Thanks to the red, orange and green ball system, tennis is fun even at a young age. An age and stage guide for parents.
There’s no single “right age” for children to start tennis. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) recommends that children start with slower balls, shorter rackets and smaller courts. Thanks to this system, many children can be introduced to tennis even at pre-school age.
Red, orange, green: a staged ball system
In the ITF’s Tennis10s approach, children go through three stages according to their age and development:
| Stage | Ball | Court | Typical age range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Slowest, lowest bounce | Small court | About 5–8 |
| Orange | Medium-slow | Mid-size court | About 8–10 |
| Green | Close to a standard ball | Full-size court | About 9–10 and over |
The age ranges aren’t strict; the child’s coordination and level of play decide when to move up. Slower balls make it easier for children to rally, and so to love the game.
Signs your child is ready
- They can follow short instructions.
- They enjoy simple coordination games such as throwing and catching a ball.
- They can focus on an activity for 30–45 minutes.
What to look for in the first lessons
- Game-based lessons: At a young age, lessons should progress through games rather than memorising technique.
- The right racket length: Use a short racket that suits the child’s height. See choosing a junior racket.
- Group or private lessons: Small groups are fun and social for children. More: private or group lessons?
- Heat and sun: In Antalya’s summer months, choose early mornings or evenings and take frequent water breaks.
Set the right expectations
At a young age the goal isn’t to raise a champion but for the child to love movement and play. As the child enjoys it more, lessons can become more frequent.