Youth – Harbour Island Tennis

Tiny Tots (Ages 4 to 7)

The red ball group. This carefully curated class teaches the basics, such as forehands, backhands and serves. Using 19, 21, or 23 inch racquets, the kids play on a court that is 36’x18′, and the net is 2’9″ tall. The kids have a ton of fun and make new friends, learning to truly enjoy tennis. 6:1 Student to Pro Ratio

Rising Stars (Ages 7 to 12)

This is the next wave of kid tennis stars! They will now use the orange balls, which bounce higher and fly faster, on courts that are 60’x21′, and with nets 3” higher. There will be more focus on technique – and even more fun! 8:1 Student to Pro Ratio

Shooting Stars (Ages 9 to 13)

Satellite kids are generally of middle school age. They have graduated from the orange ball to the green ball, and the court they play on is 78’x36′ with a 3 foot net. The kids will develop solid fundamental technical skills and better pacing, footwork and movement. This is when they start forming “their game.” 8:1 Student to Pro Ratio

High Performance (Ages 10 to 17)

This is the high school-age team where they use the yellow ball on full-sized courts. The clinic involves constant movement, since now they have the ability to fully concentrate and understand the concept of setting goals and controlling their surroundings. 8:1 Student to Pro Ratio

Summer Program

It’s always an exciting summer for kids at Harbour Island Tennis. The summer juniors program is offered to kids of all ages. The younger children use smaller racquets and courts while the older kids enjoy lighthearted competition. All the juniors have real fun as they play real tennis. We teach proper techniques and age appropriate skills, steadily building their confidence and always encouraging good sportsmanship that helps nurture new friendships. Each two week summer camp ends with a full day of play to allow everyone to showcase their newly acquired skills.

Getting Kids Ready for Tennis

Tennis requires basic items, such as the correct size racquet and tennis shoes. However, the real key to developing a tennis player who enjoys the game is their attitude. We ask that parents encourage their kids to have a great one!

At Harbour Island, we believe the following:

Keep Sports FUN

Whether your child is playing catch in the yard or competing in a tournament, fun is the key factor. We want them to laugh, smile and enjoy hitting a tennis ball. If you’re playing with them, make sure to include an element of friendly competition — but never with any negative consequences. Meaning: no sad, frustrated or angry faces. Remember, FUN is the reason kids gravitate to sports, and it’s the best reason for them to stay.

Involve All Participants

It’s never fun to just stand around and watch someone else hit, catch or kick a ball. Every kid wants to play. So if your child is doing more watching and waiting than playing, it may be time for a change — of team, coach or sport. Smaller groups are ideal. and this is exactly what Harbour Island provides. We want your child active, involved and playing with his/her heart.

Encourage Effort

In sports and life, the only thing you can control is yourself. In other words: make the effort. You can’t be sure to win a game, but what you can do is try. There are so many factors out of an athlete’s control, such as the opposing player’s skill, the weather, and more. The goal should simply be to give your best effort in every situation. That way, you’ll always be a winner, no matter the final score. What we will tell young players is this: “Have fun, play with your heart and a positive attitude, and try your best. That’s what champions do!”