SITA’s Junior Programme provides a sound developmental structure that allow players to progress according to their age, ability, confidence and orientation to competition.
RED BALL
Played on a smaller court and using red softer and slower balls makes the game of tennis accessible to our young players, with the emphasis on having fun! Players at this stage will be using the slower red balls and the 36″ red ball courts.
TOTS – For young starter players, slower red balls and smaller racquets are used to introduce skill building exercises as players learn the basic strokes of tennis. Simple competitions for young players are presented through stations and team-based games. This class is for ages 4-5.5 yrs.
RED (BEGINNER) – Players start by working on building a rally as they develop good technique, with emphasis on serving, rallying and playing the game with short simple scoring. This class is for ages 6-7 yrs.
RED (INTERMEDIATE) – Players are given tasks to be more consistent with serves and rallies. They also learn simple tactics which they can use during competitive games and match play. Red Intermediate is for ages 6-7 yrs.
ORANGE BALL
When the Mini Red tennis players have reached the required standard they are moved onto the next level! Welcome to Mini Orange! This introduces children to playing tennis on a 3/4 length court (60″) with the slightly faster orange ball that has 50% pressure compared to the yellow ball.
This slows the game down to give the player a solid foundation and allows them time to learn basic tennis techniques and have maximum fun playing the game! Children start playing the game in all areas of the court, learning to attack and defend, with emphasis on developing their skills through frequent play. Orange mini tennis is normally for children aged 7 – 9 years old.
GREEN BALL
This is the final stage of the fantastic Mini Tennis programme! Played on a full court with softer green training balls that are just slightly lighter and slower than a normal pressurized ball, Mini Green tennis is great for helping players learn good technique and most importantly how to rally with confidence as they use the full-size tennis court.
Green ball helps players understand how to rally with confidence and make high percentage shots in all areas of the court, with balls bouncing at a variety of heights and speeds. Mini green is normally for children aged 8 – 10 years old, but can also be dependant on the standard of the child.
YELLOW BALL
Players moving on from the Mini Tennis Programme will now be progressing using the yellow ball, which has 100% pressure, for their training and match-plays while using the full-size tennis court.
YELLOW BEGINNER – For those children who have not advanced through the Mini Tennis programme or have taken up the sport at a later age. This class will focus on all of the fundamentals of stroke production including technique, consistency, placement and basic point play. All techniques taught will create a strong base for future improvement.
YELLOW INTERMEDIATE – Designed for those who have advanced through the Mini Tennis Programme or have acquired the necessary skills to progress to this level. This programme will cover drills on stroke production, court positioning and point play strategies.
YELLOW ADVANCED – This programme will give the students confidence to play matches and possibly enter tournaments. This class is recommended for children aged between 11–16 years old and/or based on skill level.
YELLOW PERFORMANCE – For players who have displayed excellent technique, court awareness and skill, experienced in tournaments. We will be focusing on intensive drill sessions, conditioning exercises, match play (Singles and Doubles Tactics) and most importantly tournament preparation.
RED BALL
This is the first stage of the internationally acclaimed LTA mini tennis programme and is very important for building the core skills and confidence of the young mini tennis player. Players at this stage will be using the slower red balls and the 36″ red ball courts.
TOTS – This class is recommended for starter players aged 4-6 years old, we will be guiding them how to play the game from their first lesson. Players start to play fun, team-based matches, and develop good technique and use realistic tactics.
RED (BEGINNER – INTERMEDIATE) – The emphasis is on movement and coordination, as they improve serving and rallying while scoring as they continue to playing the game. Mini Red tennis is aimed at the 5 – 7 years old age group but of course all ages can play. Children will move up levels based on their skill level.
ORANGE BALL
When the Mini Red tennis players have reached the required standard they are moved onto the next level! Welcome to Mini Orange! This introduces children to playing tennis on a 3/4 length court (60″) with the slightly faster orange ball that has 50% pressure compared to the yellow ball.
This slows the game down to give the player a solid foundation and allows them time to learn basic tennis techniques and have maximum fun playing the game! Orange mini tennis is normally for children aged 7 – 9 years old.
GREEN BALL
This is the final stage of the fantastic Mini Tennis programme! Played on a full court with softer green training balls that are just slightly lighter and slower than a normal pressurized ball, Mini Green tennis is great for helping players learn good technique and most importantly how to rally with confidence as they use the full-size tennis court.
A lot of emphasis is placed on tactics and competition with matches played best of 3 short sets to 4 games, tie-break at 3 all. Mini green is normally for children aged 8 – 10 years old, but can also be dependant on the standard of the child.
YELLOW BALL
Players moving on from the Mini Tennis Programme will now be progressing using the yellow ball, which has 100% pressure, for their training and match-plays while using the full-size tennis court.
YELLOW BEGINNER – For those children who have not advanced through the Mini Tennis programme or have taken up the sport at a later age. This class will focus on all of the fundamentals of stroke production including technique, consistency, placement and basic point play. All techniques taught will create a strong base for future improvement.
YELLOW INTERMEDIATE – Designed for those who have advanced through the Mini Tennis Programme or have acquired the necessary skills to progress to this level. This programme will cover drills on stroke production, court positioning and point play strategies.
YELLOW ADVANCED – This programme will give the students confidence to play matches and possibly enter tournaments. This class is recommended for children aged between 11–16 years old and/or based on skill level.
YELLOW PERFORMANCE – For players who have displayed excellent technique, court awareness and skill, experienced in tournaments. We will be focusing on intensive drill sessions, conditioning exercises, match play (Singles and Doubles Tactics) and most importantly tournament preparation.
