Junior Programs

Children of all ages can learn to play tennis the fun and easy way. Our team of tennis professionals provide a world-class coaching service to children aged 5 to 18 years. Contact our customer service desk to enrol your child.

MLC Tennis Hot Shots (12 and under)

MLC Tennis Hot Shots is the fun way for kids to learn how to play tennis. Smaller courts, nets, racquets and low-compression balls make learning easy and gives younger players the chance to serve, rally and score right from the first time they play.

MLC Tennis Hot Shots and the Learning to Play pathway

Children progress through the three different stages (red, orange and green) as their ability improves. At each stage, players use low-compression balls in combination with three different court sizes. Slower balls give players more time and control, making tennis easier to play. MLC Tennis Hot Shots Deliverers ensure that all players use the appropriate ball and court size for their skill level.

Red Stage

Exploring the Red stage (5-7 year olds*)

By learning the basics on the red court, children will master new skills and learn how to move around the court. The small racquets allow consistent contact with the slow red ball.

Children are able to:

• perform a circular swing on ground strokes
• serve with variety of direction in a throwing motion
• rally with a partner for 20 shots
• vary speed and direction of the ball to move an opponent in a rally situation
• anticipate their opponent's shots
• perform a volley and overhead with some control and consistency in a rally situation
• cooperate with, and help others in a pair and team situation.

Orange Stage

Developing Hot Shots Orange (8-10 year olds*)

During this stage the best players are able to develop a complete technical repertoire. The length of the court forces the attacking player to be accurate and use spin. It allows players to approach the net and develop their net game. As a consequence, counter-attacking will be more than just playing defensive lobs - short angled passing shots, aggressive drives and topspin lobs will be developed.

Children are able to:

• perform a circular swing and a consistent contact point on ground strokes
• perform a rhythmic service motion
• rally with a partner for 20 shots on half a doubles court using forehands and backhands
• hit the ball with purpose, changing the speed, height, spin and direction to move an opponent in a rally situation
• identify strengths and weaknesses in their own and their opponent's game
• perform a volley and overhead with control and consistency in a rally situation
• understand fair play and demonstrate this when playing.

Green Stage

Encouraging Hot Shots Green (10-12 year olds*)

Even advanced players face a difficult time on the larger court. Playing forward, coming to the net, using the serve as a weapon - it all becomes a lot more difficult. Deliverers should emphasise an advanced court positioning, taking the ball on the rise and enough weight transfer into the shots.

Children are able to:

• perform shoulder turn, circular swing on ground strokes and consistency in contact
• serve into the service box from the baseline
• rally with a partner for 20 shots on a full court
• readily adapt their strokes and court positioning in response to their opponent's actions
• utilise their strengths and exploit their opponent's weaknesses
• apply tactics in all game situations
• display respect for coaches, officials and other players.

* Ages are a guideline for children entering the program.

From the green stage children will move on to play on a full court with a regular ball.