Junior Tennis
From beginners to nationally ranked players ages 4 - 18 years old, we have class opportunities for all skill levels and ages. The FRC Junior Program follows the USTA standards for player development by using a low compression ball progression that scales court size, racquet size, and type of ball to the age and size of the player. We want our players to have fun from the start so that they develop a love for the game, all while learning the techniques and skills that will allow them to maximize their potential on the court. We strongly believe in the process of development and that there are no shortcuts to success, and our program structure builds with the big picture in mind.
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Junior Camps ***WAIT LIST ONLY*** SUMMER PROGRAM IS FULL
Junior Programs ***WAIT LIST ONLY*** Session 1 of Fall Program is FULL
2021-2022 Fall/Winter Junior Tennis Program
Yellow Ball Classes
Green Ball Classes
Orange Ball Classes
Red Ball Classes
Yellow Ball Classes
Green Ball Classes
Orange Ball Classes
Red Ball Classes
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Image by Melanie Kronemann
The FRC Junior Program follows the ROGY low-compression ball progression in both our development and performance pathways. The red to orange to green to yellow progression is meant to provide “to-scale” courts and equipment for players as they develop, which makes it easier to learn fundamental skills while also having quicker access to rallying and play-based games. The ball-color progression is not an indication of ability level, as players may range from beginner to advanced using each of the four balls. Players may also range in ages within each division, with the “most-appropriate” being determined based on size, prior experience, and general athleticism. For example, a large 8-year-old with excellent technique may be able to successfully play with the green ball, however a smaller 8-year-old with little to no experience would likely still use the red ball. The goal of the FRC program is to have players enjoying success as they develop so that they are having fun, learning, and developing a life-long love of the sport.
Red Ball (ages 5-8): Played on a 36’ court with smaller racquets, an oversized ball, and mini-nets, the primary goal of Red Ball tennis is to introduce tennis to younger and smaller players and allow them to develop fundamental tennis skills while quickly being able to engage in play-based games.
Orange Ball (ages 7-10): Played on a 60’ foot court with junior sized racquets and a reduced bounce ball. The reduced bounce and to-scale court size for smaller players allows beginners to develop fundamental techniques with a ball that is easier to control and position for, while allowing advanced players to develop rally and point play skills with a controllable ball and manageable court size.
Green Ball (ages 8-12): Played on the regulation court with junior to adult sized racquets and a ball with a slightly reduced bounce, green ball tennis also encourages quicker development of ball control and movement and positioning skills. Less experienced green ball players find the ball’s reduced bounce makes it easier to rally and play games, while more advanced players will be able to use the reduced bounce to learn better about how to use the dimensions of the court and develop offensive and defensive hitting strategies.
Yellow Ball (ages 10 and up): Regular ball, regular court, and full-sized racquets. Advanced younger players who already have excellent movement skills and well-rounded fundamental techniques will find that they are able to manage play with the yellow ball. Less experienced players who are already older or larger, will begin their tennis development using the regular ball (but may still benefit from early learning using a low-compression ball such as the green ball to develop basic skills.).
