Orange 1 Level

Ages: Orange 1 is an entry point for beginners aged 10+. However, it is also for graduates aged 8+ from Red 2. If possible, we will try to split younger graduates and older beginners into separate groups. 

Court Size: We play over a mini net using half of a full tennis court and use an orange colour ball. 

Racquet Size: 23 – 25 inch

Player Characteristics

Beginners – Players will learn the basics, such as salute serve and low to high swings. Trying to establish control over the ball. Learning coordination skills such as throwing and catching is also important, so a lot of activities will be partner-based throw and catch. 

Graduates from red 2 – Will spend a short period of time on orange 1 to transition to using orange balls that bounce much higher than red balls. Once they gain control over the orange ball they will level up to orange 2 . 

Equipment

• Hitting Tees (Topspin Pros) – Players will learn technique checpoints for forehand and backhand, including unit turn and letter c.
• Backboards – Players will learn to prepare the racquet early and change grips between forehand and backhand shots. 
• Wall – Players will learn to volley on the full with no bounce, to control a low to high swing rally with a long contact zone, and prepare the racquet early for rallies further back
• Ball Machines – Players will learn bailey method footwork

How to level up

It generally takes 1 year to pass each level, but it depends on how often you train. For faster progress, we recommend also doing Hotshots Matchplay and Orange Development Squad.

• Can serve in 7/10 with a continuous motion from the ready position. 
• Can Demonstrate all checkpoints
• Can do a unit turn and letter C on the backboards
• Can rally 10+ shots and are starting to use unit turn and letter c in rallys over the net
• Can volley on the full 10 shots  on the wall. 
• Can play a match, call in or out, and say the score.

The next level up, Orange 2, plays on a big court up to 3/4 length. It’s a big jump-up in court size, so refining all skills is important before changing to the next level. 

If you feel like your child meets these requirements, come to social tennis and ask for an assessment. We are happy to check on your child’s progress for you.