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Hot Shots Tennis
Red Stage

Learning to Rally and Play

The Red Stage is where children begin to experience the real game of tennis in a way that feels achievable and fun. Using smaller courts, shorter racquets and softer red balls, players have more time to react, more success making contact and more opportunities to rally with a partner.
 

At this stage, children start developing the key skills needed to play the game properly, including forehands, backhands, serves, volleys and basic movement patterns. Coaches introduce simple tactics, scoring and match play through games based activities, helping players build confidence while learning how to cooperate, compete and enjoy tennis with others.

What they'll learn 

  • Forehands and backhands 

  • Serving fundamentals 

  • Rallying with a partner 

  • Basic scoring and match play 

  • Sportsmanship and teamwork 

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Programme Snapshot

Age: 5-8 years

Ball: Red ball (25% compression)

Racquet: 21-23 inches

Court: Modified smaller court over mini net
 

Perfect For

Children who are ready to learn the game, including younger beginners and players moving on from Blue Stage. Red Stage helps children build coordination, confidence and real tennis skills from day one.
 

Venues Delivering

TotalCoach Tennis Centre

Manukau Tennis, Sports & Community Centre

The Tennis Life Hot Shots Pathway

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