The following descriptions give a basic understanding of the different coaching levels for children learning the sport.

Red Ball

4-8 years

Red Ball Hot Shots is a great introduction to tennis, teaching all the fundamentals of tennis in a fun, play-based environment.  The Red Ball Hot Shots program focuses on improving motor skills and coordination as well as introducing basic tennis techniques.  Through games and activities, players will learn movement, throwing, catching, tracking and ball striking.  Tennis technique will be taught prioritising correct grips and swing shape for forehands, backhands and volleys.

Orange Ball

8-10 Years

Orange Ball Hot Shots is a progression from the Red Ball and can be used as an introduction to tennis for older children or as a graduation for younger children whose skills are progressing.   Our Orange Ball Hot Shots program focuses on refining tennis technique and improving motor skills and general coordination. 

Compared to Red Ball Hot Shots, our Orange Ball programs spend more time refining tennis techniques - forehands, backhands, volleys, overhead smashes and serves.  Challenging games and activities help children master fundamental skills such as throwing, catching, tracking and striking balls. In addition, rallies, point play and tennis scoring will also be introduced.  Orange Balls are approximately the same size as a standard tennis ball but softer.  This means orange balls don't bounce as high or move as fast, making them easier to hit and rally.  

Green Ball

10+ Years

Green Ball Hot Shots is ideal for older children who have mastered fundamental motor skills and are looking to progress into fixture play. 

Children must have a good understanding of tennis strokes and have mastered the fundamental skills of throwing, catching and striking balls.  This is the final Hot Shots progression before players move to standard tennis balls.    

Our Green Ball programs are designed to let children put their skills into action with plenty of activities involving rallies and point play.  Our coaches will also continue to refine technique, teaching children a variety of spins and helping children to continue developing their service technique.  Generally, Green Ball sessions are run on full-size tennis courts with full-size nets.  The Green Balls are the same size as a standard tennis and only slightly softer.  This means they move almost as fast as a standard tennis ball but don't bounce quite as high, making them an ideal "transition" ball for competent young players to develop powerful tennis strokes.