Introduction: Why Tennis Is the Perfect First Sport for Kids
As a parent, you want your child to stay active, learn life skills, and have fun — tennis ticks all the boxes. It’s a sport that builds balance, coordination, and self-confidence while offering a positive social outlet. Whether your child is shy, energetic, or somewhere in between, tennis is a fantastic starting point. Plus, it’s a skill they can carry into adulthood, unlike many other team sports.
At JUSS Tennis in Castlecrag, our programs are designed to help every child thrive, regardless of their starting ability. With friendly coaches and a safe environment, we make learning tennis as enjoyable and accessible as possible — before school, after school, or during term programs.
What Age Should My Child Start Tennis?
Most kids can start tennis from around age 5 — the key is ensuring the coaching is age-appropriate. At this stage, children are developing fine motor skills, balance, and the ability to follow instructions in a group setting. That’s why our beginner classes at JUSS Tennis are tailored to engage young minds with short activities, fun games, and lots of encouragement.
If your child loves to run, enjoys catching or hitting balls, or simply has a lot of energy to burn, they’re ready to begin. Our programs make tennis feel more like play than practice, which is exactly what kids need to develop naturally and confidently.
What Skills Will They Learn in Their First Lesson?
In their very first class, kids at JUSS Tennis will be introduced to foundational skills such as:
- Hand-eye coordination: Catching, bouncing, and hitting lightweight balls to improve timing
- Footwork and balance: Fun agility games to build movement on court
- Forehand basics: Learning how to swing safely and confidently from the dominant side
- Listening and teamwork: Simple instructions, group activities, and partner drills
Every lesson is crafted to boost your child’s confidence while helping them fall in love with the sport. We focus on gentle guidance, consistent praise, and lots of opportunities to succeed early on.
Want to see your child thrive on the court? Book a spot in our Term 3 program at Cortile Reserve today — spaces are limited!
Meet the Coach: Gentle, Qualified, and Kid-Friendly
Coach Henry is at the heart of JUSS Tennis — and he's one of the main reasons parents feel confident enrolling their children with us. With years of coaching experience and a special focus on working with kids, Henry combines technical knowledge with a calm, supportive demeanor that kids respond to immediately.
Whether your child is shy, anxious, or high-energy, Henry knows how to meet them at their level. He believes in positive reinforcement, patience, and making every child feel seen. That’s why many parents say their child can’t wait for their next session!
How to Prepare for the First Lesson
Getting ready for your child’s first tennis class doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s a quick checklist to help make the experience smooth and stress-free:
- Racquet: We recommend a junior-sized racquet appropriate to your child’s age and height — we can help you choose if you’re unsure.
- Comfortable clothes: Sportswear that allows easy movement is perfect — think shorts, leggings, or activewear and a breathable t-shirt.
- Proper shoes: Runners or tennis shoes with good grip are ideal — avoid sandals or boots.
- Water bottle: Staying hydrated is essential, especially during warmer days.
- Sunscreen and hat: For sun protection during outdoor sessions at Cortile Reserve.
Arriving 5–10 minutes early helps your child ease into the environment and gives them time to meet their coach and new friends.
Safety First: What Parents Should Expect
Your child’s safety is our top priority at JUSS Tennis. From the equipment we use to how we structure our sessions, everything is designed with your child’s wellbeing in mind. We use junior-friendly racquets and soft tennis balls that are easier to control and less likely to cause injury.
Classes are kept small to ensure personalized attention, and our coaching approach focuses on emotional safety just as much as physical. That means positive reinforcement, clear boundaries, and never pushing a child to do something they’re not ready for.
Peace of mind, every session: Our before and after school programs at Cortile Reserve are not only convenient — they’re supervised, structured, and trusted by dozens of local families.
Have a question about safety or scheduling? Contact us today — we’re here to help.
Keeping it Fun: Game-Based Learning Explained
At JUSS Tennis, we believe that kids learn best when they’re having fun. That’s why our lessons are built around game-based learning — an approach proven to improve engagement, retention, and performance in young players.
Instead of repetitive drills, our coaches incorporate creative tennis-based games like “Tennis Tag,” “Rally Races,” and “Cone Smash” that teach forehand, backhand, and footwork skills in an exciting way. These games keep the energy high and help kids associate tennis with enjoyment rather than pressure.
A Typical Session at JUSS Tennis for Beginners
Here’s what a beginner-friendly class at JUSS Tennis might look like:
- Arrival & Warm-up (5 mins): Light running, dynamic stretching, and fun movement games
- Skill Focus (15 mins): Working on a specific skill like forehand swing or volleying
- Game Time (15 mins): Engaging group games that apply the day’s skill in action
- Cool-down & High-Fives (5 mins): A quick stretch and celebration of wins and effort
This structure ensures a balance of learning, fun, and social bonding in every session.
Before and After School Lessons at Cortile Reserve
Our before and after school programs are designed with busy parents in mind. Drop your child off for a tennis session in the morning or pick them up after school for 45 minutes of structured physical activity with caring coaches — all at beautiful Cortile Reserve in Castlecrag.
With ample parking, local amenities, and secure open space, it’s a location that families love. And with our flexible schedule, we help parents take the stress out of managing extracurriculars.
Ready to simplify your mornings or afternoons? Book your spot now before Term 3 fills up.
Social Benefits: Making Friends and Building Confidence
For many kids, tennis at JUSS becomes more than just a sport — it’s a social outlet. Our group classes are structured to promote interaction, teamwork, and encouragement among peers.
Parents often report that their kids have developed friendships, improved their communication skills, and become more confident not just on the court, but at school and in life.
Tennis as a Life Skill: Focus, Respect, and Resilience
Beyond the physical benefits, tennis teaches children important life values. At JUSS Tennis, we encourage:
- Focus: Paying attention to technique and instructions
- Respect: Learning how to win and lose with grace
- Resilience: Bouncing back after mistakes
These values translate into better behavior at school and stronger emotional development overall.
How Progress Is Measured (Without Pressure)
We celebrate small wins — like improving a swing or participating in a game. Our coaches provide gentle, constructive feedback so children feel motivated, not pressured.
Parents receive regular updates on their child’s growth, and milestones are marked with positive reinforcement — not rigid testing or rankings.
Choosing the Right Program for Your Child
We offer:
- Trial Classes: Great for first-timers who want to give tennis a go
- Term Programs: Structured progress across school terms
- Private & Semi-Private Lessons: Personalized instruction with faster skill development
Our team is always happy to help you decide which option suits your family best.
What Other Parents Are Saying
Don’t just take our word for it — here’s what Castlecrag parents are saying:
“Henry is so patient with my son — he looks forward to every session and is improving so much!” – Anna
“My daughters have both grown more confident thanks to JUSS Tennis. It’s the perfect after school activity.” – Jane
“We love how flexible the schedule is — and the coaching is top notch.” – Kate
Ready to Rally? Here’s How to Enroll Today
Getting started is easy:
- Visit our website: jusstennis.com.au
- Go to the Term 3 bookings page
- Choose your preferred class time and package
- Complete the form and you’re set!
Hurry — spots for Term 3 are limited!
Final Word: Give Your Child the Gift of Tennis
Tennis builds confidence, coordination, friendships, and focus — all while keeping your child active and smiling. Whether you're looking for a beginner lesson, a term program, or a convenient before/after school activity, JUSS Tennis has you covered.
Enrol today and give your child a head start on and off the court.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the best age to start tennis lessons?
Age 5 is a great starting point, as kids are developing the motor skills and focus needed for tennis.
2. What should my child wear to their first tennis lesson?
Comfy sportswear, runners or tennis shoes, a hat, and sunscreen for outdoor classes.
3. How long are the lessons?
Our classses run for 1 hour, giving kids enough time to learn, play, and have fun.
4. Do you offer make-up classes?
Yes! We understand life gets busy. We offer flexible rescheduling options when needed.
5. Where do lessons take place?
All group and private sessions are held at Cortile Reserve in Castlecrag.