Why Hot Shots Tennis Is the Perfect Start for Your Child’s Tennis Journey
At Jones Co. Tennis we’re proud to be the leading provider of Hot Shots group classes in the Illawarra. With the region’s most dynamic coaching team and a proven track record of engaging kids in tennis, we’ve become the go-to program for families looking for quality, fun, and progression. Whether your child is just starting or moving through the stages, we’re here to make sure every experience on court is a positive one.
If you're considering tennis lessons for your child, Tennis Australia's Hot Shots Tennis program offers a fun, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate introduction to the sport. Designed for children aged 3 to Teens, Hot Shots Tennis uses modified equipment and tailored coaching to ensure kids enjoy learning tennis at their own pace.
🧒 Age-Appropriate Stages
Hot Shots Tennis is divided into four stages, each aligning with a child's age and skill level:
Blue Stage (Ages 3–5+): Focuses on fundamental movement skills through play-based activities, emphasizing listening, cooperation, and communication.
Red Stage (Ages 5–8+): Introduces basic tennis skills and strategies, fostering fair play, persistence, and teamwork.
Orange Stage (Ages 8–10): Develops more advanced skills and match play, promoting resilience and respectful relationships.
Green Stage (Ages 10+): Refines skills and strategies, encouraging leadership, empathy, and problem-solving.
Yellow Ball (13+): Students play on full court & compression balls and continue to develop technical & matchplay skills
🤝 The Power of Peer-to-Peer Learning
Hot Shots group classes are about more than just hitting balls—they're a shared learning experience. Kids learn from each other through cooperative games, partner drills, and mini matches. Seeing peers succeed fosters motivation, while working together helps develop communication, empathy, and leadership skills. Group learning also builds a sense of community, making kids more likely to stick with the sport and look forward to every session. You won’t see kids just standing in a line waiting to hit a ball in our class.
🏃♀️ Modified Equipment for Easier Learning
To make tennis more accessible, Hot Shots Tennis uses:
Smaller courts
Lower nets
Lighter racquets with larger heads
Low-compression balls that bounce lower and move slower
These modifications help children develop confidence and enjoy the game from the start.
👨🏫 Qualified Coaches and Supportive Environment
All our Hot Shots Tennis sessions are led by qualified Tennis Australia coaches who guide your child's learning every step of the way. In some remote and regional areas, trained volunteers facilitate play-based sessions, ensuring all children have access to the program.
💰 Flexible and Affordable
We offer a range of flexible pricing options, including our great-value Unlimited Subscription, giving you access to all group classes – as much tennis as you can handle!
As well as discounts on Term Packages as well as Casual class options. We also accept Active Kids Vouchers.
More information about all our options can be found on our website.
🧢 What to Bring
We provided all other equipment needed for the lesson including age appropriate racquets & balls. If your child decided to continue we can help guide on the best equipment for them.
For each session, your child should have:
Comfortable sports clothing and runners
A hat and sunscreen
A water bottle
🌈 Emphasis on Safety and Inclusion
Hot Shots Tennis is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all participants. All our qualified coaches have valid Working With Children and Police Checks. The program aims to reflect the diversity of communities and welcomes children of all backgrounds and abilities.
👋 How Do I Get Started?
We offer a trial class for all new students — so your child can try it out with no pressure. Whether you're based in Wollongong, Shellharbour, or anywhere in the Illawarra, there’s a class nearby waiting for them.
Students can join our programs at any point during the school term, there is no commitment to join for the full term as our classes are fully flexible.
Now’s the perfect time to book your free trial and let your child experience the magic of tennis for themselves. Spots fill quickly and bookings are essential.
👉 Head to our contact page and fill in your details and we will get back to you with some suggestions on the perfect class for your child.
Let’s get them moving, smiling, and learning something new — one bounce at a time.