The Junior Tennis Pathway
Kids learn tennis best in stages built for their size and skill, not thrown onto a full court with a fast ball before they are ready. Four Seasons follows the red, orange, and green ball progression used across youth tennis. As players grow, they move up to full-court tennis and then to academy and varsity play. The pathway means your child starts at the right level and always has a clear next step.
Why the stages work
Younger players use shorter courts and lighter racquets, with low-compression balls that bounce lower and travel slower. That lets a child actually rally and keep score from the first lesson, instead of chasing balls that fly past them. As skills grow, the court gets bigger and the ball gets faster, in steps a child can handle.
The stages, step by step
First racquet (Little Shots). An introduction for our youngest players. Games and play build coordination and comfort with a racquet, with plenty of encouragement and no pressure.
Red ball. A 36-foot court and a soft, slow red ball sized for beginners. Players learn to rally and keep score on a court they can cover, which builds confidence quickly. Racquets and balls are scaled to the child.
Orange ball. A 60-foot court and a slightly faster orange ball. Players develop full swings and footwork, plus their first tactics for singles and doubles.
Green ball. The full 78-foot court with a green-dot ball that plays about 25 percent slower than a standard ball. This is the bridge to full-speed tennis, with a focus on longer rallies and real point play.
Yellow ball and full-court tennis. Standard balls on the full court. Players refine technique and add spin and pace, then compete for real points, ready for match play and team tennis.
Academy. For committed juniors training for tournaments. A structured, multi-day program covering technical, tactical, physical, and mental development in ability-grouped squads. Entry is by evaluation.
Varsity. Preparation for high school team tennis and competitive juniors, with match play and tournament readiness at the center.
See current sessions for every stage on the Junior Programs page.
Which stage is right for my child
Stage depends on size and skill more than age alone. If you are not sure where to start, call the front desk at (203) 762-2423 for a quick evaluation, and we will place your child at the right level with a clear path forward.
Group and private lessons together
Most juniors progress fastest with a mix of the two. Group programs build match experience and friendships, while private lessons fix the specific stroke or habit a group setting cannot reach.
See Junior Programs Book a private lesson
Frequently asked questions
What is the red, orange, and green ball system?
A step-by-step way to teach tennis using courts and balls scaled to the player. Beginners start on a short court with a slow red ball, then move to orange and green as their skills grow, before reaching standard yellow-ball tennis on the full court.
What age should my child start?
Children can start as soon as they can hold a racquet and follow simple directions. There is a stage for every age and level. Contact the front desk for guidance on the right starting point.
How do I know which stage my child belongs in?
Stage is based on size and skill, not age alone. The front desk can arrange a quick evaluation and place your child correctly.
What is the difference between the ball colors?
Red balls are the slowest and bounce the lowest, on the shortest court. Orange balls are a step faster on a larger court. Green balls play close to a standard ball on the full court. Each color prepares a player for the next.
How long does a child stay at each stage?
It varies by child. Players move up when they are ready, based on skill and comfort, not a fixed timeline.
Do you offer private lessons for juniors?
Yes. Private and semi-private lessons pair well with group programs. See our junior private lessons page for details.
What equipment does my child need?
A racquet sized to their height, plus court shoes and water. Loaner racquets are available, and the front desk can recommend the right racquet and ball for your child’s stage.
What comes after green ball?
Full-court tennis with standard yellow balls, and for committed players, the Academy and Varsity programs for tournament and team play.