What size tennis racket should my child use?

The best length of tennis racket for your child will depend on their height. To measure start by getting your child to stand up with both arms down by their side. Get them to hold a racket in their hand so it's pointing downwards. If the tip of the racket reaches their ankle, then it’s the right one! Source: LTA

Can I hire a tennis racket?

We have a selection of rackets (and balls) to purchase at a number of our venues, at competitive prices. Tennis rackets are available in our sports retail shops at Hyde Park, The Regent's Park, Chiswick and Lammas Park. If you want to try a demo racket before making your purchase you can now do that for just £25 per racket with our exclusive Park Sports Demo Racket Service ! This amount will be deducted from your bill if you decide to subsequently buy the racket from the venue on the day. We do not provide rackets for hire.

What clothing and footwear should my child wear?

When it comes to clothes kids can wear whatever they’re most comfortable in really. Just remember they will be active – think shorts, tracksuit bottoms, t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies. Keep the jeans and heavy coats at home. Shoes wise, we’d suggest that kids wear a comfortable pair of trainers, as these will stop them from slipping and getting foot and ankle injuries when on the court. During the Summer months please apply a high factor sun lotion. If you are unsure, please contact us before arrival.

Is tennis safe for kids?

Tennis as a sport is relatively safe. Of course, there is always a small risk of tripping over or being hit by a ball, but overall the risk of serious injury is minimal. If your child is attending a Park Sports activity, our coaches will make sure they are playing in a safe environment, with the right equipment and to a level that suits their physical ability.

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Junior Tennis

Getting Started

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Learn the Basics

We know starting a new sport can be daunting sometimes, at Park Sports we want every child to have the best start to their tennis journey in a safe and inclusive environment. We've compiled our recommended tennis activities for new comers and a list of FAQ's with help from our friends at the LTA.

Looking to Introduce Your Kid to Tennis?

Any age is a great age to start playing tennis. It’s never too late to pick up a racket, learn some new skills and improve your fitness – parents, that includes you too!

Our extensive tennis programme caters to all abilities and is designed to introduce children as young as four to tennis.

In every Park Sports coach led activity kids will be active, having fun and developing skills! Our coaches will help your child become a confident, well-rounded individual, as well as a skilful player.

Why is Tennis Good for Kids?

Where do we start? Tennis can benefit your kids in so many ways, by providing physical, mental and social skills for life. As well as the obvious fitness training, your child will also:

Find their passion and motivation
Learn resilience through friendly competition
Understand and practise emotional control
Develop respect, communication and teamwork
Focus on personal best, not just winning
Improve balance, agility and co-ordination
Improve focus and reaction times
Meet new people and make friends

Holiday Activity Programme

The Park Sports Holiday Activity Programme offers free 5-day Multi-Sport and Tennis Camp spaces to children aged 5-16 who qualify for benefits-related free school meals. Available at Hyde Park, The Regent’s Park and Greenwich Park.

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Parent's Area - Frequently Asked Questions

Browse All FAQs

What size tennis racket should my child use?
Can I hire a tennis racket?

We have a selection of rackets (and balls) to purchase at a number of our venues, at competitive prices. Tennis rackets are available in our sports retail shops at Hyde Park, The Regent's Park, Chiswick and Lammas Park.
If you want to try a demo racket before making your purchase you can now do that for just £25 per racket with our exclusive Park Sports Demo Racket Service! This amount will be deducted from your bill if you decide to subsequently buy the racket from the venue on the day. We do not provide rackets for hire.
What clothing and footwear should my child wear?

When it comes to clothes kids can wear whatever they’re most comfortable in really. Just remember they will be active – think shorts, tracksuit bottoms, t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies. Keep the jeans and heavy coats at home.
Shoes wise, we’d suggest that kids wear a comfortable pair of trainers, as these will stop them from slipping and getting foot and ankle injuries when on the court. During the Summer months please apply a high factor sun lotion. If you are unsure, please contact us before arrival.
How do you make tennis fun for kids?

Play with friends – playing in a group is always much more fun. Why not find a few school friends to play with or sign your child up for one of our LTA Youth tennis courses?
Mix it up – Book a game together. Keep kids entertained with a variety of games and activities using different skills and equipment. Let them explore, try out new things and use their imagination.
Set a challenge – kids love a bit of competition, so set them a challenge to do on their own, in a team with friends or sign them up for a LTA Junior Tennis Tournament.
Is tennis safe for kids?
What is the minimum age a child can start to play tennis at Park Sports?

Play Tennis Together

Playing together is a brilliant way for the whole family to keep active and playing with your kids will help them progress their game.

If you want to get better at tennis, there’s no substitute for just getting out and playing. Mix it up, even if you don’t play tennis yourself you can always go down and throw balls for your kids to hit or you can set them up to play with one of their friends.

Keep kids entertained with a variety of games and activities using different skills and equipment. Let them explore, try out new things and use their imagination.

Book a Court

Join a Course

Why not find a few school friends to play with or sign your child up for one of our school term LTA Youth Tennis Courses?

For ages 4-16, our courses are split into the five LTA age group Stages: Blue (4-6), Red (6-8), Orange (8-9), Green (9-10) and Yellow (10+). After school and weekend sessions cater to all abilities, so no one gets left behind - no matter their tennis experience!

Fun, dynamic sessions will help kids get to grips with the basics of the game, improve their co-ordination and make new friends along the way.

LTA Youth Courses

Book a Private Lesson

A great way to learn and improve fast is by booking a private lesson with one of our many LTA Accredited coaches.

Our coaches are experts in supporting players of all ages and abilities and will help your kids improve their skills in no time at all. Accredited coaches are trained to the highest standards to work with young players to develop themselves on and off the court.

Coaches will give your kids a chance to hit lots of balls and have lots of fun on court, while also picking up tips and tricks to improve their technique.

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Holiday Camps

Keep your kids entertained over the holidays with one of our week-long Tennis Camps.

Mini Tennis Camps (Age 4-7)

The perfect introduction for beginners and keen young players, our one-hour Mini Tennis Camps are based on fun activities that help kids learn about the sport we love.

Junior Tennis Camps (Age 7-16)

Five days of fun focusing on developing player technique and shot play, through drills and match play. The final camp day features round robin age-specific matches.