Hot SHots Pathway

At the age of 3-5 yo children really enjoy active play. So, naturally they will benefit from this gentle, fun introduction to tennis, which leads on to the WCTA Program.

Our primary aim is to develop your child's Fundamental and Perceptual Motor Skill's "ABC'S" of athletic development (Agility, Balance, Coordination, Speed) so he/she can begin to play tennis as soon as possible. All the skills learnt in the lesson (throwing, catching, striking, balancing, moving in multiple directions) can crossover to the other sports as well. We suggest enrolling you child as soon as they begin Kindergarten. After two terms of Blue Launch Pad Stage, you can expect a marked improvement in your child's (FPMS) and ability to hit the tennis ball. Experienced Blue Launch Pad players (3 or more terms) will be able to hit the tennis ball on the move and will beginning to learn how to hit a serve.

The benefits are boundless. Your child will learn to overcome challenges, develop social skills, creativity and imagination, solve problems, understand rules and boundaries. Above all that, they will love every step of the way.

There is a common weekly written theme program throughout our group session, and it will vary depending on standard, experience and age.

Launch Pad Stage

Court Size: There is no official court size for this stage, as players do not play matches

Tennis Ball: Red felt ball over sized, softer and lighter, that is 75% slower than yellow balls

Age: 3-5 years

Recommended racquet size: 17-23 inches / Paddle Bat (depending on player size)

Players in the group: Maximum of 4-5 students per coach

Lesson duration: 30 Minutes

The Red stage program is aimed at children from 5 - 7 years of age who are new to the sport of tennis. Whilst still developing Fundamental and Perceptual Motor Skill's the main focus is on the children having fun, developing skills and getting to play the game. Children learn to track the ball, how to adapt their impact point when moving, link their arms and bodies on groundstroke's, swing shapes, serve with an overhead throwing action, and direct the ball. Red tennis is played on smaller courts (1/4 court) with shorter racquets and softer balls (25% speed of normal ball). It gives children the chance to experience long rallies and play different types of shots ensuring they have lots of fun!

The Red stage level is an introduction to tennis and is designed to give children a taste of what tennis involves. Children will be required to learn the basics including, the basic rules of the game and point play.

There is a common weekly written theme program throughout our group session, and it will vary depending on standard, experience and age.

Red Stage

Court Size: 1/4 Court tennis is played sideways across the court

Tennis Ball: Red ball low compression, softer and lighter, that is 75% slower than yellow balls

Age: 5-7 years

Recommended racquets size: 21-23 inches (depending on players size)

Players in the group: Maximum of 5 students per coach

Lesson duration: 45 Minutes

The Orange stage of the program is closely suited to the abilities of players aged between 8 and 9 years old. These children have progressed from Red Stage and are now able to rally the ball with a partner, but are still relatively new to the sport of tennis.

Orange tennis is played on a slightly smaller singles court basically the same, as a full sized court is to an adult, with smaller racquets and balls that are 50% the speed of a normal ball. This stage is essential in the transition to playing on full sized courts and will help players develop all the different shots, providing fun competition.

The key is to develop the same tactics as full court tennis along with associated techniques. 3/4 Court Tennis uses lower compression balls that facilitate this tactical development; they also assist development of good biomechanics. Full tennis rules apply. Players should have a solid base of technique before 'graduating' to the Green stage.

Players will move to full court (Green stage) once they have a full repertoire of skills at the ¾ court. For some very highly skilled players this will be at 8 years of age, however for most players who have gone through the half and ¾ court programs this transition will take place at 9-10 years of age. There will also be some late starters or less athletic players who will make this transition at 11 years of age.

There is a common weekly written theme program throughout our group session, and it will vary depending on standard, experience and age.

Orange Stage

Court Size: 3/4 Court (shorter full court baseline each end)

Tennis Ball: Orange ball low compression, softer and lighter, that is 50% slower than yellow balls

Age: 7-9 years

Recommended racquets size: 23-25 inches (depending on players size)

Players in the group: Maximum of 5 students per coach

Lesson duration: 45 min

The final step in the modified program the Green stage, is appropriate for players aged 9+ years old. The players at the Green stage have progressed from Orange and are almost ready to transition into normal tennis.

Green tennis is played on a full court, with larger racquets and balls that are 75% the speed of the normal balls. The emphasis in the Green stage is to help players work on and improve all aspects of their game, while developing key skills and game like skills required for a normal game.

For less experienced players we continue to work on basic techniques, while the better players progress into a more advanced skill set, including hitting with topspin and contending with different manipulations of ball (spin, heights, depth, etc).

Fun is also a key component, however the main aim is to provide a skill and knowledge base to ensure the learners adapt to the next stage of tennis.

Transitional balls that fly slower and bounce lower are used to enhance consistency and control and continue development of proper technique. Full tennis rules apply.

After 'graduating' from the Green-Modified tennis system players will move to full court and regular balls (yellow) once they have a full repertoire of skills. For some very highly skilled players this will be at 9-10 years of age, however for most players who have gone through the Red 1/4court, Orange ¾ court, Green full Court programs, this transition will take place at 11 years of age.

The ages per group are guidelines only. The Modified Tennis is flexible enough to allow younger children to be pushed through the progressions faster as long as Quality Tennis Coaching feel it is appropriate for that child and we have the support from parents. We also have children who are older than the ages mentioned in each group too. It's purely based on the ability of each child and which part of the system suits them.

Tennis Australia has now incorporated the Modified Tennis into its official program as the MLC HotShots Program which we are an official provider.

There is a common weekly written theme program throughout our group session, and it will vary depending on standard, experience and age.

Green Stage

Court Size: Full Court

Tennis Ball: Green ball low compression, softer and lighter, that are 25% reduced speed compared to regular yellow balls

Age: 9+ years

Recommended racquets size: 25-27 inches (depending on players size)

Players in the group: Maximum of 5 students per coach

Lesson duration: 45 min

ANZ Hot Shots

Program

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Hot SHots Pathway

Launch Pad Stage

Red Stage

Orange Stage

Green Stage