Chapman Tennis Coaching is proud to offer the Hot Shots program at Gisborne Tennis Club.
Children begin in Blue Stage (ages 3–6+), where they explore movement through fun, play-based games that build essential foundational skills. In Red Stage (ages 5–8+), players are introduced to tennis-specific skills using a larger, softer ball that’s easier to control. Orange Stage (ages 8–10+) continues this development, with increased opportunities to serve, return, and rally using modified equipment and courts. Finally, Green Stage (ages 10+ ) supports players as they refine their skills, develop strategies, and explore tennis in either a competitive or social setting.
Across all stages, Hot Shots Tennis helps children build confidence, friendships, cooperation, problem-solving skills, and persistence — all within a fun, safe, and inclusive environment that encourages a lifelong love of the game.
Hot Shots Tennis – Blue Stage is designed to support the early development of our youngest players, typically aged 3–6+ years. At this stage, children are encouraged to explore movement through fun, engaging activities in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. Blue Stage focuses on the development of fundamental movement and perceptual skills such as running, balancing, dodging, throwing, catching, and striking, which are essential for long-term physical development and healthy participation in sport. Children also begin to develop important social skills, including cooperation, communication, and emotional awareness, through play-based learning. Sessions use creative games and colourful, age-appropriate equipment, including smaller rackets and lower nets, to support skill development. This stage is about building confidence, enjoyment, and movement competence, creating a strong foundation for progression into more tennis-specific skills when children are ready.
Hot Shots Tennis – Red Stage builds on the skills developed in Blue Stage, recognising that some fundamental movements are still being refined while introducing more tennis-specific learning. Designed for children aged 5–8+ years, Red Stage uses game-based activities to introduce key tennis skills such as rallying, basic tactics, and simple match play. Sessions are played with a larger, softer red ball and appropriately sized rackets, nets, and courts to ensure success and enjoyment. Children are gradually introduced to individual and team play, along with basic scoring concepts, in an engaging and supportive environment. Red Stage continues to develop confidence, coordination, and decision-making, while emphasising effort, fair play, cooperation, and problem-solving — helping children enjoy tennis and build a strong foundation for future participation.
Hot Shots Tennis – Orange Stage continues a child’s development in a safe and inclusive environment, recognising that some Red Stage skills are still being refined. Designed for children aged 8–10+ years, Orange Stage expands tennis-specific learning through game-based activities, with increased opportunities to serve, return, and rally. Players develop a deeper understanding of the game, exploring more complex tactics and strategies through both singles and doubles match play. Sessions use a softer orange ball (the same size as a regular tennis ball), along with appropriately sized rackets and scaled court dimensions to suit each child’s ability. This stage supports the development of offensive and defensive skills, including serving and returning, and is beneficial for players who may also be participating in external competition. Orange Stage also places strong emphasis on social development, encouraging communication, collaboration, resilience, emotional awareness, and leadership to help build positive and respectful relationships on and off the court.
Hot Shots Tennis – Green Stage continues a child’s development in a safe and inclusive environment, recognising that some skills from Orange Stage are still being refined. Designed for players aged 10 years and over, Green Stage supports children as they become more aware of their abilities and interests, whether they are looking to pursue tennis in a more competitive setting or enjoy a social, team-based experience. At this stage, players apply and refine their technical skills, developing greater rhythm, consistency, and control through singles and doubles match play. Children are encouraged to problem-solve and analyse match situations with the guidance of coaches and peers, helping them identify strengths and areas for improvement. Sessions use a softer green ball with reduced compression, along with appropriately sized rackets and either a modified or full-sized court. Green Stage also emphasises important personal and social skills such as fair play, respect, communication, emotional awareness, and resilience, providing a strong foundation for ongoing participation in tennis.