Tennis Equipment

Players develop quicker and adopt a better technique when they use the right sized equipment. All USSI tennis equipment is specifically designed for the age and ability of each participant. The balls, racquets and court size are adapted to allow children to be successful and have fun! As children grow and develop, the 10 and Under tennis format allows children to progress to the next level, using larger courts and faster balls.

Except for Tennis Squirts (ages 3-5), the US Sports Institute DOES NOT provide tennis racquets for the program, pariticipants are required to bring their own.

Courts

As your child grows, so does the court size. The lower nets and smaller courts make it easier for small children to start rallying. It also maximises playing time. where 4-6 courts can fit on one standard sized tennis court. Just as with the balls and racquets, the court size changes as players get older and stronger, eventually playing on a full sized court. Children 8 and under will play on a court that is 36 feet long and 18 feet wide. The net is 18 feet long and 2-foot-9 high. A regulation net (3 feet at the center) is used on the 60-foot court for kids ages 9-10.

Click here to learn how tennis equipment has changed over time!

Ages 5-8

Ideal for children between 5-8 to learn and play the game. The foam ball is safe and a good choice for home, indoor and outdoor use. The red and yellow high density foam ball is slower, lighter and slightly bigger than the standard ball and is good for playing with on the 36' court.

Adult racquets are too long and too heavy, and the grips are too large. An appropriately sized racquet which is designed for kid-sized hands and strength is essential. USSI and the USTA recommend a racket sized between 19”-23” for 5-8 year olds.

Ages 9-10

The orange ball used for 9-10 year olds is the same size as the full compression yellow ball, but is lighter and moves slower. The orange ball bounces slightly higher than the red and yellow ball used by younger children, and is good for playing on the driveway, in the playground or on a 60' court.

An appropriately sized racquet, which has been designed for kid-size hands and strength, is essential, as adult rackets are too large and too heavy. USSI and the USTA recommend a racket sized between 23”-25” for 9-10 year olds.

Ages 11+

As players become accomplished with their strokes and tactics, they can move to the full-sized court. Children will use the green ball which is slightly lighter and slower than the yellow ball, and this gives them more time to reach and return shots. More advanced children will progress to and use the full compression yellow ball.

Even at 11 years old, adult racquets still not appropriate due to their weight and length. A rackets designed for kid-sized hands is essential, and USSI and the USTA recommends a 23”+ sized racket, dependent on the child’s size.

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