Junior Tennis Program
Which class is best for my junior?
Our classes develop tennis skills and abilities based on the age, size, and athletic ability of juniors. Below is a quick chart you can use to help target the right class for your child. See our Afternoon and Saturday JR Tennis Clinics page for more information on what class is right for your player.
What’s up with these different color balls and different size of courts.
SJSRC fully supports and teaches tennis in the USTA format using different color and sizes of balls and court sizes depending on the age and ability of the player.
| Ball Color | Court Size | Our Class Name |
|---|---|---|
| Red | 36' x 18' | Jr. Red Starters Jr. Red-1 Jr. Red Orange-2 |
| Orange | 60′ x 21′ (singles) 60′ x 27′ (doubles) | Jr. Orange |
| Green | 78′ x 27′ (singles) 78′ x 36′ (doubles) | Jr. Green |
| Yellow | 78′ x 27′ (singles) 78′ x 36′ (doubles) | Jr. Yellow |
The Red, Orange, Green, and Yellow balls are all official tennis balls, and we sell them in the Pro Shop. Red, Orange, and Green meet USTA standards for teaching and competition for players ages 4 and up. 4-years-olds must be able to focus for the full 40-minute clinic and behave accordingly with Coaches approval.
Red Ball
Red Ball is for junior tennis for players ages 4-8. They must be able to focus and follow directions on court for 40 minutes. The players play on a 36’ x 18’ court using a Red that bounces to the height of the child. Players use tennis racquets appropriate to their height and skill level. Racquet sizes are 19” and 21”, and we sell them in our Pro Shop.
Beginner Red Ball players learn the four basic strokes of tennis:
- Forehand
- Backhand
- Volley
- Serve
- Rally
Red Ball focus is on hand-eye coordination, sending and receiving skills, racquet handling, and making contact with the ball. Learn how to play the game.
Intermediate Red Orange-2 ball players begin to rally with each other. They develop more consistency with their strokes, aim their shots, and play matches against each other, and participate in Benchmark Tennis Match Play events. Here is where the Orange Ball is introduced and players learn how to manage the higher bounce of the ball and training over the standard tennis net.
Orange Ball
Orange Ball is junior tennis for players ages 8-14. They will play and compete on a 60’ x 21’ court using an Orange and Yellow ball that is appropriate for their height and skill level. Players use tennis racquets appropriate to their height and skill level. The racquet sizes are 23″ and 25″, and we sell them in our Pro Shop.
Juniors in this age range who have never played tennis before may want to start by taking a few Red Orange-2 clinics to learn the basics before moving to the Orange Ball clinics. In this class, players are expected to know how to perform the proper technical parameters with the forehand, backhand, volley, and serve although they may still be developing the ability to use power, spin, and placement consistently.
The Orange Ball court is longer than Red Ball, so the focus is on technical and tactical parameters, shape of shot, contact point, ball height, accuracy and consistency, while learning when to transition from baseline to net during points. Players play both singles and doubles, learning how to cooperate and develop teamwork. Tiebreaker format is introduced.
Green Ball
Green Ball is junior tennis for players aged 10-16. They will play and compete on a 78′ x 27′ court (full size) with a Green and Yellow ball. In this clinic, players are expected to know how to use the forehand, backhand, volley, and serve properly, keep score, maintain good footwork, and make good decisions on which shot to hit, although they may still be developing consistency and accuracy.
Green Ball uses the full-size tennis court, so the focus is on shot selection and placement, anticipating the ball coming to them, court coverage, and offensive/defensive skills. Players play both singles and doubles, learning strategies and techniques for success. Juniors in this class are often preparing to move up to the yellow ball clinics so they can try out and play on their middle-school or high-school tennis teams.
Players who develop proficiency in Green Ball can enter Green Ball tournaments or join a Green Ball Junior Team Tennis league. We also offer Benchmark Tennis match play events at the club.
Yellow Ball
Yellow Ball is junior tennis for players ages 12-18. They will play and compete on a 78′ x 27′ court (full size) with a Yellow tennis ball.
In this class, players are expected to know how to execute all the shots with various spins, depth, height, and pace, serve consistently, and play full sets of tennis.
Yellow Ball uses the full-size tennis court, and clinics cover all the techniques necessary to play a vigorous tennis game against a variety of opponents. Juniors in this class often play on their high-school tennis teams.
Players who develop proficiency in Yellow Ball can enter Yellow Ball tournaments, match play events, or leagues.
Still confused? Ask any of our coaches and we’ll be happy to help!
How do I sign up?
We have a NEW Online registration program. Please click on the button below to get more information and register for clinics.
Where can I get more information about USTA junior tennis programs?
USTA has a program called Net Generation that describes their youth programs and progressions.
For more information, go to the USTA website at NetGeneration.USTA.COM or Play Tennis.
Where can I buy tennis equipment for my child?
There is a tennis pro shop in the SJSRC office featuring Wilson racquets and balls for all levels of play – junior to tournament level competitors. We also carry a full line of Wilson grips, socks, and over-grips. We will special order any Wilson equipment we do not have in stock for you. You can select from our Wilson catalog in the pro shop.