Junior Programs

THPRD is passionate about creating a positive learning environment for our patrons. Our tennis programs are divided by age and level to allow everyone to be successful. If you are enrolling someone who is new to the sport or has not received tennis instruction before, they should begin in Level 1. At the end of each class session, patrons will be advised if they should stay in the same level or move to the next level.

Compression balls

In the last decade compression tennis balls have been used to aid the development of beginning and intermediate level tennis players, for both youth and adults. Compression balls travel slower, which allows players to develop their fundamentals and technique in a more controlled environment. As you progress levels, you will transition to a ball that will move faster. If you or your child uses a certain type of compression ball in class we recommend purchasing the same type of ball for practice.

Red compression balls
Red compression balls are used for beginning levels and are slightly larger than yellow tennis balls. They are designed to be used on a 36-foot court, or the distance between the service line on either side of the net.

Orange compression balls
Orange compression balls are smaller than red compression balls but still travel significantly slower than a yellow ball. They are designed to be used on a 60-foot court, where the baseline is roughly halfway between the service line and the full-court baseline. Some tennis courts (including Cedar Park) have these lines.

Green dot compression balls
Green dot or “green” compression are the same size as yellow balls but are lower compression. They are generally yellow with a green dot on them. These balls are designed for use on a full-size court, but still travel slightly slower than a yellow ball.

Tennis Levels

Beginner (Levels 1-1.5)
Beginning level lessons are designed for players who are new to the sport or have had little to no instruction. Players will learn the basics of all strokes; forehand and backhand groundstrokes, forehand and backhand volleys, overheads, and serves. This class will be taught using compression balls.

Intermediate (Levels 2-2.5)
Players entering this level will have a familiarity with the technique for all strokes. Players will work on refining their technique and developing consistency in all strokes. Use of topspin and slice on groundstrokes will be introduced. More advanced concepts such as match scoring, positioning for singles and doubles, and basic strategy will be introduced. Players will need to be proficient at hitting while on the run and maintaining a groundstroke and volley rally to advance from this level. These classes may be taught with a mixture of compression and yellow balls.

Advanced (Levels 3-4)
Players in level 3 will continue to refine their strokes and improve their consistency. Spin on groundstrokes will be emphasized and slice and topspin serves will be introduced. As players move to level 4 the emphasis becomes more on the strategic and mental aspects of the game, along with continuing to tweak and improve the technical aspects of strokes. Players at level 4 will be ready to compete in beginner and intermediate level tournaments. These classes are taught with yellow balls.