Red, Orange, and Green Pathway
IMPORTANT - Waiver and Release Information
Annual Waiver (Applies to players reserving programs & open time court bookings)
All players with NTC profiles are required sign the Annual Waiver in order to complete registration for programs and/or court bookings.
ADULTS 18 and older - Must complete the waiver for themselves.
JUNIORS under 18 - Only the primary account holder can sign the waiver on behalf of the junior player.
If you have NOT signed the waiver and release in the past 12 months, you will be prompted to do so upon logging in to your NTC profile.
Applies to tournament players and single day event participants that do not have NTC profiles.
ADULTS 18 and older - Must complete the daily waiver for themselves.
JUNIORS under 18 - A parent or legal guardian must complete a daily waiver containing the names of both the child and parent/guardian.
Once completed, you will receive an email confirmation. This must be presented to our front desk staff upon arrival with your government issued photo ID.
All players with court reservations and program registrants must fill out a WAIVER & RELEASE (W & R) prior to on-court play. All players and guests must present a government issued photo ID upon arrival.
Our Red, Orange, and Green Pathway introduce tennis to children based on age, physical size, and ability.
By modifying the court dimensions (36’ or 60’ in length), equipment (appropriately sized tennis racquets and red, orange, or green balls), net height, and scoring system, combined with a match play component, children can develop better technical and point playing skills, while having more fun along the way.
NTC ratings are required for all students new to the NTC. New students of all ages and levels - above the beginner level - must be evaluated to obtain an NTC rating.
Click here to schedule your evaluation.
Complete beginner-level students will be assigned a beginner NTC rating, enabling registration for an NTC program without the need for an evaluation. Please contact us at ntcprograms@usta.com so our team can assign the NTC beginner-level rating to your profile.
Red Ball
(Ages 3-9)
Mommy and Me (Ages: 3 and 4)
Interactive adult and child playtime that introduces fundamental athletic and movement skills for tennis and all sports. Parents/Adults – bring your tennis shoes – we want you to join in the fun on the court! Use of red felt, red foam, and alternative balls on 36 ft. court. Racquet size: 17-19 inches. Class length: 90 minutes on-court.
Red (Ages: 4-7)
The focus is on developing the ABCs (agility, balance, and coordination) and introducing tennis FUNdamentals. Through engaging activities, players will develop the skills needed to get them ready to rally! Use of red felt, red foam, and alternative balls on 36 ft. court. Racquet size: 19-21 inches. Class length: 90 minutes on-court.
Red Plus (Ages: 9 and under)
Players continue to develop overall athletic abilities and tennis-specific skills. Engaging partner activities and games are designed to build a player’s foundation in all the basic tennis strokes. Basic rallying, serving, and scoring skills are introduced. Players will be grouped by age/ability within each program. Use of red felt, and red foam balls on 36 ft. court. Racquet size: 19-23 inches. Class length: 90 minutes on-court.
Red Elite (Ages: 9 and under)
For players who are excelling with basic rally, serving, and scoring. This class puts additional emphasis on technical development while further improving accuracy, spins, and basic tactics. This class will introduce orange balls and the 60 ft. court as a way to transition the players into the next level. Participation in this class is not mandatory to move to the Orange class, as not all Red Plus players will qualify for the Red Elite group. Use of red felt and orange balls on a 60 ft. court, mostly, but Pros can adjust court size and ball type based on the activity. Introducing team tennis competition through Red Ball Team Challenges. Racquet size: 23-25 inches. Class length: 90 minutes on-court.
The ages shown here are used as guidance. Updated August, 2023.
Orange Ball
(Ages 10 and under)
Orange (Ages: 10 and under)
For players who are transitioning into orange ball and learning to play on the 60 ft. court. Activities and games will focus on developing groundstroke and serve consistency as well as transition to the net. Introducing team tennis competition through Orange Ball Team Challenges Use of orange ball, on a 60 ft. court and red balls, on a 36 ft. court, as needed. Racquet size: 23-25 inches. Class length: 90 minutes on-court.
Orange Plus (Ages: 10 and under)
Players can consistently rally and cooperate with a partner. These players are showing an increased ability to change grips based on scenarios and have better directional control. Use of orange ball, on 60 ft. court. Introducing team tennis competition through Orange Ball Team Challenges Racquet. size: 23-25 inches. Class length: 90 minutes on-court.
Orange Elite (Ages: 10 and under)
For players who are excelling with the orange ball fundamentals and ready to start transitioning into a full-court using green balls. Players will be further exposed to transitioning to the net, more advanced tactics, and using different stances. Participation in this class is not mandatory to move to the Green class, as not all Orange Plus players will qualify for the Orange Elite group. Players are encouraged to participate in Junior Team Tennis and/or 10U Progression to further their development. Use of green balls on full court, mostly, but Pros can adjust court size and ball type based on the activity. Progressing of competitive team tennis pathway through Green Ball Team Challenges. Racquet size: 26-27 inches. Class length: 90 minutes on-court.
The ages shown here are used as guidance. Updated August, 2023.
Green Ball
(Ages 12 and under)
Green (Ages: 12 and under)
For players who are transitioning into full-court play. This class will further emphasize the player’s ability to adjust to different heights and depths while maintaining a technical foundation and covering the full court effectively. Use of green balls, on full court and orange balls, on 60 ft. court, as needed. Introducing scoring and team tennis competitions within the class structure. Racquet size: 26-27 inches. Class length: 90 minutes on-court.
Green Plus (Ages: 12 and under)
Players are learning how to adjust their style based on their opponent’s preferences. This class will place additional importance on point building and sharpening their technical abilities. Players are expected to regularly participate in in-house competitions. Use of green balls, on full-court. Introducing team tennis competition through Green Ball Team Challenges and additional USTA Junior Development Pathway support. Racquet size: 26-27 inches. Class length: 90 minutes on-court and 30 minutes off-court.
Green Elite (Ages: 12 and under)
For players who are excelling with fundamentals and consistency from the baseline, when playing with their peers, while using green balls. This class will start to transition players to yellow balls while ensuring that their technical foundation remains strong as they play with a faster ball. Use of yellow balls, mostly, but Pros can adjust the ball type based on the activity. Introduction of USTA Junior Team concepts and additional USTA Junior Development Pathway introduction. Racquet size: 26-27 inches. Class length: 90 minutes on-court and 30 minutes off-court.
The ages shown here are used as guidance. Updated August, 2023.
