Tennis for Kids

Tennis is great for fitness

Tennis was first played in New Zealand in the 1870s. It has been popular ever since. Tennis is usually played outdoors, but it is also available as an indoor sport. Tennis is played competitively at both international and domestic levels.

A video of Tennis for Kids

This video tutorial, presented by tennis instructor Hill Marks, will help your children master the basics of swinging a racquet

Information on tennis for kids in new zealand

Is Tennis right for your kids?

Tennis is one of those kids' activities that almost any child can take part in. Tennis is popular because it:

Promotes fitness
Teaches social skills
Can be played by people of all ages, genders, and abilities
Can be taught from a very young age
Carries a low risk of injury
Teaches strategic skills
Is a great family activity

Get your kids started!

Many schools have tennis courts where kids can learn and practice tennis. Throughout New Zealand, there are also a large number of private tennis courts for hire. Hire costs can vary from $16 to $24 per hour, depending on location and popularity.

Children can also join a tennis club. Fees vary from club to club, with a typical price being approx. $45 a year (plus a joining fee of around $20). Fees usually include free use of courts. Many clubs also arrange their own competitions, which may provide that extra bit of fun and excitement for your child.

Schools, commercial tennis courts, and tennis clubs will usually have their own teachers to provide lessons. The cost of lessons can vary widely, and will depend on the qualifications of the teacher and the number of children in the group.

To find a local tennis teacher for your child, you can::

Check the ActiveActivities directory for tennis lessons and tennis courts
Talk to your child's sports teacher and other parents for recommendations

If your child decides they want to pursue tennis, you will need to buy them their own racquet. There are a wide variety of racquets on the market, with costs ranging from $30-$200. Your child's needs will depend on their age and size; speak to a local tennis coach for advice on what type of racquet to buy. You may also choose to buy your child some tennis balls to practice with. These are usually around $2 or $3 each. Clothing can be as simple as a T-shirt, shorts, and tennis shoes.

Stars and events not to be missed!

Tennis NZ organises the ITF Men's & Women's Tournaments for aspiring professional players, along with the ITF Junior Tournament for children who wish to earn points in the ITF Junior Rankings. The Heineken Open, a domestic tournament, has been held in Auckland since 1956. If you or your children like the game, tennis tournaments make great family outings.

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