What is the difference between red, orange and green tennis balls?

Compression. Red is the slowest and softest, orange is in the middle and green dot is slightly slower than a regular yellow ball.

What age is green dot tennis?

Usually about 9 to 11, once a child can rally on the full court with an orange ball.

Can adults use green dot balls?

Yes. Beginners and players coming back from injury often use them for slower, longer rallies.

Red, Orange & Green Tennis Balls Explained

4 video lessons

Slower balls, smaller courts, more rallies.

Quick answer & tips ▾

Low-compression balls slow the game down so kids can rally with real technique. Red balls (stage 3) are the slowest and are played on a short court, usually by about ages 5 to 8. Orange balls (stage 2) are a bit faster on a 60 foot court, roughly ages 8 to 10. Green dot balls (stage 1) are close to regular speed on a full court, for about ages 9 to 11.

Move up a stage when a child can rally, serve and keep score comfortably with the current ball, not just by birthday. Adults learning the game and coaches running drills also use green or orange balls for longer, easier rallies.

Key tips

Red: short court, 19 to 23 inch racquet.
Orange: 60 foot court, 23 to 25 inch racquet.
Green: full court, 25 to 26 inch racquet.
Move up on skill, not age alone.

FAQ

What is the difference between red, orange and green tennis balls?: Compression. Red is the slowest and softest, orange is in the middle and green dot is slightly slower than a regular yellow ball.
What age is green dot tennis?: Usually about 9 to 11, once a child can rally on the full court with an orange ball.
Can adults use green dot balls?: Yes. Beginners and players coming back from injury often use them for slower, longer rallies.