Junior Lessons – Howard Park Tennis

The Junior Lessons program at Howard Park Tennis Club is designed to help young players learn tennis in a fun, motivating and development-focused environment. Using the progressive tennis method endorsed by national and international tennis development programs, children learn with age-appropriate court sizes, lighter racquets, and softer balls, allowing them to rally, play and succeed from the very beginning.

What the program includes:

Certified coaches lead structured drills, movement skills, racquet-control exercises, and game-based practice.
Modified equipment ensures younger players can learn proper technique while experiencing real play situations.
An emphasis on fun, physical literacy, and a positive introduction to sport, with a clear pathway for those who wish to advance into more competitive tennis.

Why it works:

Early success builds confidence, encourages effort, and helps players develop a lifelong love of the game.
A welcoming, community-oriented club environment fosters friendships, sportsmanship, and ongoing participation.
Kids learn not just strokes and footwork, but also focus, resilience, and healthy competitive spirit.

Getting started:
Players simply need comfortable athletic clothing, court-appropriate footwear, a water bottle, and a junior racquet sized for their age. Loaner racquets may be available. Lessons are offered in seasonal after-school sessions, making it easy for families to stay active throughout the tennis season.

Groups:

Red (Minis) (4-8 yrs)

A fun and encouraging introduction to the game of tennis with the aim of developing fundamental technique and skills, level 1 of progressive tennis uses larger reduced compression FOAM or “Red” balls to allow for easier rallies, 17″ to 21″ racquets (SIZE GUIDE) for better control, mini sized nets and a smaller 12-metre mini-tennis court.

Orange (8-10 yrs)

The 2nd level of progressive tennis uses a 50% compression “Orange” tennis ball to help reinforce the FUNdamentals; 23” to 25” racquets (SIZE GUIDE) are typically used and the court is reduced to 18m in size (3/4 Court).

Green (10-12 yrs)

Designed for players who are developing full court rally skills, generally a 75% compression “Green” ball is used with 25” to 26” racquets (SIZE GUIDE) on a full-sized tennis court; Equipment and court size may be modified to suit player abilities.

Teen Tennis (12-17 yrs)

From starting a point to developing the technique and tactics to win, this class aims to get participants to stay in the game for life; As with other junior programs, this class can be taken in the “all levels” category and additionally in the higher “advanced intermediate / competitive” stream, as a supplement for more experienced and competitive players.