What age can kids start tennis?

Many children start simple tennis games around age 4 to 6, using red balls and small courts. The focus at that age is coordination and fun.

What are red, orange and green balls?

They are slower, lower-bouncing balls used in junior tennis. Red is the slowest and is used on the smallest courts, orange is next, and green is just below a regular ball.

How to Teach Kids Tennis

6 video lessons

Fun first lessons, games and drills for parents and coaches.

Quick answer & tips ▾

With young children, the goal is fun, coordination and lots of successful contacts, not perfect technique. Use slower red, orange or green balls, a smaller court and a racquet that fits their height. These make rallies possible much sooner.

Keep sessions short and varied, mix in games and challenges, and let kids play points early. Praise effort and improvement rather than results.

Key tips

Use low-compression balls and a junior racquet sized to the child.
Plan short activities and change them often.
Turn drills into games with simple scoring.
End every session with something fun.

FAQ

What age can kids start tennis?: Many children start simple tennis games around age 4 to 6, using red balls and small courts. The focus at that age is coordination and fun.
What are red, orange and green balls?: They are slower, lower-bouncing balls used in junior tennis. Red is the slowest and is used on the smallest courts, orange is next, and green is just below a regular ball.