Foundation Program

The entry stage of the ML Tennis Player Development Pathway.

Where Tennis Begins

The ML Tennis Foundation Program introduces young players to tennis through a structured development pathway designed to build movement skills, coordination and fundamental tennis technique. Using modified courts, racquets, and balls aligned with the Tennis Australia Hot Shots framework, players can rally sooner, build confidence, and develop a strong foundation for long-term improvement. This program forms the first stage of the ML Tennis player development pathway, supporting players as they progress through the coloured ball stages and beyond.

Blue Stage

Age 3-5 (30 - 45 minutes)

Red Stage

Age 5-8 (45 minutes)

Orange Stage

Age 8-10 (45 - 60 min sessions)

Green Stage

Age 9+ (45 - 60 minutes)

The Blue Ball stage introduces young children to tennis through fun, movement-based activities that develop fundamental athletic skills, coordination and early racquet awareness. Sessions develop physical literacy through balance, agility, catching, throwing and movement patterns, while introducing early racquet and ball interaction in a supportive and engaging environment. Using oversized red balls and modified courts allows players to experience early success while building confidence and enjoyment. This stage provides a positive first experience with tennis and lays the foundations for progression to the Red Ball stage of the ML Tennis pathway.

What Players Develop

Movement & Coordination

Balance, agility, running, jumping, catching and throwing.

Early Racquet Skills

Tracking the ball, controlling the racquet and making contact.

Confidence & Enjoyment

Building confidence through fun, engaging activities.

Social Development

Participation, listening, cooperation and teamwork.

Program Levels

Blue Fundamentals I (Ages 3–4)

Introduction to movement, coordination and early racquet interaction through fun and engaging activities.

Running, jumping and coordination
Catching and throwing
Early racquet interaction
Listening and following simple instructions

The emphasis is on movement, exploration and enjoyment, helping children build confidence in a supportive environment.

Progression: Blue Fundamentals II

Blue Fundamentals II (Ages 4–5)

Builds on the foundations of Fundamentals, while introducing more structured tennis-based activities.

Tracking and interacting with the ball
Developing early racquet control
Improving balance and agility
Working with partners and in groups
Participating in simple rally and cooperative activities

Players begin developing the building blocks of tennis skills while continuing to build confidence and enjoyment.

Progression: Red Foundation I

Equipment & Format

Ball

Red or Foam tennis balls

Court

Modified court, lower net height

Racquet

17–19 inch junior racquets

Session Format

Sessions include a variety of movement, coordination and racquet-based activities designed to keep players active and engaged:

Movement games
Coordination challenges
Catching and throwing
Early racquet and ball interaction
Cooperative partner activities

Sessions are designed to build confidence, enjoyment and a love of physical activity.

NEXT STEP

Red Ball Foundation Stage

Players progress into the Red Ball Foundation stage, where they begin learning to rally and develop the basic movements and techniques of tennis.

The Red Ball stage introduces players to the fundamental skills and movements of tennis while continuing to develop coordination, balance and athletic movement. Using low-compression balls and modified courts, players begin to rally with a partner, develop basic technique and gain an understanding of simple tactics and scoring. This stage lays the foundation for progressing through the ML Tennis pathway and is where players begin learning to play tennis.

What Players Develop