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MINI TENNIS ACADEMY

Mini is a new name for what was called short tennis. Mini tennis has three levels Red, Orange and Green. These colours co- respond with the age the children are, the ball they use and the court size. The main idea behind mini tennis is that all ages can play in a fun environment that allows them to compete at a young age.

Red
Red level court size is the size of a service box, If it is played indoors a foam ball is used if outdoor, a red outdoor ball used. Red mini tennis is scored using a tie break format up to 7 points. Singles and doubles can be played. Red mini tennis is aimed at kids aged between 6 and 8.

Orange
Orange level court size is a normal court with the baseline brought forward so that it is half way between service line and baseline. Orange uses a transition ball smaller than red but bounces lower for the kids to hit. Scoring again is tiebreak format up to 11 points with 2 points clear. Orange is aimed at 7-9 year olds.

Green
Green level is a full court with a transition ball slightly bouncer than orange ball. Scoring is first to 4 games with normal scoring. Kids are allowed to serve underarm as in all levels. This is aimed at 8-10 year olds.

Academies
Academies are a new thing were by the LTA want children competing at young age. We have a academy at Kirby which means we have to enter teams in red and orange leagues within a local area. This is second year of being an academy with last year both teams finishing second and going to county finals comps. This also leads to funding for equipment etc.

Accredited Centres
A mini tennis accredited club means that the LTA recognise the club is doing good work with its young players and is to a high standard with the club and coach having to reach certain criteria. This also means that the centre has a qualified coach running and teaching the mini tennis programme.

Awards Scheme
For each level of mini tennis there are awards. For each colour there are 3 levels 3 to 1. The first level being highest and third level the lowest. In the booklets there are tasks the kids have to achieve and each time they achieve they get a sticker. The ideas being get all the stickers to complete the book. These awards may change slightly in 2005.

To find out more about how to get involved with Mini Tennis and start playing contact Matt Watson on 01255 852278.