Hot Shot Coaching Programmes Calder Tennis offer:
Community Play
…is the perfect programme for tennis clubs and venues of all sizes. The programme is flexible enough to fit any club or venue in the way they want, and Community Play doesn’t require the services of a professional coach.
Community Play is not coaching. It is a chance for children and families to see if they are interested in tennis, and also a chance for coached children to get out there and play in a welcoming, supportive environment.
In its simplest form, Community Play is a 6 week programme that follows a structure of warm-up, challenge, play and wrap-up. Each week children are also taught a good sport message!
You may find that Community Play is offered during club open days, during holiday programmes, as part of the weekly club programme, and even over the winter months as an offering for kids who want to keep their eye in during the off-season!
So, Community Play is fantastic as either an introduction to tennis and the tennis club, or as a way for children who have regular coaching to actually PLAY the game and improve through fun matchplay!
The Blue Stage (age 3 – 5)
The Blue Stage 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
The Red Stage (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 stage 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
The Orange Stage (age 8 – 10+)
After mastering the Red stage, children move on to the Orange stage 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
The Green Stage (age 10 +)
The ball used in the Green stage has a higher compression than the Red and Orange stages (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 stages.
Court size: 10.97 m × 23.78 m (full court)
Tennis ball: green ball (75% compression)
Recommended racquet size: 25–27 inches
