Where Should My Child Start?
Not sure which junior tennis class is the right fit? Use our simple guide to find the best starting point based on your child’s age, confidence, experience and tennis ability.
The Right Level Matters
The best class is not always the “highest” class. It is the class where your child can learn, succeed and be challenged at the right pace.
- Age gives us a helpful starting point
- Skill, confidence and coordination matter too
- Players can move levels when ready
- Coaches can adjust placement after the first session
Quick Parent Finder
Start with your child’s age, then adjust based on how much tennis they have already played.
Quick Starting Level Guide
Use the guide below to find the stage that best matches your child’s current tennis experience. Age helps, but confidence, coordination, rally ability, serving and readiness are just as important.
Blue Stage
First Tennis Experience
Your child may fit here if: they are around 3–5 years old, are brand new to tennis and are still developing basic movement, coordination and racquet confidence.
- Move, balance and change direction
- Track, catch and throw a ball
- Roll or hit towards a target
- Use a racquet with growing control
- Listen, take turns and join in group games
Red Stage
Learning the Game
Your child may fit here if: they are around 5–8 years old and are new to tennis or still learning to rally, serve and score on a Red Ball court.
- Hit basic forehands and backhands
- Start and continue a short rally
- Serve or start a point into play
- Move and recover between shots
- Understand simple scoring and court positions
Orange Stage
Building Rally Skills
Your child may fit here if: they can already rally with some control and are ready to develop stronger technique, movement, serving and simple tactics.
- Rally with more consistency
- Hit to different areas of the court
- Serve and return with growing control
- Move forward to volley or finish points
- Understand basic tactics and point play
Green Stage
Full-Court Development
Your child may fit here if: they can rally and serve with growing consistency and are ready for a larger court, faster ball and more tactical point play.
- Rally consistently from the baseline
- Serve and return on a larger court
- Use direction, depth and spin
- Recognise when to attack or defend
- Play singles and doubles points with confidence
Yellow Ball
Matchplay Ready
Your child may fit here if: they are ready to rally, serve, score and compete with a regular yellow ball on a full-size court.
- Rally consistently with a regular yellow ball
- Serve, return and start points with purpose
- Use simple patterns like serve +1
- Build points using direction, depth and spin
- Prepare for squads, fixtures or competition
Finding the Right Class
Choosing the right tennis class can be tricky, especially if your child has played a little bit at school, had lessons somewhere else, or is brand new to the game.
Use the Quick GuideConfidence Comes First
Players develop faster when they feel comfortable enough to join in, learn and make mistakes without feeling overwhelmed.
Challenge at the Right Pace
A slightly easier group can often be better than jumping too high too soon. Players progress best when they are challenged at the right pace.
Coach Guidance Helps
If your child seems between levels, our coaches can help assess the best starting point and adjust if needed.
Found Their Level? Now Choose Where They Play
Once you have a likely colour stage, choose the venue that suits your family. Each venue page shows available programs and booking information.
Looking for the Performance Pathway?
Performance is not simply the next colour-ball level. It is a more focused development pathway for players who are ready for extra training, matchplay and competition.
- Red, Orange and Green Ball Talent ID Squads
- Yellow Ball Development and Performance Squads
- Coach recommendation and player readiness considered
- Designed for players seeking a more committed training environment
When Is My Child Ready to Move Up?
Players move through the Matchpoint pathway when they show the skills, confidence and readiness needed for the next stage. Age matters, but it is not the whole story.
Rally Consistency
Can they keep the ball in play with control and recover between shots?
Serve & Return
Can they start points with purpose and handle basic returns?
Scoring & Focus
Can they listen, understand scoring and stay focused during point play?
Match Readiness
Are they ready for the next court size, ball speed and level of challenge?
Still Not Sure Where to Start?
If your child is new to Matchpoint, has played somewhere else, or seems between two levels, our team can help guide you into the right starting class.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from parents about ages, previous experience, moving levels and choosing the right starting point.
My child is older but new to tennis. Where should they start?
Older beginners may start in Red, Orange, Green or Yellow depending on their age, confidence and coordination. If you are unsure, contact us and we can help guide you to the best starting point.
My child has played tennis at school. What level are they?
School tennis experience can vary. Some players may be ready for Orange or Green, while others may benefit from starting with Red Ball fundamentals. The best level depends on their rally skills, serving, confidence and matchplay understanding.
Can my child move up during the term?
Yes. If a coach believes a player is ready for the next stage, we can discuss the best option with parents.
What if my child starts in the wrong level?
We can adjust. The first session gives our coaches a chance to assess your child’s level and make sure they are in the best group.
Is age or ability more important?
Both matter. Age helps guide the starting point, but confidence, coordination, rally ability and overall readiness are just as important.
Does my child need to play matches before moving up?
Not always, but matchplay confidence becomes more important as players progress through Orange, Green and Yellow Ball. We strongly encourage players to begin their matchplay journey from the Red Stage. Players should be comfortable playing points, scoring and understanding basic tactics before moving into more advanced groups.
Ready to Find the Right Junior Tennis Class?
Whether your child is picking up a racquet for the first time or getting ready for matchplay, our junior pathway helps players learn, improve and enjoy tennis at the right level.