New Zealand, 19 October 2013 | MLC Tennis Hot Shots

MLC Tennis Hot Shots has taken Australia by storm; now it is New Zealand’s turn to get caught up in the program that is revolutionising junior tennis.

Tennis Australia is working closely with Tennis New Zealand to deliver the development program which uses smaller courts, lighter racquets and low-compression balls that do not bounce too high. This makes learning tennis fun and easy for primary school-aged children and enables them to start rallying and having fun right from their first lesson.

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Tennis Australia’s MLC Tennis Hot Shots leader Craig Morris said the official launch of Tennis Hot Shots in New Zealand this week was met with a lot of excitement.

“It is the first time we have partnered with another national association to deliver Tennis Hot Shots and we see this as the beginning of the expansion of what is recognised as a world-leading kids tennis program,” he said.

Tennis Australia’s MLC Tennis Hot Shots program manager Patrick McInerney recently spent two days working with Tennis New Zealand staff, providing advice on delivering the program.

“It was a fantastic two days,” McInerney said. “The Tennis New Zealand staff and coaches were really passionate about improving the quality of the opportunities available for kids and have really embraced the Tennis Hot Shots philosophy.”

Tennis New Zealand chief executive officer Steve Johns said it was an exciting time for tennis in the country, especially for junior players who now have the opportunity to be part of Tennis Hot Shots.

He said 120 coaches from clubs all over New Zealand had already registered to be part of the program.

“This exciting participation program provides a consistent, fun and safe tennis experience for all New Zealand kids aged three to 12,” Johns said. “It has really brought together all those people who are passionate about growing the game of tennis, encouraging more kids into the sport and providing a quality tennis experience for all those involved.”