Mini Red 8u
Welcome to our 10-week Mini Red programme, designed for our 5-8 year olds starting their journey in tennis. On a small court with soft, slow-bouncing balls and lightweight racquets, children learn the basics through games, stories and lots of laughter. Every session is packed with movement, imagination and fun, so little players build coordination and confidence without even realising they’re learning.
By the end of the term, your child will be able to hit forehands and backhands, throw and hit a simple serve, and enjoy playing short rallies and mini games with friends.
What we’ll cover
Week 1: Forehand. Learning to hold the racquet and swing through the ball, target games and “hit the treasure” challenges.
Week 2: Backhand. Discovering the other side! Fun swinging games and partner play help build balance and coordination.
Week 3: Serve. Starting the point by throwing, bouncing and hitting the ball over the net, with serving contests and “knock down the tower” targets.
Week 4: Net Play. Getting close to the net with quick feet and soft hands, including catching games, volley bounces and friendly net-rushing races.
Week 5: Matchplay. Our first mini matches! Learning to play with a partner or friend, take turns and count the score, with lots of encouragement.
Week 6: Tactics. Starting to think like a player: aiming for gaps, hitting away from the coach and finding the “empty spaces” on the court.
Week 7: Attacking. Moving forward, hitting with confidence and trying to win the point, with games like “beat the coach” and “race to the net”.
Week 8: Defending. Staying in the point by running to the ball, getting it back over the net and never giving up, with relay games and “rescue” missions.
Week 9: Trading. Hitting the ball back and forth with a partner, keeping the rally going and trying to beat our team record.
Week 10: Matchplay. A celebration of everything learnt, with fun matches, games and a chance to show friends and family how far we’ve come.
Our approach
Every session is built around play. Sessions are short, active and varied, with small groups, plenty of praise and a warm, supportive atmosphere where every child can learn at their own pace. We focus on effort, listening, teamwork and having fun, because children who love tennis keep playing it.
(please note, the Friday+Saturday sessions are 9 weeks due to Good Friday)
Mini Red Monday 4-5