Tennis for Kids

Information on Tennis for Kids in Australia

Is Tennis for Your Kids?

Tennis has many attractions, and is one of those kids' activities that any kid can play:

• Tennis players have high fitness levels.
• Tennis is a great way to meet new friends or have fun and get exercise with mates.
• People of all ages, gender and abilities can happily play tennis together.
• Kids usually start learning tennis at around 5 to 7.
• Tennis is a sport you can start at a very young age and continue until a very advanced age.
• There are tennis courts just on everywhere.
• Tennis is safe, with little risk of injury.
• Working out and using tactics in match's exercises the brain.
• Tennis is a great family activity

Get Your Kids Started!

Many schools have facilities where kids can learn tennis. There are also a large number of tennis courts for hire. Depending on location and popularity, hire charges can vary from on $16 to $24 an hour.

Children can also join a Tennis Club. Fees vary from club to club but are typically on $45 a year + $20 joining fee. This usually entitles members to free use of the courts. Many clubs also arrange fixtures, which your child may enjoy and which will give them a taste of competition.

Schools, commercial tennis courts and tennis clubs may all have teachers who provide lessons. Cost of these can vary widely, depending on the qualifications and reputation of the teacher and the number of children in the group.

To find your local Tennis providers:

• Check the ActiveActivities Directory for tennis lessons and tennis courts
• Talk to your child's sports teacher and  parents for recommendations
• Determine what is best for your child individual or group lessons?
•  
• Your child will need a racquet. These vary in shape and size and cost ($30-$200 depending on brand, quality and outlet), but the younger your child is the smaller the racket must be. Actually, his racket must be the same size as your arm plus your hand. Speak to your local Tennis Coach he will advise you. Balls are cheap ($2-$3). Clothing can be a polo or T-shirt and shorts and tennis shoes.

Stars and Events not to be missed!

Australia dominated world tennis in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, when:

• The Australian Tennis professionals of today are great role models for our children. Think of Lleyton Hewitt, Samantha Stosur, Patt Rafter. They all show our kids what dedication and hard work can lead too.
• We won the Davis Cup 15 times in the 18 years from 1950 to 1967
• Rod Laver took the men's singles Gram Slam in 1962 and 1969
• Margaret Court won the women's singles Gram Slam in 1970
• Frank Sedgman and Ken McGregor were men's doubles Grand Slam winners in 1952
• Ken Fletcher and Margaret Court achieved the mixed doubles Grand Slam in 1963.

The Australian Open, held in Melbourne, is the first Grand Slam of the year, in January, and is one of the 4 Grand Slam Opens (Paris, New York, London, and Melbourne) . It has extensive TV coverage worldwide. The Australian Open is always played in the last 2 weeks of January during school holidays. If you like, Tennis this is a great Family outing.

There are many other major international tennis opens in Australia featuring the best players in the world that are broadcasted on TV. Rod Laver Arena is the eighth largest tennis stadium in the world and the first to have a moveable roof.