Groundstrokes
PlayersParentsCoaches
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)
Shots hit after the ball bounces: forehand and backhand.
Say it on court
“Groundstrokes are your rally shots.”
TechniquePlayersParents
Stages:
Forehand
The groundstroke hit on the dominant-hand side of the body.
Say it on court
“Forehand side is your racquet-hand side.”
Recommended for junior development: Red, Orange, Green, Yellow (Ages 5–8)ID: forehand
Related Development Terms
4 connected entriesVolleys
PlayersParentsCoaches
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)
Shots hit before the ball bounces: forehand volley, backhand volley, serve and smash.
Say it on court
“No bounce. Catch it out of the air.”
Two-handed backhand
PlayersParentsCoaches
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)
The backhand hit with both hands on the grip. Most orange-stage players use it because it gives more control and strength.
Say it on court
“Two hands give you more control right now.”
One-handed backhand
PlayersParentsCoaches
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)
The backhand hit with only the dominant hand. The free arm pulls back for balance.
Say it on court
“Free hand goes back as the racquet goes forward.”
More in Technique for Red
Strokes, grips and the parts of a good swing.
Groundstrokes
PlayersParentsCoaches
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)
Shots hit after the ball bounces: forehand and backhand.
Say it on court
“Groundstrokes are your rally shots.”
Volleys
PlayersParentsCoaches
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)
Shots hit before the ball bounces: forehand volley, backhand volley, serve and smash.
Say it on court
“No bounce. Catch it out of the air.”
Two-handed backhand
PlayersParentsCoaches
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)
The backhand hit with both hands on the grip. Most orange-stage players use it because it gives more control and strength.
Say it on court
“Two hands give you more control right now.”
Serve
PlayersParentsCoaches
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)
The shot that starts every point, hit from behind the baseline after a toss. In orange, players build a simple, repeatable toss and swing.
Say it on court
“Same toss, every time.”
Volley technique
PlayersCoaches
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)
A short, firm punch at the ball before it bounces, with little backswing and the racquet in front.
Say it on court
“Short and firm. No big swing at the net.”
Grip
PlayersParentsCoaches
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)
How the hand holds the racquet handle. The grip decides the racquet face angle at contact. The main grips are continental, eastern, semi-western and western.
Say it on court
“Check your grip before every point.”