LTA YOUTH
Children aged between 4 and 12-years-old can get stuck into the world of tennis with this exciting programme from the LTA.
Featuring shorter courts, nets, rackets and soft, low-bouncing balls, LTA YOUTH Tennis provides the perfect introduction to tennis for young children.
There are five stages of LTA YOUT Tennis; Blue, Red, Orange, Green & Yellow – each with their own court size and ball-type. This tailored approach enables players to develop vital skills and techniques at an early age.
LTA YOUTH Blue - Ages 4 to 6 Years Old
This introductory stage aims to build a strong foundation for tennis and life. Our focus here is to help your children to enhance their agility, balance, co-ordination, and speed through a range of simple skills and exercises. At this stage it’s not about playing the game but more about developing the understanding of the relationship between the ball and the racquet, and developing a degree of connectivity in a fun and friendly environment. Low compression softballs will be used and small courts in a modified environment.
LTA YOUTH - Red - Ages 6 to 8 Years Old
At this stage in a young players development we will start to develop the forehand and backhand groundstrokes, over-arm serves, volleys and smashes. As the players start to develop, we will introduce them to rallying together and starting to link the shots through a variety of combination drills. We will continue to further develop more complex agility, balance and coordination skills and exercises, as well as the movement required around the court. We will also start to introduce a more competitive element, whilst maintaining a relaxed approach to their development. Despite the softer balls and smaller court, our young players will still be learning all the requirements needed to develop the crucial skills for the game ahead.
LTA YOUTH Orange - Ages 8 to 9 Years Old
At this stage players will develop into more rounded tennis players as they start to utilise all the skills that they have learned. We also start to look more at simple tactics, in terms of where they are playing the ball, whilst incorporating problem solving, sportsmanship and teamwork, which is relevant in doubles. Furthermore, the children will start to understand the basic rules of the game and the variation required to apply more pressure to your opponent. A clearer understanding of the importance of the serve and where best to return the ball. Those interested in competing will start to do so with more assurance and confidence.
LTA YOUTH Tennis Green - Ages 9 to 10 Years Old
At this stage, players are only one step away from becoming full court players but will use a lower compression green ball to build their resilience to longer rallies. Now it is far more about growing their game by refining the skills and techniques they have previously learned. For those players new to the game, it is far easier to develop the skills required by using modified balls and equipment. Players will feel more confident now working independently on court as their strength develops.
LTA YOUTH Yellow - Ages 10 to 12 Years Old
Players are now playing full court yellow ball tennis with no modification of equipment. For those that have come through the other key stages, this will be an exciting time. They will have to expand their range of shots and adjust to a higher ball bounce. Often at this stage it is a case of adapting to hitting deeper, hitting angles, adding variation, and using slice, flat and topspin serves. Those interested in competing will be able to do so more regularly and against older players. Yellow ball tennis is a game for life. You are building a strong base for an activity that will continually provide fun social and fitness opportunities, certainly the best investment a parent could make.