Tennis

Tennis

Guide to Tennis

Introduction to Tennis

Tennis is a widely loved sport played by individuals of all ages and abilities worldwide. It’s perfect for improving fitness, agility, and coordination, while also fostering mental resilience and strategy. With options to play indoors or outdoors, tennis is adaptable and engaging year-round.

Explore our full range of Tennis Equipment


Basic Rules of Tennis

  1. Objective: Players aim to score points by hitting the ball into the opponent's court, ensuring it lands within the boundaries.
  2. Scoring: The game progresses through points: 15, 30, 40, and "game." Winning six games wins a set, and two or three sets make a match, depending on the format.
  3. Serving: Players serve diagonally into the opponent's service box. Faults result in second serves, and double faults lose a point.
  4. In Play: The ball must land within the court. Hitting the net (without landing in) or missing the opponent's court results in losing the point.
  5. Tiebreaks: At 6–6 in a set, a tiebreak determines the winner, with players racing to seven points (or more) with a two-point lead.

LTA Mini Tennis Programme

Designed by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), Mini Tennis introduces children to the sport with tailored equipment and formats, ensuring fun and skill-building at every stage:

  • Red: Smaller courts and low-compression foam balls help beginners enjoy rallies.
  • Orange: Intermediate players progress to larger courts and slower balls for tactical development.
  • Green: The final stage before adult tennis, played on full courts with lighter balls.

This approach builds skills and confidence, encouraging long-term participation.


Fun Fact about Tennis

Did you know? The origins of modern tennis date back to the late 19th century in England, evolving from a game called “Real Tennis.” Today, Wimbledon remains a prestigious symbol of this rich heritage.


How to Introduce Tennis in Schools

  • Adapt the Court: Use smaller, portable nets and shorter rackets to create a comfortable learning environment.
  • Skill-Building Games: Start with simple activities like target practice and short rallies to teach control and precision.
  • Inclusive Practices: Pair beginners with more experienced players to foster skill-sharing and camaraderie.
  • Progressive Levels: Implement the Mini Tennis Programme for structured development.

Links to Equipment

Explore our full range of Tennis Equipment. From Mini Tennis gear to full-size rackets, we’ve got you covered for every level of play.


Size Guides

LTA Mini Tennis Red

Net Height Court Size Racket Size Ball Type
800mm 11 x 5.5m 480 - 580mm
(19" - 23")
Foam or Felt

LTA Mini Tennis Orange

Net Height Court Size Racket Size Ball Type
800mm 18 x 6.5m 580 - 630mm
(23" - 25")
Orange

LTA Mini Tennis Green

Net Height Court Size Racket Size Ball Type
914mm Full size 630 - 660mm
(25" - 26")
Green

Play-sport® Mini Tennis Racket Guide

Racket Name Size Height Head Size Strung Weight
TN195 MasterPlay® 530 530mm
(21")
up to 4' 613cm²
(95 sq in)
230g
TN192 MasterPlay® 560 575mm
(23")
4' – 4'6" 613cm²
(95 sq in)
235g
TN191

MasterPlay® 610

610mm
(24")
4'6" – 5' 613cm²
(95 sq in)
240g
TN137 MasterPlay® 660 660mm
(26")
over 5' 710cm²
(110 sq in)
300g
TN136 MasterPlay® Senior 690 690mm
(27")
over 5' 710cm²
(110 sq in)
310g
TN135 MasterPlay® Advantage 690 690mm
(27")
over 5' 710cm²
(110 sq in)
320g
TN321 Play-sport® 480 480mm
(19")
up to 3'6"    
TN322 Play-sport® 530 530mm
(21")
3'6" – 4'    
TN323 Play-sport® 580 580mm
(23")
4' – 4'6"    
TN324 Play-sport® 630 630mm
(25")
over 4'6"    

 

Slazenger Tennis Racket Guide Table

Racket Name Size Height Head Size Strung Weight String Pattern
TN3310/21 Slazenger Classic 21 525mm
(21")
up to 4' 600cm²
(93 sq in)
200g 16 x 19
TN3310/23 Slazenger Classic 23 575mm
(23")
4' – 4'6" 600cm²
(93 sq in)
220g 16 x 19
TN3310/25 Slazenger Classic 24 625mm
(25")
4'6" – 5' 600cm²
(93 sq in)
240g 16 x 19
TN3310/27 Slazenger Classic 26 675mm
(27")
over 5' 613cm²
(95 sq in)
310g 16 x 19

Dunlop Tennis Racket Guide Table

Racket Name Size Height Head Size Strung Weight String Pattern
TN3300/21 Dunlop 500 21 525mm
(21")
up to 4' 613cm²
(95 sq in)
195g 16 x 17
TN3300/23 Dunlop 500 23 575mm
(23")
4' – 4'6" 613cm²
(95 sq in)
210g 16 x 17
TN3300/25 Dunlop 500 25 625mm
(25")
4'6" – 5' 645cm²
(100 sq in)
240g 16 x 17
TN3300/27/G3 Dunlop 500 27 675mm
(27")
over 5' 632cm²
(98 sq in)
290g 16 x 17

Useful Resources