Red Ball Rally
Where ACT’s little champions begin – introduce your kids to tennis through fun, age-appropriate competition.
Red Ball Rally is where young players aged 5 to 8+ years get their first taste of match play in a fun, supportive environment. With smaller courts and slower balls, kids can rally, score and compete – all while building confidence, skills and a lifelong love for the game.
Sessions may look a little different at each venue to suit coaches and players, but all programs follow the same core Red Ball Rally principles: fun, fairness and development.
Part of the Hot Shots Tennis pathway, Red Ball Rally also celebrates positive behaviour on court. Each week, a sportsmanship award recognises a player’s great attitude, with a Henry’s meal voucher to enjoy with family at their local Canberra Southern Cross Club venue.
Program highlights
- Weekly Red Ball Match Play at affiliated venues
- Designed for ages 5–8+ using Red Stage equipment
- Focus on participation, teamwork, and sportsmanship
- Participants enter the chance to win a trip to the AO with the family, and all expenses paid at the end of the season.*
*Entries close at 10am AEST on 30 October 2026. View the competition Terms & Conditions.
Pathway and progression
Red Ball Rally is where many young players take their first step on the ACT Player Pathway. From here, your child can progress towards playing in the Junior Canberra Tennis Leagues, with streams for Orange Ball, Yellow Ball and Green Ball.
Learn more about the ACT Player Pathway
Red Ball Rally venues
Red Ball Rally currently runs across 18 affiliated venues in Canberra, with new sessions happening every week. Register your child for a local event and join a vibrant tennis community focused on growth and fun.
North
South
NSW/Regional
Information for parents
Frequently asked questions
It’s a kids’ tennis program that uses scaled courts, lighter racquets and softer balls to help children aged 5-8+ learn through play. It’s the fun way to learn and play tennis.
No match play experience is required – just enthusiasm. Sessions are structured to help children learn at their own pace while having fun.
Players use Red Stage equipment, featuring lower compression red balls and appropriately sized racquets on smaller courts with appropriate net height – so rallies are easier and more enjoyable.
Red Ball Rally runs across various venues in the ACT and surrounding regions. Specific session times and booking options can be found on individual club listings.
Wear suitable active wear and comfortable shoes. For sun safety, ensure your child has a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle for their session. Racquets are often available if you don’t have one (check with your local venue for equipment availability).
