Suitable for

The mini tennis programme is ideal for beginner to intermediate level, aiming to progress players to competing in lower level tournaments which take place at our venues throughout the year.

The Format

Group tennis lessons take place during school term time, with breaks for half term and school holidays.Children are encouraged to attend at least two group sessions per week to accelerate their learning and to get them ready to compete in our fun tournaments and match-play events through the year. During the school holidays children can participate in our Tennis camps allowing them to continue their improvement all year round.

Outcomes

Our primary aim is to provide a safe and inspiring environment in which all players can learn and enjoy the sport we love. Using a games based approach, children will develop sound fundamental technique, giving them the skills they need to play in our fun tournaments through the year. Lessons will also cover basic tactics, the rules of the game and instil the values of RESPECT, RESILIENCE AND RESPONSIBILITY.

Find out what's involved

Your Child's Pathway

Blue Stage

Age 4-6

Learn the basics

This is an introduction to tennis. Here, we’ll help kids improve their balance, agility and co-ordination while teaching them about the sport we love. At this stage it’s not about winning or losing, it’s just getting to grips with the basics. Sessions use a 75% lower compression ball than a standard yellow ball and play on a mini court. Recommended racket size at this stage is 17-19 inches.

Red Stage

Age 6-8

Serve, rally and score

This will look a bit more like the tennis you know. You’ll see overarm serves, rallies and volleys. Coaches will help children to further develop their co-ordination, balance and speed. We’ll introduce relaxed competition here too. Children play with slower balls, smaller courts and shorter rackets and use a 75% lower compression than a standard yellow ball. Recommended racket size at this stage is 19-21 inches.

Orange Stage

Age 8-9

Develop a rounded game

Time to throw in some tactics and problem solving as children at this stage develop a more rounded game. At this stage children will know all of the rules and will be serving and returning in matches. Players move to a larger court, relevant to their size. Sessions use a 50% lower compression than a standard yellow ball. Recommended racket size at this stage is 23-25 inches.

Green Stage

Age 9-11

Test your skills

This is the big one. It’s time for kids to play on full size courts. Now it’s all about growing their game by ﬁne tuning and reﬁning the techniques they’ve learned so far. Children use a ball is 25% lower compression than a standard yellow ball. Recommended racket size at this stage is 25-26 inches.

What comes next?

Pathway to junior

When your child turns 11 they can automatically be transferred to our Junior Club Programme, where they will continue to develop their game.

View Junior Coaching

Where do we play?

Bradford Location

HEATON TENNIS AND SQUASH CLUB

GARTH BARN CLOSE

BD95PH

Website

DIRECTIONS

Meet the Coaches

Strive Tennis is one of Yorkshire’s leading tennis coaching providers offering tennis programmes for all ages and ability levels. We are a dedicated team of professional tennis coaches led by former professional tennis player and twice Yorkshire doubles champion Matt McTurk.

View ALL PROFILES

Matt McTurk

LTA Level 5 Accredited plus coach, USPTR Pro and RPT National Pro

Donlan Tattersfield

LTA Level 3 Accredited Coach

Abd-Ur Khan

LTA Level 3 Accredited Coach

Elliot March

Level 1 assistant coach

"We have been so impressed with the standard of tennis coaching for our 9 year old and 6 year old. They learned more in one lesson with Matt than they had learned after 10 weeks on a different tennis course. They also really enjoy their lessons – and teaching us all their skills afterwards!"

Clare

Parent