Tennis10s
Tennis10s is a scaled down version of tennis, which uses smaller rackets, a smaller court, softer tennis balls and a games approach to introduce young children to tennis. By utilising scaled-down equipment and playing surfaces, children can learn to enjoy the game quickly. Any flat surface from a playground or school patio to a proper tennis court can be used.
Using games is a key element of the programme. Their main goal is having fun. They have to be adapted to the players and provide different variations and combinations. They need easy rules, with a clear scoring system. Group or team games are the best ones. All players should participate. Try to avoid games which eliminate children. If an elimination system is used, it is important to introduce a ”last hope” or consolation opportunity.
The game is divided into three colour-coded stages: red, orange and green. You move up from red to green as you improve your technique. In the process, the court size, racket length, ball speed and the length of games all increase until players are ready to move on to the full game of tennis.
MINI MIDI & FULL COURT TENNIS STAGES
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Red
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Orange
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Green
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Court size (m)
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11 x 5.5M
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18 x 6.5 M
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Full court
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Racket size (ins)
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19, 21, 23
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23, 24, 25
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25, 26
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Ball
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Red (foam & Low Compression Felt)
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Orange
(low compression)
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Green
(low compression)
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Scoring
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Tie-break to 10 pts
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2 Short sets with tie break in 3rd set
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Best of 3 short sets
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Age range
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4 to 8
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8 to 9
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10+
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MARKING THE COURTS
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11 X 5.5 m
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18 x 6.5 m
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full court
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