Aegon Mini Tennis
Who can play?
Anybody, any age, any ability can play Aegon Mini
Tennis. Club programmes are geared towards children
aged 4-10. Check with the specific club for clarity.
What age can you start to play Aegon
Mini Tennis?
There is no set starting age. If a child is well co-ordinated they could start
as young as 3 years. However, we find a natural starting
age tends to be between 4-6.
What equipment do children need to play
Aegon Mini Tennis?
Each stage of Aegon Mini Tennis has specifically
designed rackets and balls to suit the size and ability of
the child. Adult rackets and balls are not suitable.
Shorter rackets and low bouncing balls allow children to
get maximum enjoyment out of the game. It is strongly recommended that
appropriate rackets and balls are used at each stage of Aegon Mini Tennis
(including play outside of lessons). The coach should be able to provide
more information.
What will my child need for lessons?
CS provides equipment - Soon your child will need
his or her own racket. Most clubs have no special
clothing requirements, although suitable trainers
must be worn.
Is it expensive?
As Aegon Mini Tennis lessons are taught in groups, you should
be able to find a club in your area that offers very reasonable prices.
Outside of lessons, you’re encouraged to play Aegon Mini Tennis (or other
games) with your child and encourage them to play with friends.
How do I know my child
will be looked after?
Clubs listed on Aegonminitennis.com are LTA
accredited. Programmes are led by LTA
licensed coaches who are aware of the LTA
Child Protection Policies and strict Code of
Conduct and Ethics.
When should I enter my child for a competition?
Ask the coach for guidance. Aegon Mini Tennis
programmes will be packed full of a variety of
competitions at the club,
beginning with self-challenges
and progressing to full tie
breaks.
What is the scoring
system for Aegon Mini Tennis and
how long do competitions last?
Whether it's an informal competition at the club, or
perhaps something in the wider community the
emphasis of Aegon Mini Tennis is always on short,
sharp and fun competition. The tiebreak-scoring
format is used and can be up to any number
(5,7,9,11) or best of 3 tie breaks.
I’ve heard about the Awards, how do
I get involved?
The Aegon Mini Tennis Awards have been
designed to offer a complete curriculum for your
child. This includes an introduction to competition they’ll learn fundamental sporting skills, tennis skills and all about fair
play. The expertise of a licensed coach is needed to deliver the Awards
which are only available to Aegon Mini Tennis accredited clubs.
What about playing Aegon
Mini Tennis outside of
lessons?
This is hugely encouraged! The park,
school playground, a wall, the back garden,
etc... are all excellent learning
environments. You may also choose to play
Aegon Mini Tennis with your child on
holiday! The Aegon Mini Tennis Awards
feature practises to do at home and the
coach will give some guidance on this too. It’s best to use appropriate
rackets and balls wherever possible – your child will definitely struggle
with full sized rackets and regular balls. By playing with the suitable
rackets and balls you will all have more fun!
Why aren't lessons always
all about doing tennis
skills?
There is a whole range of skills that
kids need to play sport. Consequently Aegon Mini Tennis lessons will
include learning about running, jumping, balance, co-ordination,
throwing and catching, as well as learning more formal tennis skills. The
better the kids are at these skills; the better tennis players they will
become in the long run.
When should children move up from Red to Orange
to Green?
The Aegon Mini Tennis Awards will determine the stage of Aegon Mini
Tennis that children should play in. The Awards are progressive and as
children complete each level they will naturally move through the Red,
Orange and Green stages.
Generally a player is ready to move to the next stage when they are able
to have long rallies, use all the strokes (volley, serve, ground strokes)
and are able to use tennis tactics.