Mini Orange Tennis

An orange ball is used which is 50% slower than a yellow ball, giving players better control at this important stage of development.

Mini Orange Tennis 8 – 9 years

How it works…

Mini Tennis Orange is a great way for players to continue their progress from Mini Tennis Red and is for players aged 8 and 9. It is played with shorter rackets, softer balls and courts are bigger and wider than the red stage but still smaller than full-size tennis courts allowing players to develop a rounded game whilst learning a range of techniques and tactics.

It is the next stage before playing on a full sized court and helps players develop different shots and tactics.

What age is Mini Tennis Orange aimed at?

Mini Tennis Orange is for players aged 8 and 9.

What ball is used?

An orange ball is used which is 50% slower than a yellow ball, giving players better control at this important stage of development.

What size court is Mini Tennis Orange played on?

Mini Tennis Orange is played on a 18m x 6.5m court.

What height is the net?

80cm at the middle of the net.

What racket is best to use?

A racket of 58cm – 63 cm (23” – 25”) should be used depending on the size and strength of the player.

What kind of competitions are there at Mini Tennis Orange?

At Mini Tennis Orange there are team and individual competitions with matches using tie-break scoring – usually the best of three tie-breaks.

Free Taster Session

Want to try a session before signing up? Let your child try a tennis coaching session

Session Types

Development Tennis

These sessions are aimed at all players and are open, space permitting, to everyone.

Performance Tennis

Where provided, these sessions are aimed at players who are competing regularly and wish to play more seriously. Sessions are by invitation only.

Fitness Sessions

Where provided, these sessions are aimed at helping players to understand and practice how fitness training for tennis should be undertaken. The fitness sessions are provided by a qualified fitness instructor.

Girls Only

Where provided Girls only sessions are aimed at letting girls play without boys present

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Testimonials

What parents and players are saying

"Tennis at Charnwood has been an absolutely wonderful journey so far. Aashrita enjoys her group sessions as well as the 1-1. Matt, James and Chris helped her a lot to improve her game. She can confidently and happily go to competitions. 

Well, if you don't know tennis and you are trying to coach your kid, you are under Matt's radar. He will make sure you are at least doing things correctly.
On a short note, it's a great place to learn and play tennis at a competitive stage but also a place for fun and socialising."
Subroto

Charnwood Parent

"Harry is doing a great job at Anstey Tennis Club since he arrived as head coach a couple of years ago.

He is extremely enthusiastic and has an infectious love of the game, which is great for all the children that he coaches.

From a personal point of view Harry has really brought our son (Henri) on as a tennis player and coach. He backed him up during his LTA level 1 coaching course, inspiring him and giving him lots of much needed confidence. Henri is now coaching with Harry and absolutely loves it.

Thankyou Harry for all your work with all the young tennis players.

John & Helen

Parents at Anstey Tennis Club

"Mini Green is fun, you make new friends and it keeps you active while learning a sport."

Harry

"For us it’s a fantastic programme at the club and the coaching teaches children to work together and to make friends, while having fun and being active they learn to listen to each other and become passionate about a sport."

Harry's Mum

Anstey Tennis Club

"Hi ???? Ollie has been enjoying his tennis with Tim, Harry and crew. Every lesson offers new levels, challenges and most importantly smiles & laughter in a safe, friendly & comfortable environment for both parents and children. Big thumbs up to all involved."

Ste (Ollies dad)

"I love my tennis at the club and enjoy playing team singles, I have met new friends and Tim & Harry are the best coaches I the world."

Ollie

Ollie & his Dad

"My son has been a member of Charnwood tennis club now for nearly three years, he continues to thoroughly enjoy his lessons; that are a great mixture exercise, fun and the learning of important tennis skills. The court facilities at Charnwood are excellent and Matt and his team have a genuine love of the sport and an infectious enthusiasm to pass on this knowledge to the students.

Following a club event for students and Parents; I myself have joined as a parent member (even though I have never played before) which means I can now enjoy playing tennis with my son at the weekends for a very nominal fee. As well as formal lessons we have also taken advantage of the Summer holiday clubs which again are a great mix of fun activities as well as improving tennis skills.

I would greatly recommend Charnwood as a club and would say that Matt and his coaching team all appear to love to teach the sport of tennis; and do so in such a way that the Children never feel pressured, have a great time, while also learning the importance of great sportsmanship."

Parent @ Charnwood, now plays too!

"My daughters (11 and 8) have been going to the GSM coaching sessions with Harry since April 2023 and their level of tennis has improved immensely not to mention their confidence.

Harry always strikes the perfect balance of making the sessions great fun but keeping a good level of competitiveness at the same time, they both absolutely love going!"

Happy Mom

Parent at Anstey Tennis Club

"Whether you are looking to improve your game, build confidence in your ability, develop strategies to employ in different playing scenarios as an adult player or as a parent or grandparent looking to introduce your child/grandchild to the beautiful game of tennis, you do not need to look any further than Matt and his GSM team at Charnwood. Charnwood is a great club to play at. It is inclusive and very friendly with many opportunities to play at whatever level you are.

I have had numerous coaches over many years and I can wholeheartedly say that Matt is the absolute best one I have ever had. He does not only focus on developing your strokes skills, he has a holistic approach to coaching in building self confidence, encouraging analytical skills of your game, how to maximise your strengths to be impactful in play. I always look forward to my lessons with Matt- just wonderful.

My grandchildren have also had coaching with Matt and his team at Charnwood and they thoroughly enjoyed it and would come back buzzing from their lessons, excitedly telling how much fun they have had. Fun is the key word, Matt makes the game fun for the children that contribute to their eagerness to play."

Elfreda

Player and Grandparent at Charnwood

"As father in my late 40’s I picked up a racket so that I could have a reasonable knock about with my younger daughter.

My first lesson with Matt and a number of other parents was with a red ball! Several years on I now get regular group coaching with Matt, Caroline and infrequent individual lessons with Emily as I attempt to keep pace with my ever improving daughter. I realise it is a lost cause, but nevertheless enjoy trying.

Between the three of them they have taken me from a complete beginner to being able to play, sometimes quite reasonably. When I am unable to play for long periods and my game deteriorates, they stick with me; small tips, motivation and focus on strokes or game play, all help regain lost ground and make me a little better.

I’ve really come to enjoy the weekly sessions, and have developed an appreciation for a complex and challenging game that is greater than my ability. It's thanks to Matt, Caroline and Emily's enthusiasm and coaching skills that means that I can still give my daughter a run for her money!"

Loughborough Dad - losing to his daughter!

"Matt has been coming in to Oxley Primary School twice weekly to provide tennis coaching for all our pupils from Reception to Year 6.

He is extremely enthusiastic and professional and always has the pupils engaged in the lesson. Matt works well alongside the school staff giving them hints and tips so they to can also give quality PE lessons.

The pupils really enjoy the tennis coaching they receive and are always keen to "have a go” when set a new challenge."

Oxley Primary School

"My daughter has been a member of Charnwood Tennis Club since she was 8 years old. She first became interested in tennis after having some lessons in PE at school. She quickly wanted to play more and joined the Mini-Red’s on a Saturday morning...

During her time at Charnwood she’s always had a weekly lesson with Matt Wilford which she always enjoys. She loves the banter she has with him can now serve him a mean ace when she puts her mind to it. Matt has given her some invaluable tennis coaching over the years which is now paying off as now at 14 years old is now a member of one of the ladies teams..."

Scarlett's Mum, Charnwood

"Harry has been a breath of fresh air since he joined Anstey Gynsill Tennis Club. He coaches my 2 boys (aged 4 and 7), both of whom really enjoy his coaching style and method as he makes the session competitive, but also loads of fun for them too!

They both really look forward to their group and individual sessions with Harry and I have been able to see how much they have improved since they have been coached by him, which is great to see!"

Monty

Parent at Anstey Tennis Club

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