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.
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Basic Rules of Tennis
- Objective: Players aim to score points by hitting the ball into the opponent's court, ensuring it lands within the boundaries.
- 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.
- Serving: Players serve diagonally into the opponent's service box. Faults result in second serves, and double faults lose a point.
- 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.
- 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.
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
- Lawn Tennis Association (LTA): www.lta.org.uk