Finally, after months of planning, we are proud to announce our newest project, MLC Hot Shots tennis. MLC Hot Shots is tennis’ version of Auskick. It is all about teaching kids to play tennis.
MLC Tennis hot shots was introduced in 2008 as a cheaper, easier way to get kids involved and coached at tennis. There are thousands of coaches around Australia, all with professional qualifications.
How does it work?
As kids are smaller, MLC Hot Shots have adapted the equipment accordingly. The racquets are lighter and they use low compression balls which don’t bounce as high, therefore making them easier to hit!
They also have three different sized courts–the red, orange and green court which are different sizes depending on your kids age, confidence and ability levels.
The three stages
MLC Hot Shots is broken up into four stages – Launch Pad, Red, Orange and Green.
Launch Pad stage is for ages 3-5 and introduces tennis through games and fun activities. They learn the basics in a fun and interactive games and use bigger less bouncy balls.
Red stage is for ages 5-8 and is ideal for beginners. They also have low compression balls and smaller courts (3m x 8.23m). Its main objective is to get the feel of moving around the court.
Orange stage is for ages 8-10. Once they have mastered the red stage, they move to a slightly bigger court (6.4m x 18.29m) and the balls bounce a little higher.
Green stage is for ages 9 plus. Kids are now almost on a full size court (23.77 x 8.23m) and the balls are at 75% compression of a normal tennis ball. Racquet sizes are now also bigger at 25-27 inches.
Introducing “A Game Tennis Academy”
Income Solutions have teamed up with Simon Keeble’s coaching school, A Game Tennis Academy, who operate out of Geelong Lawn Tennis Club. Simon has over 25 years coaching experience in Australia and overseas. He is a Tennis Australia Professional Coach and has recently been appointed Tennis Australia Talent Development Coach for the Barwon region.
A Game Tennis Academy are based in Geelong at the Geelong Lawn Tennis Club. They are the oldest provincial tennis club (founded in 1882) and the third largest member based tennis club in Victoria. This year celebrates their 150 birthday. They recently hosted the sold out Davis Cup tournament held in Geelong at the start of the year.
Upcoming events
In the following months we will be looking at taking MLC Hot Shots to the wider community doing demonstrations and come and try days. Geelong Lawn Tennis Club will also be hosting an open day for Income Solutions and our clients at their Tennis Club – so kids and parents can come along and have a hit!
By Amy Flett
