When you sign your child up for tennis, you’re probably hoping for more than just a forehand and a backhand. You want growth — on the court and off. That’s exactly why SMART Tennis™ was designed to teach core tennis skills for young kids in a way that’s fun, fast-paced, and built for real development.
Whether your child is 3 or 10, the skills they learn through SMART Tennis™ give them the tools to succeed — not just in sports, but in life. Let’s break down the five core skills every child picks up through our program (and why parents can’t stop raving about it!).
What is SMART Tennis™?
SMART stands for Strategy, Movement, Angles, Rallying, and Technique. It’s our signature approach that simplifies tennis and makes it approachable, engaging, and safe for young kids. And the best part? It works.
Instead of rushing into technical instruction too soon, SMART Tennis™ builds foundational athletic and mental skills first — helping kids fall in love with the game while building confidence along the way.
The 5 Core Tennis Skills for Young Kids
1. Strategy (Even at Age 3!)
Yep — even preschoolers can learn to think about their next move. Through stories and silly challenges, we introduce basic tennis strategies like “Where should I stand?” or “How do I win the point?”
It’s not about perfect decisions — it’s about planting the seed of smart play early on.
2. Movement (In All Directions)
We focus on agility, coordination, balance, and body control — all through games that feel more like recess than a workout. Our youngest players crawl like alligators, bounce like bunnies, and dash like lightning bolts (or so they tell us 😉).
This kind of movement is the foundation for all sports — not just tennis.
3. Angles (And Spatial Awareness)
Understanding angles helps kids place the ball, chase it down, and control their shots. We turn this concept into a game, using targets, visuals, and fun cues like “aim for the corner pizza slice.”
And yes, your child will start to “see the court” in ways that surprise you.
4. Rallying (AKA Teamwork)
One of the biggest milestones in our program? When a child rallies back and forth with a partner for the first time. It’s more than just a tennis win — it’s a confidence win.
Rallying teaches timing, focus, and cooperation — and makes the game social, which kids love.
5. Technique (That Grows With Them)
We introduce swing shapes, safe grips, and simple motion patterns designed specifically for growing bodies. Our SMART Racket™ helps kids find their rhythm and get that “aha!” moment of contact without needing brute strength.
They’re not just whacking balls — they’re learning form and control, without the pressure.
It’s More Than Just a Sport
SMART Tennis™ isn’t just about tennis skills for young kids. It’s about helping them feel successful, confident, and excited to try. Our program teaches resilience, emotional regulation, and how to keep going even after a miss — skills that will serve them far beyond the court.
Want to See the Difference?
At Tennis Time Academies, we use our SMART Tennis™ method to help kids build confidence step by step — not just in how they play, but in how they think, move, and show up in the world. Come try a class. Let your child feel success early, experience progress, and start walking a little taller.
Not with SMART Tennis™! We teach age-appropriate skills starting at age 3. Our classes are designed with child development in mind — and kids thrive because of it.
That’s exactly who SMART Tennis™ was built for. We focus on growth and confidence, not perfection. Every child can improve — and have fun while doing it.
Faster than you think! Many kids start rallying in just a few weeks thanks to our SMART Racket™ and simple teaching method. It’s one of the first big wins we celebrate!
Absolutely! In fact, kids love learning tennis with a buddy. We offer age-based groupings, so siblings close in age can often play in the same class.
