Player Pathways
Our junior development journey.
From Beginners
to Committed players
The program we offer at Tennis 11 guides players from foundational level (blue stages) all the way to competing at national and international levels. With an emphasis on love for the game, respect, resilience and sportsmanship, we develop great people as well as great players.
Starting Out
Where it all begins! Building movement, coordination and a love of the game through fun, modified activities in our Hot Shots programs.
Your child leaves this stage with their first confident steps on court.
Stage 1
Stage 2
Building Skills
Once players have a basic understanding of the game, it's time to dive deeper into progression and the technical and tactical aspects.
Your child leaves this stage able to rally, keep score and perform basic tennis tactics.
Stage 4
Aspiring Professional
For players who have consistently competed, love the game and have a strong desire to take things to the next level.
Your child leaves this stage with full commitment to the process and the foundation to pursue tennis seriously.
Stage 3
Competitive
Technical and tactical fundamentals become a strong part of learning, with competition and match play introduced once players are ready to complete a match.
Your child will finish this stage able to apply their learning to the game and compete with confidence.
Starting Out
For beginners, we start your tennis journey by finding the right lesson fit for you. This might be in a group with a friend, sibling, peers of a similar age or ability, or a combination of some or all. Players in this stage develop fundamental skills in a fun, inclusive environment with modified equipment. Absolutely everyone is welcome!
Player Objectives
Develop skills in projection, reception and more
Gain an understanding of scoring and how the game works
Have fun!
Building Skills
Once players have a basic understanding of the game, it’s time to dive further into progression and the technical and tactical aspects of the game. At this stage, players should look to practice more often to ensure they keep progressing.
Player Objectives
Build on areas of the game, in particular serving, rallying and scoring
Play more than once per week
Love the game and the process!
Competitive
In this stage, technical and tactical fundamentals become a strong part of our learning. Once players have an understanding of scoring, the ability to serve and rally, and the emotional maturity to complete a match, we then move towards competition and match play.
Player Objectives
Apply learning to the game
Play consistently throughout each term, with a mix of 1:1 and group lessons
Play Saturday competition and/or mid-week night competition
Compete and improve!
Aspiring Professional
More advanced player progression is required in this stage. Players have consistently played competition and tournaments, love the game, have a strong desire to improve, and the means to take things to the next level.
Player Objectives
Have full commitment to the process, and aligned values and goals with both your parents and your coach
Participate in a mix of competition, tournaments, Tennis 11 squads, 1:1 lessons and consistently practice with others
Be the best player and version of yourself that you possibly can!
Questions We Hear from Parents
Getting Started
-
We can provide racquets for any age and ability. Once a trial has been completed, we can order in the racquet that’s right for you at wholesale prices.
-
We begin Blue Ball lessons from as young as 3 years old.
-
Absolutely - we aspire to find the lesson that’s right for you.
-
For our free trial lessons, we fit your child into the group that we believe would be the best fit for them with the details we have been provided.
Once the lesson is complete, we discuss how the lesson went and if it is the best fit for you moving forward. -
Tennis Australia's Hot Shots page is a great resource for understanding the program stages and what your child can expect at each level. You can find out more at tennis.com.au.
Program Progression
-
We aim to provide regular feedback to you and your child based on their progression and development.
If unsure, please chat to us in person or contact us, and we will provide further details based on your individual circumstances.
-
Each program we offer is a part of our pathway. Based on your goals, there are times where further lessons may be required to maximise your child’s potential.
-
Our Development Squads are for those who are playing competition and are looking to take their tennis to tournament level.
Our group classes work on fundamentals, and cater to players from beginner level to intermediate.
-
These squad positions are based on both experience and ability. Players must have competition experience and the ability to serve, rally and score.
-
Absolutely. Our private lessons are essential for individualised technical and tactical development, and are most beneficial when players have a space to apply their learnings.
For Committed Players
-
Absolutely. We know what it takes to become a tennis player and aim to support every element of the journey. We offer tournament trips throughout the year which are invaluable for aspiring players.
-
Long term development comes from loving the game. Our coaches build an environment where enjoyment and improvement go hand in hand.
-
The amount of tennis your child should be playing depends on what they’re hoping to achieve. Whether they’re aiming to be Number 1 in the world or continue to enjoy playing socially, it’s important for the player, their parents, and their coaches to be aligned with their goal.
Ready to Start
Your Tennis Journey?
Book a free trial and we'll help find the perfect program for your child.