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Mini Tennis Young players are not miniature adults so our training programme caters for the differing needs of each individual throughout the various stages of learning. The emphasis of our Mini Tennis programme  is on basic co-ordination and movement in a fun environment. Challenges and competition are an essential part, but not the main focus area.
It takes 10 years or 10,000 hours of practice to reach the elite level in almost anything - sport, music or art. We believe our programme allows players to reach their full potential by breaking down these 10,000 hours into 4 key stages, Mini Tennis being the first of these.
Not every player wants to become the next Tim Henman or Roger Federer, but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the benefits of a top class coaching programme - and for those of you who do fancy giving it a go, it’s all in place for you! |
| Levels We split our Mini Tennis programme into 4 stages of learning. The levels and ages shown below are there as a guide and for information purposes, not as a strict path to follow as all children develop at different times and ages. Each level shown is there to provide players with a solid base from which to develop their game. We run each session with a maximum of 8 players to 1 coach. This gives each child the opportunity for individual time with the coach to maximise their learning.
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Munchkins 3-5 years In these sessions parents work with their children, led by one of our LTA qualified coaches. Children will start to learn basic co-ordination skills such as running, jumping, throwing and catching. It’s a great way for children to bond with their parents in a fun sporting environment.
Mini Red 5-8 years Mini Tennis Red is played on a badminton sized court using smaller rackets and sponge balls to allow children to easily learn how to play. Within our Mini Red programme children will learn the basic shots, gain an understanding of the tactics required to play the game and how to score a match, as well as learning how to warm up properly before exercise. They will have various opportunities to play in team competitions for their school, clubs and individually. | |
Mini Orange 7-9 years Mini Tennis Orange is played on 3/4 of a tennis court using orange low compression balls. The movement skills become more complicated as children gain more co-ordination and the technique becomes more complex to allow different tactics to be exploited within the game. Other skills such as warming up
and cooling down are taught to help develop athletic skills. Time is spent learning how to score points and play matches to help take advantage of the many opportunities to play within the clubs’ junior programmes.
Mini Green 8-11 years The last stage of Mini Tennis. By now players will have a good understanding of how to play all of the shots, be able to play a singles and doubles match and have a basic understanding of ancillary skills such as warming up, cooling down, nutrition and hydration. Sessions will include complex co-ordination, movement, balance (static and dynamic), agility and speed work. By having these skills young players easily make the transition to tennis. There are also many opportunities to play matches, (friendly, team based and competitive) within one of our club programmes. |
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Competition We believe competition to be critical in the development of young athletes. When approached correctly it helps to build confidence and develop skills, tests ability and helps players to enjoy the whole game of tennis.
There are many chances to play within our programme. We run a comprehensive schools competition throughout the season - over 21 schools took part in the Charnwood Borough last year.
We also run a Mini Red tournament each spring and many Orange and Green competitions over the course of the year. We enter teams in all of the Leicestershire Tennis Leagues and have enjoyed much success over the last 2 years.
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How to Enter For details on how to enter our tournaments please go to Competitions
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