Sydney Uni Junior Tennis Structural Changes for 2010:
Hot Shots Modified Program
Tennis Hot Shots is Tennis Australia's official kids' starter program for children aged 5-12 years old.
In conjunction with Tennis Australia we started our Hot Shots program in 2008. Since then, we have
become a Hot Shots ambassador and our Hot Shots program has evolved into a sophisticated
coaching program which now integrates kids from 3 to 12.
The basic idea of Hot Shots is to give kids the opportunity to play the game of tennis in a modified
environment. This is accomplished through the use of low compression balls and an age appropriate
sized court. Through this process kids will learn defined competencies that will allow them to fully
develop throughout each stage and successfully move into their next stage of tennis.
The outline below explains our expanded concept and includes information on age appropriate
competencies and development, activities, as well as defined timelines for player advancement.
Hot Shots - Pop
Players develop...
· Simple balance & different movements
· Basic racquet and ball skills
- Simple swing patterns
· Miming, Listening & Learning
· Working independently & with a partner
Foam / 8cm Red Ball
Micro court
Timeline: 2 - 3 terms
Approx. age: 3-5
Hot Shots - Red One
Competition
· Competition Week, Weekly league
Foam / 8cm Red Ball
12m court
Timeline: 1 - 2 terms
Approx. age: 5- 7
Hot Shots - Red Two
Foam / 8cm Red Ball
12m court
Timeline: 3 - 4 terms
Approx. age: 5-7
Players develop...
· Movement in different directions, stopping and balancing
· Proper contact & simple control of the ball
· Rally skills: through throwing, hitting & catching
· Basic strokes - forehand, backhand, volley & serve
· Simple scoring procedure
Competition
· Competition Week, Weekly league
· Grand Slam Red
Players develop...
· Coordinated running, jumping and hopping
· Basic strokes shapes, with control of the ball
· Simple grips and contact points
· Rallying over a short distance
· How to win a point and where to stand
Hot Shots - Red Three
Foam / 8cm Red Ball
12m court
Timeline: 3 - 4 terms
Approx. age: 6 – 8
Competition
· Competition Week, Weekly league
· Grand Slam Red
Players develop...
· Coordinated multi directional movement
· Advanced body control, posture and balance
· Longer stroke shapes with consistent contact points
· Rally skills and directional control from the baseline (Red
court)
· Coordinated serve using a small action
· Scoring & understanding the rules of the game
Hot Shots - Orange One
Competition
· Competition Week, Weekly league
· Grand Slam Orange
· Junior Tour Orange
Orange Transition Ball
18m court
Timeline: 2 - 3 terms
Approx. age: 7 – 10
Players develop...
· Quick and efficient movement
· Coordinated rotation & use of both arms
· Effective swing shapes including the use of spin
· Rallying from the baseline, including cross court (Orange
court)
· Serving on balance with a consistent action and higher
contact
· Short singles matches and team events
Hot Shots - Orange Two
Competition
· Competition Week, Weekly league
· Grand Slam Orange
· Junior Tour Orange
Orange Transition Ball
18m court
Best of 3 tie breaks
Timeline: 2 - 3 terms
Approx age: 7 – 10
Players develop...
· Specific & adapted footwork patterns
· Refined stroke shapes including the use of spin
· Changing the stroke to direct the ball and hit to different
lengths
· Better throwing action and grip on the serve
· Tactical awareness of the opponent
Hot Shots - Green
Competition
· Competition Week, Weekly league
· Grand Slam Green
· Junior Tour Green
Green Ball
Full court
Timeline: 2 - 3 terms
Approx age: 9 – 10
Players develop...
· Excellent movement to, from and around the ball
· Coordinated use of all parts of the body
· Adapted stances
· Strokes based upon the intended shot
· Changing the flight, spin and speed of the ball
· Refining serve technique including the introduction of the
2nd serve