Junior Fundamentals spring Programs
march 9 - june 12

Registration opens February 9

Fundamental Program

Junior Program Fundamental

The AFTC FUNdamental programs are designed for junior ages 4-16. It is the perfect program for players to learn the basics of tennis – serve, rally and score to be able to play a sport for life. As a player progresses from one stage to another, more advanced techniques and ball control skills are introduced.

PLEASE NOTE:
Classes will only run with a minimum of 4 participants. If you have registered for a class and there are less than 4 participants you will be offered the opportunity to move to another day and or time. After registration the AFTC will do their best to advertise days and times of classes not filled to try and fill the class to ensure it runs.

JUNIOR TENNIS PATHWAY

Unlike most sports, kids will spend more than one session at a level. Please refer to the pathway chart below showing the ages and levels.
Coaches will make a recommendation if a player in a Red, Orange, or Green Ball fundamentals program demonstrates the skills, interest, and coachable qualities to train twice a week in the academy programs. These subsidized programs are designed to give kids an opportunity to further develop their skills in a fun, competitive environment.

Fundamentals Program

Le Petit

AGE 4-5

​This program promotes the love of physical activity while laying the foundation for future enjoyment of tennis. Participants learn moving patterns, balance, coordination, and, eye – hand coordination while having fun doing a variety of tennis activities.

REDESIGNED RED / ORANGE FUNDAMENTALS PROGRAMS

Following last year’s successful introduction of our redesigned Red and Orange Ball Fundamentals programs, we’re excited to continue building on this proven approach.

We redesigned our Red and Orange Ball Fundamentals programs to not only “Learn to Play” but also provide a well-structured “Play and Learn” environment. Previously, kids would attend a one-hour weekly class and not touch a racket until their next class – an approach that wasn’t conducive to optimal development or experiencing the fun of playing tennis games. We witnessed tremendous improvement in our junior players once we introduced play days alongside regular lessons.

Now, like many other sports, our program includes both practice sessions and game days, offering a more engaging and effective learning experience.

Juniors registering in one or both fall sessions can still attend all the fall play day sessions.

How It Works

  1. Registration:
    • Enroll your child in a Red or Orange Ball once-a-week program.
  2. Play and Learn Sessions:
    • Included in the registration fee is a 75-minute “Play and Learn” session on Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 2:15 PM.
      • Jan 17
      • Jan 31
      • Feb 28
  3. Tennis New Brunswick Rising Stars events. TBD. 

Incentive Program

  • Participation Rewards:
    • All juniors in the Red and Orange Ball program will have their names displayed on our notice board, where we will track their attendance.
    • Kids will receive stickers for attending a class, a play day, and the once-a-month Tennis New Brunswick “Rising Stars” events in October, November, and December.
    • At the end of the season, prizes will be awarded to kids with the most participation stickers.

Definition:

Learn to Play sessions are structured to introduce and develop fundamental tennis skills in a systematic and enjoyable manner. These sessions focus on:

  • Basic Techniques: Teaching essential tennis strokes, such as forehands, backhands, volleys, and serves.
  • Fundamental Movements: Developing key movement skills, including footwork, balance, and coordination.
  • Rules and Etiquette: Introducing the basic rules of tennis and promoting good sportsmanship and proper court etiquette.
  • Progressive Learning: Ensuring that each child progresses at their own pace, building confidence and competence in their abilities.

These sessions are designed to lay a strong foundation in tennis, making the sport accessible and enjoyable for beginners.

 Play and Learn sessions are designed to reinforce the skills learned during regular classes in a fun, game-based environment. These sessions emphasize the following:

  • Skill Reinforcement: Practicing and honing tennis skills learned during weekly classes.
  • Game-Based Learning: Engaging in tennis games that promote skill development in a fun and interactive way.
  • Social Interaction: Encouraging kids to interact and play with their peers, fostering teamwork and sportsmanship.
  • Increased Playtime: Providing additional court time to ensure kids get more hands-on experience with their rackets and the game.

This approach ensures that kids experience the joy and excitement of playing tennis regularly.

RED BALL

Age 6-8

We use low compression balls, smaller courts, and racquets to teach fundamental skills such as serving, rallying, and scoring. Through tailored equipment and games, children enhance agility, speed, and coordination, laying a strong foundation for future tennis development.

Girls Only Red Ball

This program is run and designed by RickiLee. Based on the same principles as the red ball program girls are guaranteed to have a fun experience learning tennis.

ORANGE BALL

Age 9-11

Whether progressing from Red Ball or starting tennis for the first time, players use a low-compression orange ball and play on a 3/4-size court.

Green Ball

Age 12-16

This popular tennis program for teens introduces players to tennis in a fun, easy, game-based learning environment. Players will learn technical and tactical skills while playing points, as well as learning singles and doubles tactics. Throughout this program, players will also be progressing to using a yellow(regular) tennis ball.

PARENTS CAN DO IT AS WELL!

Instead of sitting and having a coffee, why not show your kids that you can also learn to play tennis. We design our programs to allow parents to participate in their own program while the kids have their lesson. We offer a Cardio tennis class for starter to intermediate players, and a Tennis Xpress class for starter players. See our program descriptions in the adult program guide. 
You do not have to have any tennis experiences to participate in either of the above classes. 
The following are the days and times we run junior and adult classes at the same time. We provide all the necessary equipment for both kids and adults.