People of all ages love tennis, but until 2010, everyone, regardless of age or size, used the same equipment and the same rules. 

Imagine children playing t-ball on the same size field, with the same size bats that professional baseball players use – it would quickly become more discouraging than fun!

That’s why the United States Tennis Association (USTA) created the 10 and Under Tennis program, with modifications to both the equipment used and court size. These changes allow young players to learn the fundamentals of the game while using racquets, balls, and courts sized to fit their needs. Keep reading to learn more about the equipment used for USTA’s 10 and Under Tennis program!

Tennis Racquets

A tennis racquet that is too big can hinder performance and technique, making it essential to invest in a racquet that fits. Standard adult-sized tennis racquets are 27” in length. Youth players use racquets that range from 23” to 27”.

Here’s a simple trick to find a tennis racquet that’s the right size: 

Hold the tennis racquet by the handle, with the head pointed down to the ground. If the top of the racquet drags on the floor, it’s too big. If the racquet is above the ankle, it’s too small. 

Tennis Balls

Racquets aren’t the only piece of equipment that can be customized. Tennis balls for children under ten are designed for ability and age. 

Balls designed to move more slowly through the air give children the opportunity to reach the ball before it bounces away. In addition, tennis balls for kids bounce lower so they can strike back at a height appropriate for their size. 

There are four main types of tennis balls. Red balls are great for beginners, as they are a bit larger and move slower than the standard ball. From there, orange balls are used for faster travel through the air. Finally, balls with a green dot are the same size as the yellow ball, but have a slightly reduced bounce. Yellow tennis balls are the standard ball over the age of ten. 

Tennis Courts

Modified tennis courts coincide with colors for tennis balls. 

A red court is short and narrow at 36’ by 18’, giving players to opportunity to learn tennis fundamentals. Organe courts are slightly smaller than full-sized courts at 60’ x 21’ for singles and 60’ by 27’ for doubles. The green court is a full-sized court at 78’ in length.  

Scoring

Scoring for 10 and Under Tennis is also modified, allowing for shorter matches and more playing time. This keeps the competitive side of tennis fun for every age group, so children will continue to enjoy playing the game. 

As RSI’s 2011 10 and Under Tennis Facility Developer of the Year, Hinding Tennis has been installing youth courts for over a decade. 

Are you interested in learning more about tennis court sizes for your home or facility? Contact us today!