Learn to Play
Junior Programs
Tennis Canada's latest initiative in junior development is "Progressive Tennis". Progressive tennis uses a systematic progression of court sizes, balls, and racquets, to scale the game down to an appropriate level.
Our instructional programs are divided into 5 groups. Whether your child wants to be the next Federer or Serena, or just wants to get out and learn tennis basics and have fun, Markham Tennis Club has a program to suit their need.
Red Ball
AGES: 3-7
Sign up: 4-weeks
May to September
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Monday to Thursday
Time: 4-5 PM
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Saturday
Time: 9-9:45 AM, 9:45-10:30 AM
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Price: $75 plus HST per session.
Red Ball - ½ court progressive net (ages 3-7)
MTC Red Ball tennis program is geared for kids ages 3-7, where children will focus on coordination, footwork, and movement using a fun, game-based approach.
Progressive Tennis is considered by Tennis Canada and the International Tennis Federation to be the most effective and practical way to teach tennis to kids aged 3-7 years old.
Skills that students are taught in this class include underhand and overhead throwing, catching, learning to hit a dropped ball, volleying, and underhand serve in the ½ court.
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Program Level:
At this stage, players are not yet proficient in rallying and may possess fundamental tennis skills such as catching and throwing. Some students might be able to hit the ball, but with limited accuracy. The focus of this level is on developing basic athletic skills like throwing, catching, and tracking, which are directly linked to enhancing their tennis performance. Participants will also be introduced to proper grips and various shots during this phase.
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To progress to the next level, completing at least two sessions successfully is necessary, and approval from the coach is required for advancement.
Orange Ball
AGES: 7-11
Sign up: 4-weeks
May to September
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Monday to Thursday
Time: 4-5 PM
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Saturday
Time: 9-9:45 AM, 9:45-10:30 AM
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Price: $80 plus HST per session.
Orange Ball - ½ court progressive net (ages 7-11)
An instructional program for beginner to intermediate players using modified balls and courts. The focus is on improving fundamentals in a friendly environment.
The orange ball tennis program is geared for kids ages 7-11, where children will focus on coordination, footwork, and movement using a fun, game-based approach.
In this stage, children are taught to have basic exchanges from either the mini court or 18 meters (3/4 court). Skills that are taught in this class include groundstroke rallies, overhead serve, volley, and basic footwork.
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Program Level:
Players may be new to tennis or have some prior experience. At the orange ball level, players should possess the physical skills necessary to adeptly cover the orange court during point play. Participants will focus on developing the ability to rally and engage in basic point play, provided they consistently work on refining their tennis fundamentals.
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To progress to the next level, completing at least two sessions successfully is necessary, and approval from the coach is required for advancement.
Green Ball
AGES: 8-12
Sign up: 4-weeks
May to September
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Monday to Thursday
Time: 4-5 PM
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Saturday
Time: 9-10 AM,10-11 AM
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Price: $95 plus HST per session.
Green Ball - modified full court (ages 8-12)
Green Dot is geared towards kids aged 8-12 years old. This program aims to learn all the tactical and stroke fundamentals to play singles and doubles tennis on their own or in a house league. Sessions are geared toward players looking to develop, expand, and create lifelong skills on the court while having fun.
This is for kids playing with a green or regular tennis ball on a full-size court. Players will be assessed on the first day and placed in the appropriate group/ball.
Program Highlights:
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Refining strokes and building a solid foundation
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Improving and learning how to play tennis while scoring
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Tactics, strategy, and mental conditioning
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Improving footwork and level of fitness
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Program Level:
Players should be capable of hitting a ball over the net and possessing some basic rally skills. They will further develop their ability to rally and engage in basic point play as long as they are committed to enhancing their tennis fundamentals. Additional evaluation may be necessary to determine if your child is suitable for placement in this program.
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To progress to the next level, completing at least two sessions successfully is necessary, and approval from the coach is required for advancement.
Parent & Tot
AGES: 2-4
Sign up: 4-weeks
May to September
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Monday
Time: 3:15-4 PM
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Price: $75 plus HST per session.
This program provides a great introduction for parents to get involved with their little superstar.
All Kids learn through repetitive teaching, play, word association, and consistent lessons. With careful supervision, our little tennis superstars learn to use their bodies to naturally act as athletes way on and off the court. Our methods are gentle, controlled, and guided throughout the entire lesson.
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Program Level:
This program is for parents and their kids ages 2-4 who want to introduce them to sports and do so together on a court with a certified coach! Neither parent nor their child need to have previous experience. Our staff will lead the session for you and your child.
Contact: juniors@markhamtennisclub.ca