Starting Your Child in Tennis: A Parent's Guide

One of the questions I get most often from Regina parents is: "How do I know if my child is ready for tennis lessons?" The short answer is: if they're old enough to follow a simple instruction and enjoy running around, they're ready. Most kids can start as young as four or five years old.

Here's everything you need to know before booking that first junior tennis lesson.

The Ball Colour System: Red, Orange, and Green

Modern junior tennis uses a progressive ball system that scales the game to a child's size and strength. You don't throw a child in at the deep end with a full-speed yellow ball — that would be like teaching someone to drive on a highway on day one.

Red ball (ages 4–8): Slower, lower bounce. Played on a shorter court. Builds coordination and confidence without frustration.
Orange ball (ages 8–10): Medium pace and bounce. A half-size court. Children begin learning proper technique here.
Green ball (ages 10–12): Close to a regular ball but with 25% less pressure. Full court. The bridge to adult tennis.

Rushing a child through these stages is one of the most common mistakes parents make. Each level builds the foundation for the next.

Choosing the Right Racket Size

A racket that's too large or too heavy will create bad habits from day one. Here's a simple size guide based on your child's height:

Under 100 cm: 46 cm (18") racket
100–115 cm: 53 cm (21") racket
115–125 cm: 58 cm (23") racket
125–137 cm: 63 cm (25") racket
137 cm and up: 66 cm (26") racket

You don't need to buy an expensive racket to start. A basic junior racket in the right size is all you need for the first year or two.

What to Expect from a First Lesson

A good first lesson for a young child focuses almost entirely on fun. In my junior tennis lessons in Regina, the first session is about getting comfortable with the racket, learning to rally using foam or red balls, and building a positive association with the sport. We work on listening, movement, and coordination — not technique.

Don't worry if your child seems distracted or silly. That's completely normal. The goal in the early stages is for them to leave the court saying "I want to do that again."

How Many Lessons Per Week?

For beginners under 10, one lesson per week is plenty. At that age, the brain needs time to process new movement patterns. Two lessons a week is appropriate once they're solidly in the orange-ball stage and showing real enthusiasm for the sport.

Regina-Specific Tips

Our outdoor season runs roughly from May to September. If your child starts lessons in the spring, they'll have an entire season to build confidence outdoors. Starting in the fall or winter is also great — indoor courts are available in Regina and there's less competition for court time.