Equipment
British Tennis makes a significant annual investment distributing free Mini Tennis Equipment Packs to schools each year, via the school sport infrastructure. In 2009/2010, this is linked with the Primary School Teacher Training Course and the process for 2010/2011 is under review.
- View the list of schools that have benefited from receiving the free AEGON Schools Tennis Equipment Packs to date.
Schools who join the Schools Tennis Membership scheme can also enjoy exclusive access to an online shop, providing a 30-40% discount on a range of schools tennis equipment. This ranges from full packs for primary, secondary and special schools to individual items such as rackets, balls, nets and other teaching aids.
The section below provides a basic level of advice on purchasing tennis equipment – speak to your local club, coach or Tennis Development Manager if you would like further advice.
Rackets:
Rackets come in different sizes and are measured by length in inches. A standard adult racket is 27 inches, with junior rackets starting from 15 inches.
The length of racket used is dependent on the individual player and the level of tennis they are playing – more advice is available However, if primary schools are looking to purchase a new set of rackets, we recommend 21 inch, as these are the most versatile for all year groups.
Balls:
As well as standard yellow tennis balls, there is a range of low compression Mini Tennis balls, which are ideal for use in schools.
- Mini Tennis Red: a sponge ball for indoor use and a red felt ball for outdoor use.
- Mini Tennis Orange: a low compression orange felt ball.
- Mini Tennis Green: a low compression green felt ball.
Nets:
There are two types of nets for full size tennis courts; nets with poles that slot into the playing surface and portable nets, which can be moved to the side when other sports are being played.
There are many types of portable Mini Tennis nets, either 3m or 6m wide, which are great for use in both primary and secondary schools, indoors or outdoors.
A more cost effective and creative approach is to make use of other equipment to substitute as nets – i.e. benches, cones or hoops. Barrier tape is also a fantastic and simple way to create a temporary net for a large group of pupils.
Other Equipment:
Most equipment found within the PE storeroom can be used within tennis sessions, as teaching aids and targets. Our teacher training and coach education courses provide innovative and creative ways to make use of a wide range of equipment.