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.

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.

Book a Free TrialSomerton Park Tennis Club

What your child learns

Red Ball develops the fundamental strokes — forehand, backhand, and the first serves and volleys — on a half-size court where the ball bounces low and slow enough for a young player to read it. Children learn to rally, to move to the ball, and to keep score, building genuine match awareness rather than just hitting in lines.

Underneath the strokes we keep developing the ABCs of athletic movement: agility, balance, and coordination. The slower red ball gives children the time their developing coordination needs, so success comes early and confidence grows with it.

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 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Mon Red Ball
$20/session
Tue 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Tue Red Ball
$20/session
Wed 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Wed Girls Red Ball
$20/session
Thu 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Thu Red Squad
$25/session

From $20/session. Get Active Kids vouchers accepted — submit in-app after signup.

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.