Which tennis racket is right for my child?

The racket length depends on age and height:

• 3-5 years: 21" (53 cm)
• 5-7 years: 23" (58 cm)
• 7-9 years: 25" (63 cm)
• 9-12 years: 27" (66-68 cm)

The Equipment Guide in WHACK! shows you exactly which racket is suitable for which stage.

My child is only 3 years old. Isn't that too early for tennis?

No, perfect! The Blue Stage is designed specifically for 3-6 year olds. It's not about tennis technique, but about rolling, catching, and ball control – playfully and without pressure. The earlier, the better.

My child is already 10 or 11 years old. Is it still worth it?

Absolutely. The guide covers all age groups from 3-12 years. With the Quick Start Test, you'll find the right stage in 2 minutes – whether you're a beginner or advanced.

At what age can children learn tennis?

Children can start playing tennis from the age of 3 – but not with traditional training. The Blue Stage focuses on ball feel, coordination, and movement: rolling, catching, and basic racket swinging. Proper mini-tennis with the Play+Stay system begins around 5-6 years old. WHACK! covers all age groups from 3-12 years.

Do I need a tennis court to practice with my child?

No! The Blue Stage (ages 3-6) works perfectly well without any special space – in the living room, garden, or park. Only from the Red Stage onwards – from around age 6 – do you need a small court (approx. 5x6m). Many clubs offer mini-courts for children. The guide also shows you alternatives for playing at home.

How often should a child practice tennis?

For beginners, 1-2 short sessions per week (10-20 minutes) are sufficient. Children learn better in short, regular sessions than in long training sessions. More important than the duration: fun and a sense of accomplishment. With WHACK! you practice at your own pace.

My child loses interest quickly. What am I doing wrong?

Most of the time, the problem is that children find it too difficult to get started. The courts are too big, the balls are too fast, and there are too many explanations. The solution: Start one level lower than you think. Small successes motivate – frustration is a hindrance. WHACK! shows you how to find the right entry point.

What is the Play+Stay system / mini-tennis?

Play+Stay is the official children's tennis concept of the ITF and DTB. Children play on adapted courts with softer balls:

• Red (small court): 5-8 years
• Orange (mid court): 7-10 years
• Green (regular court): 9-12 years

WHACK! is based on this system and expands it to include the Blue Stage for 3-6 year olds.

Can I teach my child tennis without being a coach myself?

If you have tennis experience yourself - up to a certain level, yes.

How do I find out which grade my child should start in?

Find out in 2 minutes with the Quick Start Test in WHACK! Four simple tests will show you whether your child should start in the Blue, Red, Orange, or Green Stage. The golden rule: It's better to start too easy and progress quickly than to start too difficult and give up in frustration.

Can I teach my child tennis without being a coach myself?

If you play tennis yourself – yes, up to a certain level! You don't need a coaching license, but you do need the right system. Because playing tennis and teaching tennis are two different things. WHACK! fills exactly this gap: 40+ exercises, clearly explained, and immediately applicable.

Teaching children tennis: The step-by-step guide for parents (3-12 years)

Do you play tennis yourself and want to teach your child? The WHACK! Guide shows you how children learn tennis – step by step, without frustration, with the proven Play+Stay system .

Why your child loses interest after 5 minutes

Many tennis parents know this feeling: You're looking forward to spending time together on the court – but your child wants to stop after 5 minutes. The problem isn't your child. The problem is the wrong approach. Courts that are too big, balls that are too fast, too many explanations. With the right system, everything changes.

The 4-step system: How children learn tennis correctly

WHACK! is based on the internationally proven Play+Stay concept – adapted for parents without coaching experience:

• Blue Stage (3-6 years): Develop ball control through rolling and catching
• Red Stage (5-8 years): First rallies on a small court using training balls
• Orange Stage (7-10 years): Consolidating technique in the midcourt
• Green Stage (9-12 years): Transition to full-court tennis

At what age can children start playing tennis? As young as 3 years old – if you know how.

Practicing tennis with a child – even without coaching experience

You don't need a coaching license to teach your child tennis. What you do need is the right system. Because good players aren't automatically good teachers. WHACK! fills this gap perfectly – with 40+ exercises you can implement immediately.

Which tennis racket and tennis ball are suitable for which age group?

Having the right equipment is crucial. The Equipment Guide shows you:

• Which tennis racket size for which age (17-26 inches)
• Which methodology balls for which stage (red, orange, green)
• Which court size for which development stage

No guesswork, no bad purchases.

40+ Kids' Tennis Exercises – Immediately Usable

Each exercise in the guide follows a clear structure: How to do it, tips, variations . Perfect for tennis-loving parents who want to learn together with their child – at their own pace, without expensive tennis lessons.

Frequently Asked Questions: Tennis for Children (Beginners)

At what age can children learn tennis?

From age 3 with the Blue Stage. Proper mini-tennis from age 5-6.

Do I need a tennis court?

No. The Blue Stage works in the garden or park.

How much does tennis cost for children?

With WHACK! you save hundreds of euros on course fees. One-time fee of €19.90 .