Mini Tennis

'JUSTINE HENIN STATES THE CASE FOR MINI TENNIS'

The ITF have released an update on progress of their Play and Stay campaign in which Justine Henin talks about her tennis experiences as a youngster, using slower balls and smaller rackets.

"That's how I started to play. I don't say it's the only way to become a champion, but I think that when you're six, seven, eight years old and you're not tall, you're not strong, it's great to have soft balls and smaller rackets.”

“That gives you the opportunity to do almost everything [in tennis] and that helped me a lot to do everything with the racket now, for sure. I don't say it's the only way, but it's the way I learned how to play tennis."

Justine Henin world number 1 lady 2008.

Mini Tennis takes into account the fact that tennis rackets and a full sized tennis court are too big for young players and regular tennis balls bounce too high and fast for small kids.

Mini Tennis is the first stage of the tennis pathway in which children (aged 3-10) gradually progress through the Tots, Red, Orange and Green stages according to ability. In the process, the court size, racket length, ball speed and the length of games all increase until the player is ready to move onto the full game.

Tots Tennis Courses (pre-school age)

Tots classes are a gentle introduction for pre-school children. Lots of short fun activities within small groups. Rackets are introduced early on and all activities are designed to prepare children for the Mini Tennis Red programme.

Mini Tennis Red Courses (4 - 8yrs)

Developing movement, co-ordination and ball skills, an introduction to the game and above all else, fun! Sponge balls and small rackets are used. At the Red stage, children are introduced to the basics of the game. They start developing the core skills of movement and coordination, take part in lots of fun activities and play short matches and team competitions. Mini red can be played indoors on badminton courts.

Mini Tennis Orange Courses (8 - 9yrs) 

At Orange the emphasis is on further development.

Played on a larger court with low compression tennis balls. The emphasis is on playing the game, enjoying competition and learning all the shots. Children will learn new shots and techniques to help them rally on a bigger court. Competition includes slightly longer matches, most often played as part of a team.

Mini Tennis Green Courses (10 - 11yrs)

Played on a full size court with a ball that is slightly lighter and softer than a full tennis ball. This promotes longer rallies. Children are encouraged to play matches and be competitive as they progress towards the full game. At Green, the final stage in preparing for full tennis, children will be bigger and able to cover the whole court. They will further improve their technique and tactics, as well as fundamental athletic skills. Matches are longer, again still mostly in a team environment.