Summer Youth Tennis

summer youth tennis lessons

Summer Youth Tennis Lessons

Ace Your Summer with Saint Paul Urban Tennis!

Come join us for SPUT's dynamic 6-week summer youth tennis program! Held Monday through Thursday from June 23 to July 31, our daytime and evening sessions cater to budding players aged 5-18, whether they're beginners or at an intermediate level. 


Experience a supportive community atmosphere where players not only enhance their tennis skills but also develop valuable life skills. Our engaging curriculum is infused with the core values of SPUT S.P.I.R.I.T. (service, perseverance, integrity, responsibility, imagination, teamwork).

What Tennis Level is Right for my Child?

redball tennis court

RED



Red ball teaches the fundamentals of tennis, developing hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Named after the red felt balls that are used at this stage, players enjoy a slower bounce, making it easier to connect with the ball. Smaller court sizes provide the optimal space for young players to thrive and engage with their partners. Recommended for ages 5-8.

orange ball tennis court

ORANGE


Orange balls bounce higher and move faster than the Red balls but lower and slower than the Green ball. Children focus on swing speed, serve, returns, and movement around the court. The court size takes a step toward traditional tennis ball while still remaining fun and manageable for players learning the game. Recommended for ages 8-10.

green ball tennis court

GREEN



The Green ball is very similar to a traditional tennis ball but with a slightly lower compression so it rebounds lower off the court after a bounce. Children learn to maintain a consistent rally on a full court while continuing to refine the technical, tactical and physical aspects of the game. Recommended for ages 10-12.

yellow ball tennis court

YELLOW



Yellow ball tennis is what most people know as traditional tennis. The balls, courts and racquets at this level are used in the majority of adult matches and at the professional level. Lessons here are geared toward older players who are new to the game. Experienced youth should try our Junior Team Tennis. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Schedule

June 23 - July 31, Monday - Thursday

(No lessons on July 22-24 for the JTT Sectional Tournament.

Students are welcome to join sites marked with * on these days.)


Classes

8:30am-9:30am - Red Ball (recommended ages 5-8)

9:30am-10:30am - Orange Ball (recommended ages 8-10)

10:30am-11:30am - Green Ball (recommended ages 10-12)

11:30am-12:30pm - Yellow Ball (recommended for beginner teens)


Site Locations

Central High School *

College Park

Edgcumbe Rec Center 

Groveland Rec Center

Harding High School

Highland Park High School

Humboldt High School *

Langford Park *

Linwood Rec Center

Mattocks Park

North Dale Rec Center *

Phalen/Johnson Pkwy Courts *

St. Kate's (All girls site)

Registration


Cost $200 (Scholarships available, no application necessary)
Register ASAP to secure your spot!
If sites do not meet minimum capacity requirements,
SPUT reserves the right to consolidate site locations.

Register Now

Evening Tennis Lessons

Schedule


June 23 - July 31, Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs
(No lessons on July 22-24 for the JTT Sectional Tournament. Students are welcome to join sites marked with
* on these days.)


Registration


Cost $100 (Scholarships available, no application necessary)
Register ASAP to secure your spot!
If sites do not meet minimum capacity requirements,
SPUT reserves the right to consolidate site locations.

Register Now

Classes


4:30pm-5:30pm - Red Ball (recommended ages 5-8)
5:30pm-6:30pm - Orange Ball (recommended ages 8-10)
6:30pm-7:30pm - Green Ball (recommended ages 10-12)


Evening Location Sites

Eastview Rec Center (Mon/Wed)

Hayden Heights Rec Center (Mon/Wed) *

MLK Rec Center (Mon/Wed)
Mattocks Park (Mon/Wed 
* or Tues/Thurs)
Battle Creek Rec Center (Tues/Thurs)
*
Edgcumbe Rec Center (Tues/Thurs)

North Dale Rec Center (Tues/Thurs) *

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is is the difference between Red, Orange, and Green Ball Tennis?

    Red Ball Tennis:


    Tailored for ages 5-8, our Red Ball program introduces tennis to young children, focusing on fundamental techniques. Emphasizing the Serve-Rally-Score progression, the program builds psychological, physical, tactical, and technical foundations.


    Acknowledging tennis as an open skill, success lies in adaptability, not robotic strokes. A Game-Based Approach adds depth, connecting tactics with techniques for a holistic learning experience.


    Our Practice and Play Plan starts with dynamic activities, boosting confidence and tennis skills. Character check-ins, skill outcomes, and game-based application create a well-rounded lesson, concluding with reflection.


    Orange Ball Tennis:


    Geared towards ages 8-10 with prior tennis experience, our Orange Ball program refines technique and builds on the Red Ball Program foundations. Focused on the 4 Performance Factors—psychological, physical, tactical, and technical—it enhances Serve-Rally-Score skills.


    Recognizing tennis as an Open Skill, players learn to incorporate Spin, Height, and Depth into their techniques, improving overall effectiveness.


    The Practice and Play Plan begins with engaging activities, fostering confidence and tennis skills. Including dynamic warmups, skill outcomes, and game-based application, the lesson concludes with character check-ins and reflection.


    Green Ball Tennis:


    Tailored for ages 10-13 with tennis experience, our Green Ball program advances skills in applying Spin, Height, and Depth. Focused on the 4 Performance Factors—psychological, physical, tactical, and technical—it prepares youth for Beginner-Intermediate Competitive Play.


    Acknowledging tennis as an Open Skill, players develop an advanced understanding of techniques and tactics while adapting to Spin, Height, and Depth. Using these, they create a unique playing style and are ready for competitive play.


    The Practice and Play Plan starts with an engaging activity, fostering confidence and tennis skills. Including dynamic warm-ups, skill outcomes, and game-based application, the lesson concludes with character check-ins and reflection.

  • When should my child transition to Junior Team Tennis?

    Players who have taken lessons in previous years may be looking to test their skills against other metro area youth. We have tennis team in 12+Under, 14+Under, and 18+Under divisions. Young players can vary greatly in skill and ability, but if they are interested in competing we suggest trying out for our Junior Team Tennis squad to anyone 10 and older.

  • What should my child bring to lessons?

    Please send your child to summer lessons with a water bottle and tennis shoes. It may also be a good idea to provide them with a hat to protect them from the sun.

  • Do I need to buy my child a racket for lessons?

    If you would like to buy your child a racket, feel free to do so. However, SPUT will provide rackets onsite for each child.

  • Can I leave my child at their lesson while I run errands?

    We recommend that parents of children ages 5-8 years old stay on site throughout the lesson period.

  • Is it okay if my child misses a week of lessons?

    Yes. Please plan to notify your child's coach of the absence ahead of time.

  • How do I know if my child is ready for High Performance Lessons?

    High Performance Lessons are for tennis players who have participated in our regular lessons for a few years and have a more advanced skill set than a beginner. These classes are ideal for players who are able to maintain a rally and are seeking opportunities to improve in a more competitive atmosphere. In all of our summer youth lessons, kids are grouped by ability, so if the coaches feel that your child is playing at a higher level, they will give them the attention and support they need.

  • What is SPUT's Refund Policy?

    Saint Paul Urban Tennis is a 501(c)3 non-profit and relies strictly upon grants, donations, and lesson fees to keep our programming accessible to all. With that being said, SPUT will stop processing refunds for summer lessons on July 1st.

  • What is SPUT's Inclement Weather Policy?

    Rain: Any rain cancellations will be posted on our Weather Updates page and sent to parents via the Remind app.


    Heat: If the heat index is predicted to reach 104 degrees, all classes will be canceled for the day. Cancellations will be made the day before if possible and posted on the Remind app.


    Lightning: If thunderstorms occur during lessons, classes will be postponed, and coaches will take kids to the closest sheltered area. Play will resume if the storm clears and it is no longer raining.


    Cold: If the temperature drops below 38 degrees with a poor wind chill and/or conditions (snowing), classes will be canceled, and communications sent via the Remind app.

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