A World Class Starter Program for Kids
New Zealand Post Tennis Hot Shots (NZPTHS) is the national starter tennis programme for New Zealand children. With almost 200 venues nationwide, it’s easy to start playing!
New Zealand Post Tennis Hot Shots is just for kids. Smaller courts, shorter racquets and softer balls mean that kids can play a proper game of tennis from the moment they step on court.
Developed and owned by Tennis Australia, NZPTHS has been running since 2008. Its launch in New Zealand in October 2013, has made this world class programme international.
If you are struggling to understand what programme to put your child/children into this information below might help you decide which programme suits your child/children best.
Programmes Calder Tennis offer:
Summer Term 4 & 1 2017
Blue Level Hot Shots:
Skill Level: Beginner | Age: 3-5
The Blue Level introduces children to tennis through games and fun activities. Children learn the basics of tennis including how to rally using lots of adapted equipment such as balloons, big balls and beanbags. Often, blue sessions are held indoors in spaces more suited to small people.
Court size: variable
Tennis ball: red ball (25% compression)
Recommended racquet size: 19-21 inches
Red Level Hot Shots:
Skill Level: All | Age: 5-8
The red ball is larger than a yellow ball and doesn’t bounce as high (just 25% compression), making it a breeze for even the youngest players to hit comfortably. The courts and nets used in the Red Level are much smaller making it easier for kids to move around and enjoy success. Red level players may be beginners, improvers or even advanced players.
Court size: 3 m × 8.23 or 6 m × 10.97 m
Tennis ball: red ball (25% compression)
Recommended racquet size: 21–23 inches
Orange Level Hot Shots:
Skill Level: All | Age: 8-10
After mastering the Red level, children move on to the Orange level where the ball bounces a little higher (50% compression) and the court is a bit bigger. Orange players play over the regular net on a three quarter length court.
Court size: 6.4 m × 18.29 m
Tennis ball: orange ball (50% compression)
Recommended racquet size: 23–25 inches
Green Level Hot Shots:
Skill Level: All | Age: 9 +
The ball used in the Green level has a higher compression than the Red and Orange level (75% of a yellow tennis ball) and children play on a full-size court. Green players may be older children who are new to tennis or players of a good standard who have progressed through the Blue, Red and Orange levels.
Court size: 10.97 m × 23.78 m (full court)
Tennis ball: green ball (75% compression)
Recommended racquet size: 25–27 inches
Yellow Level Hot Shots:
Skill Level: All | Age: 12 +
The ball used in the Yellow Level has a higher compression than the Red, Orange and Green level (yellow tennis ball) and children play on a full-size court. Yellow players may be older children who are new to tennis or players of a good standard who have progressed through the Blue, Red, Orange and Green levels.
Court size: 10.97 m × 23.78 m (full court)
Tennis ball: yellow ball (full compression)
Recommended racquet size: full size adult racquet
