Years ago the USTA (United States Tennis Association) adopted the use of the Red, Orange, Green and Yellow tennis progression session. The reasons for this are following other sports such as baseball and basketball.
When young players begin play baseball they don’t start on a full size field. Instead players begin by playing t-ball, then progressing to coach pitch and finally on to opponent pitch. The game is progressed as players grow by skill, eye-hand coordination and age, the game develops as well. Players aren’t expected to be able to play at a level that is appropriate for their skill and age. Tennis has adopted the same kind of progression by using the Red, Orange, Green and Yellow (ROGY) system.
Red Ball
We begin with the red ball. This was developed for the beginners aged 8 and under. The ball that is used is red and yellow and is slightly larger than a traditional tennis ball and also has a lower compression (approximately 25% of a tradition ball). The lower compression means the ball will bounce lower putting the ball better in the strike zone for a shorter player. Those players also use racquets that are shorter and lighter which makes it easier for the younger players to use. The concept is the ball bounces in the players strike zone, much like adults using a traditional yellow ball.
Players also play on a modified court that is 36′. Specifically a temporary net is placed on the court and players use a tennis court’s doubles lines as their baselines. Players also play a modified scoring. Instead of playing the traditional 6 game set, players will play the equivalent of a tie-break style game. Usually players will play a best of three game session.
Orange Ball
Much like the red ball, orange ball is modified for younger players. Players 10 and under generally use the orange ball. It is the same size as a yellow ball but has a 50% compression. These balls bounce higher than red balls but not as high as yellow balls. Again, this is to put the ball better in the strike zone of the younger player. Also, like the modified court of the red ball, orange ball uses a court that is 60′. The smaller court makes it possible for players to move on the entire court but not so large as a full court.
Green ball
Finally the green ball is the last modified ball used. It has a compression rate of 75% and bounces much higher. It is used for players 12 and under and on a full sized court.
Because of the characteristics of the green ball they are often used in training both advanced juniors and beginner adults. Since the ball moves slower it makes it easier for beginner adults to be able to track and hit the ball better until their skills advance.
Also, because of the slower movement of the ball, advanced players can use them to help learn how to develop points better. They can’t just rely on pure strength to be able to beat an opponent but have to rely on good placement and point development to win points.
Below is a diagram of the courts, recommended height of the player and recommended racquet size.
