What Tennis Tournaments Should My Child Be Playing?
As a tennis parent, one of the most common questions you’ll find yourself asking is: “What tournaments should my child be playing?”
With so many options out there—from Hot Shots match play to UTR events and Tennis Australia-sanctioned tournaments—it can be overwhelming to choose the right path. The answer depends on your child’s age, experience level, goals, and most importantly, their enjoyment of the sport.
Let’s break it down stage by stage.
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1. Red Ball (Ages 5–7, Beginners)
Best options:
• In-House Match Play: These are relaxed, coach-supervised sessions where kids learn to keep score and understand the spirit of competition in a fun setting.
• Club Fun Days: Low-pressure events that mix tennis with games and activities. Great for confidence-building.
💡 Goal: Introduce the concept of competition in a playful way without pressure. Focus on enjoyment and effort, not winning.
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2. Orange Ball (Ages 7–9, Developing Players)
Best options:
• In-House Tournaments: Players start to rally more consistently, so they can enjoy mini-matches.
• Club/Local Orange Ball Events: Many associations run age- and ball-level-based tournaments that are ideal for learning rules, scoring, and basic match tactics.
💡 Goal: Build resilience, court awareness, and a basic understanding of strategy. Learning to compete with a positive attitude matters more than the result.
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3. Green Ball (Ages 9–10, Intermediate Level)
Best options:
• Green Ball UTR Match Play: Great for playing longer matches and starting to track performance.
• Local/Regional Tournaments: Many Tennis Australia and local associations host Green Ball events with a mix of skill levels.
💡 Goal: Begin learning how to compete under pressure. Use results as learning opportunities—not a measure of self-worth.
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4. Yellow Ball (Ages 10+, Advanced or Transitioning Players)
Best options:
• UTR Events: These match players of similar levels and provide an excellent benchmark for progress.
• Tennis Australia Junior Tour (JT): For players ready to travel and compete more seriously. Tournaments are graded (JDS, JT 125, JT 250, etc.), and it’s good to start with lower-grade events.
💡 Goal: Learn to prepare for matches, develop routines, handle wins/losses maturely, and set long-term goals.
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Things to Consider When Choosing a Tournament
• Is the format appropriate for my child’s level?
• Are they excited or nervous in a healthy way?
• Will they get meaningful matches (not too easy, not too hard)?
• Do they have support—coach, parent, or friend—during the event?
• Are we balancing tournament play with rest, training, and fun?
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Final Thoughts
Tournaments are a fantastic part of a child’s tennis journey—but they’re just one part. The key is to choose events that match your child’s stage, fuel their love of the game, and help them grow through both success and struggle.
If you’re ever unsure, chat with your child’s coach. We’re here to guide your journey and ensure that competition remains healthy, exciting, and developmental.
🎾 It’s not about rushing to win—it’s about learning how to compete, enjoy, and improve.
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Have questions about what tournament your child should play next? Feel free to reach out or chat with us during the next session!
Kind regards,
Leo
Our Tennis Journey
