Ages 5-8
Red Ball Tennis Lessons Adelaide (Ages 5-8)
Red Ball is the foundation stage of the Tennis Australia Hot Shots pathway, and it is where most children's tennis really begins. At Somerton Park, our five-to-eight-year-olds play on a shorter court with slower red balls and lightweight racquets — equipment scaled so they can rally, score, and actually play tennis from day one.
What your child learns
On a half-size court with a slow red ball, children build the fundamentals and start playing real points from day one:
- The fundamental strokes — forehand, backhand, and first serves and volleys.
- How to rally, move to the ball, and keep score — genuine match awareness, not just hitting in lines.
- The ABCs of athletic movement (agility, balance, coordination), with the slow ball giving time to succeed early.
How a session runs
Sessions blend skill games, rallying, and mini-matches so children are always playing, not queuing. We coach through feel, not formula — every player is read individually and given personal feedback each session, not just group instruction. That individual attention is what moves a child forward and what parents tell us they notice most.
Red Ball runs in small groups at Somerton Park Tennis Club across the week. Get Active Kids vouchers are accepted toward fees — submit yours in-app after signup.
Red Ball sessions this term
Mon 4:00 PM
Monday Red Ball
Mon 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Mon Red Ball
Mon 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Mon Red Ball
Tue 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Tue Red Ball
Tue 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Tue Red Ball
Wed 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Wed Girls Red Ball
Wed 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Wed Girls Red Ball
Thu 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Thu Red Squad
Thu 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Thu Red Squad
Fri 4:00 PM
Friday Hot Shots
$15/ session
Get Active Kids vouchers accepted — submit in-app after signup.
All Red Ball groups run at our home courts — tennis lessons in Somerton Park has directions, parking and the court map.
Who coaches your child
Maxim Paskalutsa
Founder & Head Coach, Sunrise Tennis
“Feel over formula — every player read individually, every session built around play.”
- Working With Children Check· Current
Frequently asked questions
- What is Red Ball tennis?
- Red Ball is the first competitive stage of Tennis Australia Hot Shots, for ages 5-8. It uses a slower red ball, a shorter court, and a lightweight racquet so children can rally and play points from the very start.
- My child has never played tennis — is that okay?
- Absolutely. Red Ball assumes no experience. The scaled equipment and game-based sessions mean a complete beginner can rally and enjoy themselves in their first lesson.
- Do you offer a free trial?
- Yes. Every new family can book a free trial session — no account and no commitment needed — so your child can try Red Ball before enrolling.
- Can I use a Get Active Kids voucher?
- Yes. Sunrise Tennis accepts the South Australian Get Active Kids voucher toward program fees. You submit it in the parent portal after signing up.
More questions? Read our full FAQ.
Try Red Ball for free.
One free session, no account needed — we'll help you find the right level.