Junior Tennis Classes
Our junior pathway for ages 6-17 provides a specialized curriculum developed by professional coaches alongside USTA NorCal and Net Generation guidelines.
Red Ball | Red Rookies
Tailored for young starters to establish robust core tennis mechanics and cultivate structural baseline habits. Executed on a specialized 36-foot court utilizing tailored 21-23 inch rackets.
*Late entries are prorated at $20 per class.Upcoming Red Ball Sessions
Orange Stars
Our Orange Ball class is designed for beginners and developing players ages 8–10. Players will learn fundamental tennis strokes, court positioning, and simple rallying skills, while building confidence and getting ready for match play in a fun, supportive environment.
*Late entries are prorated at $25 per class.Upcoming Orange Ball Sessions
Green Ball
Our Green Ball class is designed for beginners and developing players ages 11–13. Players will refine fundamental tennis strokes, court positioning, and rally consistency on a full-size court, while building confidence and getting ready for match play in a fun, supportive environment.
*Late entries are prorated at $25 per class.Upcoming Green Ball Sessions
Yellow Ball | Pre-Tournament & Tournament
Designed for intermediate and advanced junior players preparing for high school tennis or USTA tournaments. Focuses on strategic play, advanced footwork, situational tactics, and mental toughness.
*Late entries are prorated at $30 per class.Upcoming Yellow Ball Sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment does my child need to bring?
Players should bring a junior or standard tennis racket, court-appropriate shoes (non-marking), and a water bottle. Rackets are sized based on court level (21-23" for Red Ball, 25" for Orange, 26" for Green, and 27" standard for Yellow).
What happens if a class is rained out or canceled?
In the event of weather cancellations, makeup sessions will be scheduled toward the end of the session or extended into buffer weeks. Email notifications are sent out at least 1 hour prior to class time.
Can I join a session after it has already started?
Yes! Late registrations are welcome if space is available and will automatically be prorated for the remaining classes in the session.
Junior Academy FAQs & Policies
Everything you need to know about youth registration, player experience, coming soon classes, and academy policies.
General
What is the "Interest List" and how does it work?
Classes marked as "Coming Soon" have not opened for open registration yet. Joining the Interest List places you on our priority notification list for that specific day or age group.
When official dates and registration links are finalized, parents on the Interest List will receive an email notification first, giving them early priority access to secure a spot before public registration opens.
Placement
What if my child is a total beginner and has never played tennis?
Total beginners are welcome in all classes EXCEPT Yellow Ball!
Our Red Ball (Ages 6–8), Orange Ball (Ages 8–10), and Green Ball (Ages 11–13) programs are structured specifically as starter and developmental programs. They accommodate both complete beginners and intermediate players at the appropriate age group.
Coaches divide players by skill level on court during drills and play, so first-time players will feel comfortable and supported while building proper fundamentals.
Placement
How do I know if my child is ready for the Yellow Ball classes?
Unlike our Red, Orange, and Green stages, our Yellow Ball (Pre-Tournament & Tournament Stage) classes are not designed for total beginners. Players aged 13–17 must have prior playing experience to join:
- Pre-Tournament Stage: Recommended for players with prior playing experience who can rally and serve, but are looking to start playing competitive points and matches.
- Tournament Stage: For players actively competing in USTA NorCal Juniors (L7–L6) or holding a UTR between 1–5.
Not sure if your child is ready? You can reach out to us directly via email to ask questions, share your player's experience, or request a trial evaluation session with our coaches before registering.
Request Trial / Evaluation
General
How do I know which age group to register my child for?
| Stage | Target Age | Court Size | Ball Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Ball | Ages 6–8 | 36' Court | 75% Lower Compression (Felt/Foam) |
| Orange Ball | Ages 8–10 | 60' Court | 50% Lower Compression |
| Green Ball | Ages 11–13 | 78' Standard Court | 25% Lower Compression |
| Yellow Ball | Ages 14–17 | 78' Standard Court | Standard Yellow Ball |
General
Where are classes held & what equipment is recommended by age?
Location: Our primary courts are located in the Rose Garden neighborhood. Specific court details and arrival directions will be provided in your confirmation email.
Equipment Requirements: Players must bring non-marking athletic shoes, a water bottle, and a proper length racquet based on USTA standards:
- Red Ball (Ages 6–8): 19" to 23" Racquet
- Orange Ball (Ages 8–10): 23" to 25" Racquet
- Green Ball (Ages 11–13): 25" to 26" Racquet
- Yellow Ball (Ages 14–17): 26" (Junior) or 27" (Adult Full Size) Racquet
We supply all specialized training balls (Red, Orange, Green, and Yellow) and court-scaling equipment.
Policy
General Registration & Refund Policy
No refunds will be issued within 7 days of any scheduled lesson, clinic, or event start date. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to admin@gripspintennis.com with the subject line "Refund Request".
Approved refunds are subject to:
- 3% card processing fee (for credit/debit card payments)
- $9 administration fee
- Note: No processing fees apply to cash or check payments.
Policy
Weather, Heat & Rain-Out Policy
Sessions canceled due to rain, excessive heat (over 92°F), or poor air quality will be rescheduled or added via a makeup session at the end of the term.
Status Updates: In event of inclement weather, notifications are sent via email/text at least 1 hour before class start time. You may also text 650-499-9387 for live court updates.
Still have questions?
Our admin team is available to assist you with junior placement, trials, and bookings.