LTA YOUTH
LTA Youth is made up of 5 stages to give young players the chance to practice at an appropriate level for them. Throughout these stages we use a 'player centered approach' and 'skill based development'. All of our lesson content is underpinned by a comprehensive competency framework and guiding principles. Our coaches work together as a team to deliver our curriculum that works across all the levels and can be progressed to challenge even our most experienced players.
Find out more about the stage that is relevant for you.
Tots / Blue
This stage is for players aged 3-5 years old and these 45 minute sessions aim to help them improve their balance, agility and co-ordination through fun games and activities. Our Tots / Blue players will learn basic racket and ball skills, how to work independently and as part of a team and develop their fine and gross motor skills. At this stage it's not about winning or losing but getting to grips with the basics and building their confidence on court.
Our timetable can be found here
Lucy (4) has recently started coming to our Tots lessons to develop her key skills like balance, coordination and agility. Her mum has noticed she's much better at playing games now, like catch in the park!
Red
This stage is for players aged 5-8 years old and these 60 minute sessions are where we start to practice overarm serves, volleys and learn how to rally. Our Red players will learn racket and ball skills, how to work independently and as part of a team and develop their co-ordination, balance, speed and agility. At this stage our players are introduced to friendly competition and match play situations.
Our timetable can be found here
Arjun (6) has been coming to our Red lessons for a few weeks. He loves learning to play tennis through games, and obviously getting to run around with his friends! His social interactions have also improved since he started, as he’s worked on communicating with the other children in his class.
Orange
This stage is for players aged 8-9 years old and these 60 minute sessions are where we start to include some tactical work, problem solving, sportsmanship and leadership. Our Orange players will learn racket and ball skills on a bigger court, how to work independently and as part of a team and how to serve, rally and score as part of a game situation. At this stage our players are helped to become confident with all the rules of the game and competing.
Our timetable can be found here
Harry (9) played tennis a couple of times at school and loved it, so has started our Orange lessons! His mum has already noticed how much he's improved. She also said he's become faster and more coordinated in his football matches!
Green
This stage is for players aged 10-11 years old and these 60 minute sessions are where we start to play on full size tennis courts. Our Green players will learn racket and ball skills, grow their game and fine tune and refine the techniques they have learned so far. At this stage our players are encouraged to be confident on court and helped to make the best 'in play decisions'.
Our timetable can be found here
Toyin's (10) dad loves seeing her get stuck into her Green lessons every week! 'She's now able to rally up to 10 and it's great to see her not sitting in front of her computer for a change!
Junior / Yellow
This stage is for players aged 11+ years old and these 60 minute sessions are where we start using the same balls as the pros. Our Junior / Yellow players will continue to explore different styles on court and start to develop their own. At this stage we hope our players have developed a love for the game that will last them a lifetime.
Our timetable can be found here
Sophie (15) has been playing tennis for 5 years and now comes to our Junior classes. She's made friends in her class and finds the lesson a great way to relax after a hard week of studying!