Hot Shots Program

Building confidence through fun and movement

The Hot Shots Program is the foundation of the Journey Tennis development pathway — the ideal starting point for young players and beginners aged 3 to 12. Using modified equipment, smaller courts, and age-appropriate activities, Hot Shots teaches tennis the right way from the very beginning. Every session is delivered in a safe, inclusive, and energetic environment where children learn to enjoy the game while building skills that last a lifetime.

What to expect from Hot Shots Lessons

Hot Shots uses low-compression balls, smaller racquets, and scaled courts so every child, regardless of size or experience, can succeed from day one. Sessions are play-based and purposefully structured. Children develop correct movement and technique naturally, without frustration or bad habits forming early. Lesson plans are aligned to each stage of learning, and coaches assess readiness before any progression, so no child is rushed ahead before they are genuinely ready.

What Hot Shots covers

Hand–eye coordination & balance

Movement, balance and racquet skills developed through games designed to build gross motor skills and natural confidence.

Stroke foundations

Forehand, backhand, and serve introduced with age-appropriate technique that grows correctly with the player.

Rallying & point play

Cooperative games come first. Competitive point play and scoring are introduced progressively as ability and understanding develop.

Confidence & enjoyment

Every session is designed so children feel included, capable, and motivated, building persistence and resilience through play.

What Hot Shots Is designed to do

Hot Shots goes well beyond teaching tennis basics.

The program builds coordination, social skills, problem-solving, and resilience — qualities that benefit children across sport and life. Modified equipment means kids experience early success and develop correct technique from the start, rather than compensating with poor habits that are hard to undo later.

As children grow in knowledge, ability, and confidence, they move naturally from cooperative play toward real match play. Each milestone along the way is recognised — keeping players proud of their progress and eager to keep going. On completing the Green Stage, players transition directly into Junior Development programs on a full court.

Hot Shots is designed for every child, at every ability level. Players move through stages based on readiness — not strictly by age.

Blue Stage — Ages 3–5 — 30 min sessions Small court, mini net, and introductory racquet skills. Focus on movement, balance, coordination, and building early confidence through fun, game-based activity.

Red Stage — Ages 5–8 — 30 min sessions Introduction to tennis basics with emphasis on coordination, spatial awareness, and group interaction. Learning to rally in simple cooperative games.

Orange Stage — Ages 8–10 — 60 min sessions Half-court format with growing technical development and rally consistency. Greater game awareness, concentration, and understanding of scoring and point play.

Green Stage — Ages 9–12 — 60 min sessions Full court with junior racquet. Consolidation of technique, introduction to tactical thinking, and physical preparation for Junior Development programs.

Why parents choose Journey Tennis Hot Shots

Children who enjoy their first experience of sport come back. Everything here is built on that foundation.

Journey Tennis coaches understand how young players learn — and know that patience, positivity, and the right environment matter just as much as technical knowledge. Sessions are welcoming, well-structured, and genuinely enjoyable. Progress is clear and visible. Parents are kept informed at every stage, with honest feedback on how their child is developing and what comes next.

No pressure. No rushing. Just a great start to a lifelong game.

Parent — Blue Stage (Age 4) "I wasn't sure my daughter was old enough, but from the very first session she was completely engaged. The coaches made it so age-appropriate — the progress in just a few weeks was wonderful to see."

Parent — Red Stage (Age 6) "He'd tried other programs and just wasn't enjoying it. Since starting Hot Shots at Journey Tennis he asks to go every single week. Completely different experience."

Parent — Orange Stage (Age 9) "The structure is what stands out. We always know what she's working on and what comes next. She's progressed through the stages at her own pace and the confidence she's gained has been huge."

See hotshots program in action

  • Since starting group lessons, my child's confidence has grown enormously. The coaches are patient, encouraging, and really understand how kids learn.

    Parent - Junior Player (Age 9)

  • Since starting group lessons, my child's confidence has grown enormously. The coaches are patient, encouraging, and really understand how kids learn.

    Parent - Junior Player (Age 9)

  • Since starting group lessons, my child's confidence has grown enormously. The coaches are patient, encouraging, and really understand how kids learn.

    Parent - Junior Player (Age 9)

Hot Shots Tennis Lessons — Mill Park, South Morang & Epping

The Hot Shots Program at Journey Tennis is an endorsed Tennis Australia Hot Shots program, delivered by qualified coaches in Mill Park, South Morang, and Epping. Sessions are led under the direction of Paul Vassallo, who brings nearly 30 years of coaching experience including national junior development at Tennis Australia. Hot Shots at Journey Tennis is available for children aged 3 to 12 across Blue, Red, Orange, and Green stages — with each child progressing based on readiness, not age alone.

Ready to give It a try?

The best starting point is a free trial — no commitment, no pressure.

Your coach will assess your child's current stage, recommend the right starting point, and introduce them to the Journey Tennis environment so their first proper session feels comfortable and familiar from the start.