balls, which aid in their initial development. It is just like the real game and gives players the opportunity to have long rallies and play different types of shots.
What age group does red ball mini tennis aim to target?
Red ball mini tennis caters to 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 11m X 5.5m.
A badminton court is also suitable.
What height is the net?
The net is 80cm (31”) at the center.
What racket is best to use?
A shorter racket – 43cm – 58cm (17”- 23”)
ORANGE BALL – 9 years and under
The orange ball provides a great way for younger players aged 9 years and under to continue their progress from the red ball.
Players play it on a slightly larger court than the red ball, using a bigger racket 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 group does orange ball mini tennis aim to target?
Orange ball mini tennis caters to players aged 9 and under.
What ball do players use in orange ball mini tennis?
An orange ball is used. It has a low compression that makes it bounce lower – this gives the player better control at an important stage of their development.
On what size court do players play orange ball?
Players play orange ball on a singles court measuring 18m X 6.5m and a doubles court.
18m X 8.23m (the full width of a singles court).
What height is the net?
The net is 80cm (31”) at the center.
What racket is best to use?
A racket 58cm – 63cm (23” – 25”).
GREEN BALL – 10 years and under.
Green ball is a great way for players to continue their progress from orange ball mini tennis. Players play it on a full-size tennis court, using bigger rackets and balls that are slightly softer than yellow balls.
It is the next stage to go through before you start playing with a full-compression yellow ball on a full-size court and it will help players work on and improve all aspects of their game.
What age group does green ball mini tennis aim to target?
Players aged 10 and under participate in green ball mini tennis
What ball do players use in green ball mini tennis?
Players use a green ball, which is ideal for those transitioning from the orange ball.
On what size court do players play green ball?
Players play the green ball on a full-size tennis court for singles and doubles matches.
What height is the net?
The net is at full height – 91cm (36”).
What racket is best to use?
A bigger racket 63cm – 66cm (25” – 26”).
Recommended Products for Mini-tennis Champions!
https://amzn.to/3YbzrtQ – The best quality mini-tennis net that will weather all storms and has been the most durable one I have tested yet.
