Every young tennis player starts somewhere. Maybe it begins with a racquet that feels a little too big, a ball that doesn't quite go where they intended, or the excitement of simply getting across the net for the first time. Before long, those little victories turn into bigger goals, new friendships, and the confidence to compete.
At Four Lakes Athletic Club, we believe the journey from first picking up a racquet to stepping onto the tournament court should be exciting, encouraging, and built around each player's development.
That's where our Orange Ball and Green Ball programs come in!
A Pathway Designed for Growing Players
Junior tennis isn't a one-size-fits-all sport. Young athletes develop at different speeds, and the right equipment, court size, instruction, and playing opportunities make all the difference.
Our junior pathway helps players build skills progressively, gain confidence, and discover how much fun tennis can be.
Getting Started: Learning to Love the Game
For children just beginning their tennis journey, the focus is on fun, movement, coordination, and learning the fundamentals. Players become comfortable holding a racquet, making contact with the ball, moving around the court, and understanding the basic flow of the game.
At this stage, success isn't measured by wins and losses. It's measured by enthusiasm, improvement, and the excitement of wanting to come back for another lesson!
Orange Ball: Building Skills and Confidence
Orange Ball is an exciting next step for developing junior players. Using an appropriately sized court and lower-compression ball, young athletes can develop consistency, improve their movement, learn rally skills, and begin understanding strategy.
Players start putting their skills together in more structured playing situations, learning how to keep score, compete, and enjoy the challenge of playing an opponent.
Green Ball: Preparing for Full-Court Tennis
As players continue to develop, Green Ball helps bridge the gap toward full-court tennis. The ball moves closer to a traditional tennis ball, and players work toward developing stronger groundstrokes, serves, court coverage, consistency, and point construction.
This stage is an important opportunity to build independence, confidence, and match experience while preparing for the next level of junior competition.
Ready to Take the Next Step? There's a Tournament for That!
One of the best ways for young athletes to experience their progress is by participating in a tournament!
FLAC is excited to host an Orange/Green Ball Tournament on Saturday, November 14, giving developing junior players an opportunity to put their skills into action in a supportive competitive environment.
Whether it's a player's first tournament or another opportunity to gain valuable match experience, these events are about more than the final score. They're about learning to compete, practicing good sportsmanship, meeting other young tennis players, and discovering what they're capable of accomplishing.
Tournament play helps young athletes:
Build confidence in their abilities.
Learn to handle different playing styles and challenges.
Develop independence and decision-making.
Practice sportsmanship, respect, and resilience.
Turn practice skills into real match experience.
And parents get a front-row seat to watch all that hard work come together!
Parents: What's the Right Next Step for Your Young Athlete?
If your child has shown an interest in tennis, you may be wondering where to begin. Should they start with lessons? Join a junior program? Try a tournament?
The answer depends on their age, experience, skill level, and goals.
Here are a few ways families can get involved:
1. Start with Instruction
For beginners, structured instruction provides a foundation for proper technique, coordination, and confidence. Learning the fundamentals early helps young players develop good habits while enjoying the process.
2. Build Consistency Through Junior Programming
Regular participation allows players to develop their skills, become comfortable on the court, and progress alongside other athletes. As their abilities grow, coaches can help identify the appropriate next step.
3. Introduce Matchplay
Once players have developed some foundational skills, matchplay provides a valuable opportunity to apply what they've learned. It doesn't have to be about winning. Learning how to serve, rally, keep score, and navigate a match is a tremendous accomplishment.
4. Explore Junior Tournaments
For players ready for a competitive challenge, Orange and Green Ball tournaments are a great introduction to organized competition. They offer real match experience in an environment designed for developing players.
5. Keep Growing!
As players advance, they can work toward full-court tennis, more challenging competition, and eventually USTA tournaments. FLAC offers a junior development pathway for players ages 3–18, helping athletes continue building their game as their skills and goals evolve.
More Than a Sport. A Journey.
Tennis teaches young athletes lessons that extend well beyond the baseline. Patience, perseverance, confidence, accountability, and respect are all part of the game.
Some players will discover a lifelong passion. Others will make friendships, develop athletic skills, and gain confidence that carries into other areas of life. And some may find themselves competing in tournaments and setting bigger goals than they ever imagined when they first picked up a racquet.
Wherever the journey leads, we're here to help them take the next step.
Interested in getting your young athlete started or finding the right program for their current skill level?
Connect with FLAC Tennis Director, Jon Teune, at jon@flaconline.com or 262-743-2644 for guidance on junior programming, player placement, and upcoming competitive opportunities.
At FLAC, every great tennis journey starts with one swing. Let's see where theirs takes them!
