CompetitionParentsCoachesPlayers
Stages:

Competition

Matches and tournaments are a tool for learning, not the goal of training. They keep motivation high, test skills under pressure, and teach how to handle winning and losing.
Say it on court
“The match is part of practice. What are you working on today?”
Recommended for junior development: Red, Orange, Green, Yellow (Ages 5–8)ID: competition

Related Development Terms

4 connected entries
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)

The orange stage is when players move gradually from fun, promotional events to formal under-10 competition, with the right court, ball and equipment for their level.

Say it on court

“We'll start with team events before individual tournaments.”

Match goals
PlayersParentsCoaches
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)

Every match should have one or two clear learning goals the player keeps trying until they succeed, whatever the score.

Say it on court

“Win or lose, did you hit your match goal?”

Sportsmanship
PlayersParentsCoaches
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)

Commitment, discipline, and respectful behaviour toward opponents, officials and coaches. The same standard applies to parents.

Say it on court

“Shake hands, look them in the eye, say good match.”

Simplified rules
CoachesParents
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)

Modified scoring and rules for young players (shorter matches, simpler scoring) so they get more play and more success.

Say it on court

“Short sets mean more matches and more learning.”

More in Competition for Red

Matches as a learning tool.

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Sportsmanship
PlayersParentsCoaches
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)

Commitment, discipline, and respectful behaviour toward opponents, officials and coaches. The same standard applies to parents.

Say it on court

“Shake hands, look them in the eye, say good match.”

Simplified rules
CoachesParents
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)

Modified scoring and rules for young players (shorter matches, simpler scoring) so they get more play and more success.

Say it on court

“Short sets mean more matches and more learning.”