aged 10 and under Home Page
10 and under programmes generally cover players aged 4-10 and the ITF advises a progression through Red, Orange and Green for all players in this age range. See the Homepage or Equipment section for further details of stages and equipment for Mini players.
Introducing tennis to young starter players in the right way is critical. As well as helping players to develop a range of physical skills, the red, orange and green stages, gradually teach tactical and technical elements of the game on smaller courts using slower balls. Appropriate competition is also very important in making tennis fun and stimulating for young starter players.
The ITF stress that slower balls should be used by all players aged 10 and under, as they help players develop advanced tactics and technique. Some nations mandate competition so that players 10&U only use slower balls, except for very few, exceptionally talented players.
Many nations around the world have well-established 10 and under programmes, supported by a range of resources and articles - many of which can be accessed through this section.
