Tennis Hot Shots logo

Tennis Hot Shots is the national starter tennis programme designed just for kids with smaller courts, shorter racquets and softer balls, meaning that kids can play a proper game of tennis from the moment they step on court.

Using modified equipment means from the very start kids are developing technical, tactical, physical and mental skills with programmes and equipment designed to grow with them.  Sessions are made up of tactical, technical, fun and social elements which create developmental readiness in children.

Tennis Hot Shots sessions are held at Manukau Tennis Centre, with sessions running throughout the year (no sessions during school holidays).  All equipment is provided (children are required to wear their own sports shoes).

Lesson fees are $15 per hour and classes are charged at a termly rate, e.g. $150 for a 10 week term.

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.

For information on key competencies that your child will learn at this stage click here: Red Stage

Court size: 3 m × 8.23 or 6 m × 10.97 m
Tennis ball: red ball (25% compression)
Recommended racquet size: 21–23 inches
Coaching:  Tuesday 3:30-4:30pm (minimum of 4 players per session, maximum 8 per coach)

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.

For information on key competencies that your child will learn at this stage click here: Orange Stage

Court size:
 6.4 m × 18.29 m
Tennis ball: orange ball (50% compression)
Recommended racquet size: 23–25 inches
Coaching: Tuesday 4:30-5:30pm (minimum of 4 players per session, maximum 8 per coach)

The Green Stage (age 9 +)

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.

For information on key competencies that your child will learn at this stage click here: Green Stage 

Court size: 10.97 m × 23.78 m (full court)
Tennis ball: green ball (75% compression)
Recommended racquet size: 25–27 inches
Coaching: Tuesday 5:30-6:30pm (minimum of 4 players per session, maximum 8 per coach)

If you want to know more about the Tennis Hot Shots programme, email coaching@tennisauckland.co.nz