Playing: National Competition Framework

(Click on a ball to find out more details about that level)

The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) introduced the National Competition Framework from 1st September 2007. The framework is the result of extensive consultation about nthe direction in which to move British tennis forward. The result, the "Blueprint for British Tennis", recognised the need for a straightforward, high quality competitive framework that would give juniors the stimulus they need to get on and stay on the winning path. The framework is designed to ensure that the right competition is provided to the right players at the right time, giving clear guidance to coaches and players about when to move through the red, orange and green of the mini-tennis environment and on into the 11 and over age group.

Mini-Tennis (ages 3 to 10)

The Mini Tennis system runs from red through orange to green, depending on age and standard of play. In summary, each stage comprises:

Tots Tennis - (Ages 3-5) Co-ordination fun based activities introducing skills with the racket to develop the basic fundamentals of the game.

Mini-Tennis Red - (Ages 5-8) Scaled down Court, rackets etc. sponge ball indoor, felt outdoor. Beginning to learn the basic technical shapes and tactics of the game.

Mini-Tennis Orange - (Ages 8/9) Smaller than full court, transition balls allowing more time and less height off the bounce. Beginning to introduce more shape and spin to technique. Bigger courts allow the introduction of a wider choice of tactics.

Mini-Tennis Green - (Age 10) - The third stage is the transitional stage before full tennis. On a full size court with a slightly lower-bouncing ball than is standard the players learn to apply their skills , technique and use tactics. They will compete individually as well as in teams matches.

More....

11 and over

Continuing on from the full-court format reached in mini-tennis green, competitions and tournaments run outside the club tend to increase in importance. The LTA is committed to providing more competition opportunities at all grades for 11 and 12 year olds. The registering of all players is key to achieving this so the LTA can monitor participation numbers by age and ability group to ensure appropriate competition provision.

In anticipation of questions from parents and organisers, the LTA have put together a brief FAQ list regarding the framework.

Where do I fit in to this framework?

Contact Details

Hampton-In-Arden Tennis Club
Shadowbrook Lane
Hampton-In-Arden
Solihull
West Midlands
B92 0DQ
Telephone: 01675 442284

Secretary: Chris Barnes
01675 443572

Coach: Ian Poole
07968 451956