What does red ball, orange ball, green ball, and yellow ball mean?
There are three stages of tennis that allow players to start at the suitable level for their ability - Red (Stage 3), Orange (Stage 2) and Green (Stage 1). As the player develops and they develop their technical and tactical competences, they will progress from stage to stage.
The following table details the three stages of tennis:
*(Estimated ball speed) **(Dependent on the size of the player)
The details set out in the three stages are recommendations from the ITF for the development of a 10-and-under player. All players develop at different rates, some progressing quicker than others.
It is important that players only progress to the next stage when they are able to control the ball and implement tactics effectively at their current tennis stage. If the player moves up too soon then they may develop poor technique and lose confidence and interest.
The table below shows the description of the Yellow ball stage once the player has gone from Stage 1 (Green) tennis and is now playing with the regular Yellow ball.
Parents should understand that learning to play the game of tennis / compete is a gradual process and as children progress through the three stages of tennis, parents should encourage their child to become more independent. Parents should also try to focus on how their child is developing, on their performance and most importantly on their enjoyment, rather than on their results in matches.
Source: www.tennisplayandstay.com
