What is Mini Tennis
Mini tennis is the game of tennis modified for younger or inexperienced players, in which all the skills and tactics of the real game can be learned and used.

There are three definable stages - red, orange and green. It is a graduated system with the size of the court and the speed of the ball always appropriate for the size, age and ability of the children who play. The court size and ball speed increase as the children progress.

Mini Tennis Red
Recommended age group: 4-9 years (depending on ability and the age at which a child first started to play and possibly up to 11 year olds in primary school)

Court size: 12m long, 6m wide, service box 3m x 4m, net height 80cm, (can be badminton court without back tramlines with line marked for service boxes OR existing lines within a tennis court to similar dimensions listed above)

Ball type: Indoor = sponge ball,outdoor = low compression ball

Rackets: 19", 21", 23" depending on size and strength of player

Scoring: Tie break format to 7, extended tie break or best of 3 tie breaks (can be flexible according to age/ability)


Mini Tennis Orange
Recommended age group: 6-10 years (depending on ability and the age at which a child started to play)

Court size: 18m long (3m short of tennis baselines), width as tennis court service box as tennis court, net height as tennis court

Ball type: Low compression ball Rackets 21", 23", 25" depending on size and strength of player

Scoring: tie break format - best of 3 tie breaks

Mini Tennis Green
Recommended age group: 6-10 years (depending on ability and the age at which a child started to play)

Court size: Normal tennis court

Ball type: Intermediate/ Mid Penn/ 'Pre tennis'

Rackets: 25", 26", 27" depending on size and strength of player

Scoring: Tie break style best of 3 or like OR normal tennis scoring with abbreviated format


How do I get Involved?
Are you a tennis club official? If you would like to run a Mini Tennis programme in your club, contact your local Area Development Officer (ADO) and ask for a Mini Tennis manual. This will give you all the information you need to get underway - from suggested competition formats, equipment specs and drawsheets to helpful advice on how to market your programme.

Are you a primary school teacher?
Mini Tennis is also designed to run in schools. There is a fantastic Mini Tennis competition programme where local primary schools compete in fun leagues. To get involved all you have to do is join the British Schools Tennis Association (BSTA) for the small fee of £10. This will give you details on joining in the Mini Tennis Schools Competition plus many other exciting benefits - see www.BSTA.org.uk for details

Are you a tennis club member?
You can help us to encourage a Mini Tennis programme in your club. Simply badger your club secretary to contact their local ADO for a Mini Tennis manual.

Are you a parent?
Mini Tennis is a great way for your child to develop sports skills in a fun and safe environment. All Mini Tennis programmes are run by Licensed Coaches and are accessible and affordable. To find out how your child can meet other kids whilst learning tennis check out www.MiniTennis.com for a full list of participating clubs from this summer onwards. Alternatively, talk to your child's school about entering the Mini Tennis Schools Competition.

Are you a kid looking for some fun tennis?
Very soon we will have a full list of all the clubs around the country running a Mini Tennis programme. This information, plus lots of fun and games will be available via the website www.MiniTennis.com this summer. In the meantime, why not ask your teacher about your school joining the Mini Tennis Schools Competition!