Plain-English definitions and on-court coaching cues for players, parents, and coaches across all development stages.
Choosing what to do with the ball.
Every shot happens in one of three phases, decided by where you and your opponent are: attack, build, or defend. In orange, players work mainly on build and attack, with defence being introduced.
“Are you attacking, building or defending on this ball?”
The phase where you have the advantage: you're inside the court, your opponent is pushed back or wide, and the ball is high or close to the net.
“Short ball, you're inside the court. Go for it.”
The phase where neither player has the advantage. The goal is to move the opponent and create an opening, without taking big risks.
“Build the point. Wait for the short ball.”
The phase where your opponent has the advantage. The goal is to get the ball back high and deep to buy time.
“Under pressure? Hit it high and deep and reset.”
Keeping the ball in play over many shots. The first tactical goal at every young stage.
“Win by making one more ball than them.”
Choosing where the ball goes: cross-court or down the line.
“Cross-court is the safe choice.”
How close to the opponent's baseline the ball lands. Deep balls push opponents back.
“Aim past the service line.”
Short, wide shots that pull the opponent off the court. An Orange 2 tactical goal.
“Pull them wide, then hit into the space.”
How high the ball travels over the net. Players learn to recognize high balls (above the shoulder) and low balls (below the knee) and to choose trajectory on purpose.
“Higher over the net, deeper in the court.”
Recognizing and using fast, slow, heavy and light balls. Children learn to feel the difference and use each one on purpose.
“That was a heavy ball. Give it a bit more room.”
Moving forward to the net behind a good shot to finish the point with a volley. In orange, players learn when to come in and where to stand.
“Short ball, hit and follow it in.”
Timing your split-step to the moment your opponent makes contact, so you're ready to move either way.
“Their hit is your hop.”
Two-against-two play. At orange stage it teaches teamwork, communication and net play.
“Talk to your partner every point.”
Recognizing whether a ball will land close to you or far away, and moving accordingly.
“Is this one coming close or far?”
Hitting with a partner to keep the ball going rather than to win the point. It is the first goal of red tennis and a warm-up habit at every stage.
“How many can we get in a row?”
The simplest tactical habit: hit the ball, then move back to the middle to get ready for the next one.
“Hit it and come home to the middle.”