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Tennis - Sports for Children

This article was supplied by Karina Weedon. Karina is the LTA coach at The Nomansland Tennis Club in the New Forest. To contact Karina call 01794 390304 or e-mail Karina

Is there a good age for children to start playing Tennis?
All children develop at different ages - classes start for Pre-School ages: 3-5, Mini-Tennis from the age of 5/6 - 9/10 Junior tennis 9/10 - 18yrs.

Please could you list all the necessary equipment a child would require to get started playing Tennis?
I would ask that all the child will require initially is a pair of trainers. [non marking soles] For mini - tennis the equipment you will require is the correct size tennis racket and mini-tennis balls which are graded in different colours Red [beginner], Orange [beginner/improver] Green [improver moving on to the use of a tennis ball].

Are there any particular brands of equipment you would recommend for beginners?
There are different sizes of tennis rackets starting at 19" for a young player and go up to 27" which is a full size racket. In my opinion Slazenger is a particular good brand of mini tennis racket, however your Tennis Coach will be able to advise you on a suitable brand.

How much would someone expect to pay for good quality items listed above?
You shouldn't need to pay more than £20 for a mini-tennis racket. Rackets for older children start from £20 up to £150. Mini - Tennis balls vary in price from £15 - £20 per dozen.

Is there a second hand market for these items? If so, are then any particular signs someone should look out for to ensure the equipment will stand the test of time?
Your Tennis Coach can help you with the buying & selling of tennis rackets. Rackets that show signs of frayed strings and wear in one area on the frame should be avoided.

Is there any ongoing maintenance of this equipment required?
Re-stringing may be required at some time and a change of grip. Also tennis balls wear out so will need to be replaced regularly.

Can you recommend a handful of good quality instruction books that will help a child to make a flying start with this sport?
I have not used this book but it may be useful.

How much should a parent expect to pay for lessons?
The Nomansland Tennis Club programme starts at £3 for group lessons and upto £22 for an Individual lesson.

How can parents identify a good teacher/club (qualifications etc)?
The Lawn Tennis Association recommends Tennis Coaches that hold a current LTA Licence, this means they are qualified, insured and keep up to date with the modern game.

To become proficient, how many hours per week would you suggest a child should practice?
The Lawn Tennis Association recommend 2 - 4 hrs in a structured programme for 5/6 -9/10 age group, 5 hrs of tennis in the 9/10 - 12/13 age group, 12hrs of tennis per week 14 -16/17 years.

Although it will vary from child to child how long does it normally take for a child to become competent in this sport?
Some children pick up the fundamentals over a term [6 -8 weeks] others take longer.

Are there any formal qualifications in this sport that the child should aim to achieve?
When a child reaches their teens they will be able to take a tennis leader qualification. Some Tennis Coaches are able to help them in gaining this qualification.

What do you think?
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