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Global Picture of Red, Orange and Green

 

Using appropriately proportionate equipment is not a new concept. A modified version of tennis using sponge balls was introduced to the many countries from Sweden in the 1980s. This attracted many children to tennis and was very successful. In the 1990s modified tennis balls were introduced which made it easier for players to move from using the sponge ball to the full game. In 2002 an ITF Tennis Taskforce was created to look at the use of modified balls and equipment. From this taskforce a common language was created to refer to different balls, and respective court sizes. The descriptors Red, Orange and Green are now commonly used around the world and the ITF Play and Stay Campaign was created to spread the word that..

 

Tennis is FUN, when you SERVE, RALLY and SCORE!

 

Launched in 2010 Tennis10s is the U10 component of ITF Play and Stay and is focused on increasing levels of participation in tennis and providing more efficient and effective development routes to help more young players improve their game.

Using a fresh focus on developing the skills needed to play and combining this with a better understanding of children, their needs and wants, and the demands of our game, we believe that Tennis10s is the way Tennis should be taught and played to all players under 10 years of age.

 

The principles of Tennis10s are very simple:

• Smaller Courts
• Slower Balls
• Shorter Rackets
• Shorter Matches

For smaller, younger people... and that you should Serve, Rally and Score from the start!

 

Why modified equipment

 

It is used in pretty much every sport that a child participates in from skiing to soccer! Due to the advancements by the major manufacturers in products aimed at this age group, we finally have the tools to make tennis appropriate to the size and physical development of every child.

 

Programs and Initiatives that use modified equipment are used in many countries including UK, Holland, France, Belgium, Italy and Canada, and more recently in Australia and USA. And this graduated approach to tennis is supported by the ITF (International Tennis Federation) and many players including Roger Federer, who supports the national program in Switzerland.  

 

In the US, USTA Quickstart has been a major success seeing significant growth in the game for younger players and all the principles of Quickstart are matched and supported by the Tennis Blast Program.

 

Player Development

But it’s not just about getting kids started! It’s also about producing competent, competitive players who are skilled both technically and tactically. Most parents and coaches have the wrong idea about modified equipment, thinking that it’s just for beginners, but actually the skill levels of players in the countries that have engaged in this type of program are on the up and no country that has started using Red, Orange and Green has decided to stop.

 

Level 1 Stage Blue – Launch Pad (Fundamental Motor Skills Program)

Program Used: Wilson Pee Program Official Starter Program for MLC Hot Shots Program

At a very young age players start to develop fundamental movement and balance skills plus basic hitting and rallying skills, in a limited size court. Essentials here include reception, contact and basic short swing shape.  Players start to count and score and understand some basic rules of the game. Coaches focus on helping players develop key athletic skills like agility, balance and coordination.

• Competition is through skills based tasks in teams
• Classes run for 45 minutes
• Players used a modified Red ball 75% slower than a yellow ball
• Players are 3 to 5 years old
• Players use 19 – 21 inch racket
• Players are coached on a 3 meter mini net

Level 2 Red Stage – Explore

Program Used: Tennis Australia MLC Hot Shots Program

 Here players are learning to compete on the Red court. They continue to build the skills required to serve, rally and score. Stroke shapes, although basic, are developing and are combined with movement and recovery. Players work together using measurable challenges in cooperative and competitive tasks.

• Competition is team based matches using shortened scoring systems of one tiebreak or less
• Sessions run for 45 minutes
• Players used a modified Red ball 75% slower than a yellow ball
• Players are typically 6 to 9 years old
• Players use 23-25 inch racket
• Players compete on a 6 meter mini net

Level 3 Orange Stage – Develop

Program Used: Tennis Australia MLC Hot Shots Program

At this stage players compete on the Orange court using the transition ball. Having developed basic rallying skills players develop an understanding of the court, using angles and spaces to build simple patterns of play. Further development of technical shapes and skills is equally emphasized, including the use of spin.

• Competition is both through team and individual matches using shortened scoring system of first to 10 points or a tiebreaker   
• Sessions run for 60 minutes
• Players used a modified Orange Ball 50% slower than a yellow ball
• Players are typically 9 to 10 years old
• Players use 26 inch racket
• Players compete on ¾ size court

Level 4 Green Stage – Encourage

Program Used: Tennis Australia MLC Hot Shots Program

 In the Green stage players’ transition from the Orange court to the full court. Players are only moved to this court when they are physically, technically and tactically ready. Focus is placed on developing more tactical skills and refining technical ones, building upon the quality foundations from previous stages, including attacking, defending and using strengths and weaknesses.

• Competition is presented through singles and doubles matches using shortened scoring system of best of 4 games or first to 10 points.
• Sessions run for 60 - 90mins
• Players used a modified Green Ball 75% slower than a yellow ball
• Players are typically 10 to 12 years old
• Players use 27 inch full size racket
• Players compete on full size tennis court

 

Level 5 Comp Tennis – Enhance
Program Used: Evolve Tennis Program

The Comp tennis component encourages match play situations where players are now focusing on developing an all-court game under the pressure of match situations. Developing tactical play under point pressure is a major step in the learning process for all tennis players.

• Competition is both organized through team and individual matches comprising of full sets with tie-breaks at 5all, and in a group/squad based atmosphere
• Sessions run 60 - 90mintues
• Players use standard compression tennis balls
• Players range in ages from 10 upwards
• Players use a 27 inch full size racket
• Full size court

Level 6 District Tennis – Complete
Program Used: Evolve Tennis Program 

 

In the District tennis stage the main focus is making sure the student is as complete a player as possible. We focus on adding to their all court game with a more pattern play approach, thus building the foundation of their personal game plan. 

• Competition is presented through weekly district comps comprising of singles and doubles as well as a point play approach in groups & squads
• Sessions are predominantly 90mins
• Players use standard compression tennis balls
• Players range in ages 12 upwards
• Players use a 27 inch full size racket
• Full size court

 

Level 7 High Performance – Tournament Tennis
Program Used: Evolve Tennis Program

The key focus of stage 7 is ensuring each player is working towards the goal of improving their MPTT – Mental / Physical / Technical / Tactical.

These are the four defining areas for success when entering larger scale tournaments around the State and Country.

• Set play and tie-breaks are run on a constant basis throughout the squad term to help players improve their personal MPTT
• Sessions range from 90 - 120mins
• Players use standard compression tennis balls
• Players range from 13 upwards
• Players use a 27 inch full size racket
• Full size court

 

Level 8 Elite – Full Time Tennis
Program Used: Evolve Tennis Program

The Full Time program is the final stage in our 8 Steps to success. Here we concentrate on completing the players preferred game plan based upon their arsenal, whilst ensuring they have the world-class footwork and poise to match. We finish by ensuring they have the complete understanding that tennis at this level is won 90-95% of the time by the more mentally stronger player. 

• Competition is based on weekly 3 set matches comprising of singles or doubles
• Session times with a coach vary between 60 – 120mins
• Players use standard compression tennis balls
• Players range from 16 upwards
• Players use a 27 inch full size racket
• Full size court

For more information regarding our 8 Step program, please contact Ryan on 0425 311 603 or Scott 0408 110 150. They will be able to assist you with all enquiries ranging from prices to available times.

 

We look forward to hearing from you.