Next generation of hot shots

This article appears in the November 2009 edition of Sportshorts.

Tennis NSW is nurturing a new generation of ‘hot shots’ through its kids’ starter program.

“Aviva Tennis Hot Shots is Tennis Australia’s official kids’ program for children aged five to 12 years,” says Michelle Clarke from Tennis NSW.

“Through the use of modified court sizes and low-compression tennis balls, kids learn to serve, rally and score in a competitive style format that is appropriate to their development needs,” says Ms Clarke.

Introduced in early 2008, Hot Shots is a shift from traditional tennis participation programs which predominantly focus on skill development.

“Aviva Tennis Hot Shots co-exists with skill development programs, but gets the players into the competitive style of the game immediately.

“Within the first hour of stepping onto the court, kids are actually playing the game - serving, rallying and scoring from the first moment they engage in tennis,” says Ms Clarke.

Hot Shots is delivered to children in two ways – through an existing tennis program/ club or in primary schools. Tennis NSW encourages tennis coaches to deliver Hots Shots, as a way of attracting new players to clubs/programs.

Coaches who become involved receive a host of benefits, including the backing of national media campaigns and extensive program and lesson materials.

Aviva Tennis Hot Shots is steadily growing across NSW and Australia, with a target of 100,000 participants nationally by 2010.

On the court, the program operates on a three-level system - red, orange and green, with children progressing through each as their ability improves.

“The approach follows the international trend of teaching in progressive stages and matching the individual skill level of each player,” says Ms Clarke.

“At each Hot Shots stage, players use lowcompression tennis balls in combination with three different court and racquet sizes.

“Slower balls give players more time and control, making tennis easier to learn, play and enjoy.

“Scaling the game down to their size helps make the learning process easier and a lot more enjoyable. The shorter and narrower court gives kids the confidence and ability to cover the entire court,” says Ms Clarke.

Aviva Tennis Hot Shots is seen as the starting point for tennis. Once kids have completed the “green stage”, they move to a full size court with a regular ball and can start to play in weekly school events, club competitions and statewide tournaments.

Aviva Tennis Hot Shots stage

1. Red Stage Exploring Hot Shots Red (5-7 year olds*)
Children master new skills and learn how to move around the court.

2. Orange Stage Developing Hot Shots Orange (8-10 year olds*)
Players develop a more complete technical repertoire.

3. Green Stage Encouraging Hot Shots Green (10-12 year olds*)
Players work on advanced court positioning, serve, tactics and reaction to opponents.

* Approximate age group only