Red Ball – For children 8 and under who are new to tennis. Red ball tennis is named after the red foam or felt balls that are used at this stage. Red tennis balls bounce lower and move more slowly through the air, giving beginning players a chance to set up and take a good swing at the ball. Courts at this level are 36 feet long and 18 feet wide, with a net that is 2 feet, 9 inches high.
We use fun games to develop the ABC’s of tennis (agility, balance and coordination) while also introducing proper technique that will enable these young players to rally. We provide appropriate sized nets, racquets, and balls to help build self confidence within the game. This program is for beginners, no previous tennis experience is necessary.
Red Ball is 75% slower than the standard yellow ball.
Orange Ball – For players ages 8-10 with little or no experience. Once comfortable at the Red level, players graduate to playing at the Orange level. Orange felt balls bounce higher and move faster than the Red felt or foam balls but lower and slower than the Green ball. They are a step toward the traditional yellow tennis ball while still remaining fun and manageable for players learning the game. Courts at this level are 60 feet by 21 feet for singles and 60 feet by 27 feet for doubles. The net is 3 feet at the center and 3-foot-6 at the net posts.
Players will continue to work on tennis fundamentals in addition to learning to hit with direction, height, and depth. We’ll focus on the fundamentals necessary to serve and rally using a game-based curriculum and continue to develop the athletic skills essential to the sport. Beginners are welcome, no experience is necessary to enroll.
Orange Ball is 50% slower than the standard yellow ball.
Green Ball – Green Ball is the next progression from Orange Ball. It is an introductory program for juniors 11-13 years of age. Players will build athletic fundamentals by learning proper footwork and racquet mechanics. At this level, players will be able to use a full-sized court and a green ball.. Focus is on teaching the basics of rallying, serving, and keeping score.
The Green ball is very similar to the traditional yellow tennis ball but with a slightly lower compression, so it rebounds lower off the court after a bounce. At this level, players will be able to use a full-sized court to build athletic fundamentals by learning proper footwork and racquet mechanics. We’ll focus on teaching the basics of rallying, serving, and keeping score.
Green Ball is 25% slower than the standard yellow ball.
Kirk is one of the foremost authorities in youth coaching. He served as the Department Director for Coach Education at the USTA for 20 years. Kirk is certified by the USTA and the Professional Tennis Registry and is one of 11 people in the world to hold the Master Professional classification from both teaching organizations. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and a Master’s in Exercise Science from Western Michigan University. Prior to joining the RecTennis coaching team, Kirk also developed six online Coach Youth Tennis courses and workshops for 10 and under coaches.
RecTennis is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization | © 2024 RecTennis | Privacy Policy
I hereby consent to emergency medical and/or hospital service that may be rendered by or at accredited hospitals, by appointed physicians, in the event such need arises in the opinion of the duly licensed physician.
Acceptance of my entry in these events is without responsibility of any kind by the USTA/Pacific Northwest Section (USTA/PNW) and any other entity sponsoring the event. I do hereby for and on behalf of myself and my heirs and legal representatives RELEASE and forever discharge the USTA/PNW, its officers and representatives, from any and all claims, demands, and injuries, howsoever arising, whether caused by the negligent or intentional acts of the USTA/PNW and its representatives, representatives of other sponsoring entities, or by third parties, which injuries may be in any way related to my activities during the tournament and any period traveling to or from the events described, and all such claims are hereby WAIVED AND RELEASED, and I covenant not to sue therefore. The parent or guardian by signing below, does hereby agree to INDEMNIFY and hold harmless the USTA/PNW Section and its representatives and the sponsoring entity from any liability which they may incur to the entrant, howsoever arising and whether caused by the negligent or intentional acts of the USTA/PNW, its representatives, or the sponsoring body. I also give USTA/PNW permission to create a USTA account for myself and everyone in my party who is participating in the event.
I agree to be filmed and photographed by The United States Tennis Association (“USTA”) in connection with such participation and that the USTA will own any and all rights in such film and photography of me (hereinafter referred to as “Footage”). This will permit the USTA to proceed with taking such Footage and I now waive, as to the USTA and its successors, assigns and licensees, all personal right and objections to any use to be made of me, my name, likeness, voice or personality in connection with the use of the Footage in any media for any and all purposes, including trade, advertising and promotional purposes, in perpetuity and without further compensation. I understand that in proceeding with filming and photography of the Footage, the USTA will do so in full reliance on the foregoing permission.
By checking the box below you agree that you can currently answer no to the following questions: 1. In the last 14 days, have you experienced COVID-19 symptoms? Symptoms include: cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or at least two of these symptoms: (a) fever of 100.4 or over; (b) chills: (c) repeated shaking with chills; (d) muscle pain; (e) headaches; (f) sore throat; and (g) new loss of taste or smell? 2. In the last 14 days, have you tested positive for COVID-19? If you’ve tested positive, but subsequently tested negative for COVID-19 twice in a row, 24 hours apart, have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, and other symptoms have resolved, then you can answer “no” 3. Have you been exposed to any individual who has symptoms of or has tested positive for COVID-19 and/or traveled to any known hot-spots for COVID-19? Exposure means a household member, intimate partner, or other individuals in prolonged close contact (within 6 feet for more than 10 consecutive minutes).
Players, participants, and any spectators or individuals that are participating in USTA and USTA PNW tournaments, programs, activities or events, acknowledge the risks associated with tennis, accept those risks voluntarily, and in consideration of their acceptance in the USTA and USTA PNW tournaments, programs, activities or events, assume all loss or damage, and any claim or demand therefore on account of injury and/or exposure to infectious syndromes or diseases to the person or property or resulting in illness and/or death arising out of or related to their participation, whether caused by negligence or otherwise. By participating or attending a tournament, program, activity or event, the players, participants, and any spectators assume all risks whether known or unknown. Furthermore, players, participants, and spectators agree to hold harmless the USTA, USTA PNW, and the host facility, their officials, (Released Parties) and the Released Parties employees and agents with respect to any injury or loss caused by negligence or otherwise to the fullest extent permitted by law.
