When to Start Competing
The stages are based on ball type, court size, and age, but progression should be determined by a combination of skill level, athletic ability, and experience. Here is an overview of the Mini Tennis stages and guidance on when your class may be ready to move up or start competing.
An introduction to tennis using larger, softer balls on a small court. The focus is on developing coordination, basic movement, and having fun.
A smaller court with a low-bouncing red ball. Start learning to serve, rally, and score. Some aged 4 or 5 who demonstrate these abilities may progress to Red earlier.
A larger court and a slightly firmer, lower-bouncing ball help players transition toward full-court tennis.
Played on a full-size court with a softer green ball that prepares players for the standard yellow ball used in full-court tennis.
From basic skill-building to more strategic and match-specific learning. The focus shifts toward refining their game for higher-level competition.
When Should a Child Move Up a Stage?
Progression through the Mini Tennis stages depends on:
How often they play – More frequent play can accelerate development.
Their athletic ability – Coordination, speed, and agility influence how quickly a child adapts.
Their skill level – Serving, rallying, and scoring ability determine readiness for the next stage.
Some children progress faster than others. For example, a strong 6-year-old Red stage player who trains frequently and demonstrates advanced skills may start training with the Orange ball to prepare for the transition. In rare cases, a child may be given a “passport” in the English tennis system to move up ahead of their age group.
It’s important to focus on skill development rather than rushing through the stages. The Mini Tennis system is designed to help children enjoy and master the game rather than compete too early at a level that may be too challenging.
The Challenge of Moving from Red to Orange
One of the biggest transitions in Mini Tennis is moving from Red to Orange, as the court size increases significantly.
The Red court is 11m long and 5.5m wide
The Orange court is 18m long and 6.5m wide
This extra 7 meters in length and wider dimensions create new challenges, particularly in serving.
Serving Adjustments When Moving Up
If a child is transitioning from Red to Orange, they will need to serve from a much greater distance. This can be difficult, as younger players at the Red stage often rely on an underarm serve or short overarm serve that doesn’t require much power.
To prepare for this transition:
Practice serving from a greater distance while still on the Red court.
If possible, make the Red court bigger during training to simulate the new serve distance.
If using an outdoor full-size court, practice from the Orange baseline before the transition.
Additionally, Orange balls travel faster and further than Red balls, meaning a serve that worked well in Red may now sit up nicely for an opponent to attack. Children who previously relied on a slow serve in Red will find that opponents in Orange have stronger groundstrokes and will take control of the point. This makes it crucial to develop a stronger, more effective serve as early as possible.
Court Awareness and Positioning Adjustments
As players move up from Red to Orange, and later from Orange to Green, they will need to adjust their positioning on court.
The baselines change, meaning children need to adjust their recovery position after each shot.
Players who are used to moving only a short distance in Red will suddenly find themselves covering much more ground in Orange.
The bigger court size means it’s important to train players to always return to the correct recovery position between shots.
Helping a child develop court awareness is key during these transitions. They should regularly practice on the new court size before competing to avoid confusion.
When Should My Class Start Competing?
Competition should be introduced when a child is ready to play the game, not just hit the ball. Here are key indicators that a child is ready:
Can they serve the ball in? (Underarm to start, progressing to overarm when possible)
Can they rally and return balls consistently?
Do they understand how to score and play points?
Can they stay engaged in a fun match-play environment?
Most children can start playing in a fun, controlled match-play setting from around age 5. The key is ensuring the competition is supportive and enjoyable rather than high-pressure. A positive match-play experience builds confidence and a love for the game.
Balancing Competition and Development
Every child’s journey is different. Some will thrive in a competitive environment, while others will enjoy playing for fun. Here are some important factors to consider:
For less competitive players – If a child plays once a week for enjoyment, they should stay at their current stage until they are naturally ready to move up. The right ball and court size allow them to enjoy the full game rather than just struggle to keep the ball in play.
For more competitive players – If a child is highly engaged and progressing quickly, listen to their coach for guidance on when to move up or start competing. The transition should be smooth and based on skill rather than age alone.
Think ahead to the next ball type – If a child is approaching the upper age range for their current stage and has strong skills, it may be time to start training with the next ball type to prepare for a smooth transition.
