Tennis EquipmentPlayers 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, rackets 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 rackets for the program. Participants are required to bring their own. CourtsAs 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 maximizes playing time, where 4-6 courts can fit on one standard sized tennis court. Just as with the balls and rackets, 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.
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- Equipment 3-5
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Ages 3 - 5
Ideal for children between 3-5 years, the oversized, low compression Red Ball is safe for indoor and outdoor use. The red and yellow foam or felt ball is slower, lighter and provides a slightly larger target than the standard ball, increasing success rate substantially.
Standard size rackets are too long, too heavy and the grips are too large for this age range to handle. An appropriately sized racket, which is designed for kid-sized hands and strength, is essential. USSI will provide all rackets for Tennis Squirts programs, however if you’d like to purchase your own, USSI and the USTA recommend a 19” racket at this age.
- Equipment 5-8
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Ages 5 - 8
Ideal for children between 5-8 years, the oversized, low compression Red Ball is safe for indoor and outdoor use. The red and yellow foam or felt ball is slower, lighter and provides a slightly larger target than the standard ball, increasing success rate substantially.
Adult rackets are too long and too heavy, and the grips are too large. An appropriately sized racket, 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.
- Equipment 8-10
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Ages 8 - 10
The orange ball used for 8-10 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 racket, 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 8-10 year olds
- Equipment 10-14
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Ages 10 - 14
As players become accomplished with their strokes and tactics, they can move to the full-sized court. Children will use the green dot ball which is the same size as the standard yellow ball but is slightly lighter, and slower on the bounce, allowing more time to reach and return shots. More advanced children will progress to and use the full compression yellow ball.
Even at this age range, adult rackets may still not be appropriate due to their weight and length. A racket designed for kid-sized hands is essential, and USSI and the USTA recommends a 26" or 27" sized racket depending on the child’s size.
