What Is MLC Tennis Hot Shots?
The MLC Tennis Hot Shots is a program developed by Tennis Australia to re-invigorate the participation in tennis at grass roots level.
Kids Tennis Rackets
Tennis Australia describe the program as follows:
MLC Tennis Hot Shots is Tennis Australia’s official kids’ starter program for children aged 5-12 years old.
It’s for kidsThrough the use of modified court sizes and low-compression balls, kids learn to serve, rally and score in a game that is appropriate to their developmental needs.
Building them up for bigger and better things
Children progress through the three developmental stages:Red
Orange
GreenAt each stage, ball compression and court size increases in line with players’ development. This gradual progression improves players’ skills and prepares them to play on a full-size court with a yellow ball.
Learn more about the three developmental stages
At MLC Tennis Hot Shots, children will:
play with modified equipment that is appropriate to their age, size and ability
meet new friends, have fun and stay healthy
develop new skills and coordination
have the opportunity to play in challenge events where all players receive a participation gift
be presented with a T-shirt when they enrol for one term of MLC Tennis Hot Shots
graduate to playing on a full-size court through the “learning to play” pathway.
Is MLC Tennis Hot Shots Right For My Child?
This is a vexed question, as most children are very self conscious when they start any new activity. They don’t like to fail at anything, hence they may resist trying new things. Also being thrown into another group situation like school in their recreation time may upset them. You can only try it. If your child refuses to cooperate with the coach, you would be advised to terminate immediately. You will at least get them a new t shirt and perhaps a hat from signing them up.
How Good Are The MLC Tennis Hot Shots Coach’s
Tennis coach’s in the main are frustrated players who perhaps wasted their youth pursuing a dream of professional tennis and are now stuck teaching to earn their living, so they can be a little short on diplomacy and good court side manner. Tennis Australia have specific training for MCL Hot Shots facilitators, so there is a fair chance your child will get value out of some aspect of the training if the coach sticks to the program.
On the whole I think the program is well intentioned, but the quality of the coach is the big question mark. I advise all parents to buy some soft tennis balls and a racket of their own and play with your child before you subject them to regimented tennis classes. You can get all the equipment you need to get your child started in tennis online and delivered including Tennis Racquets
Tennis can be game for life if your child can get some early success at hitting the ball and being the center of your attention for awhile. It can also be a bit of an obsession for some parents to see their child succeed at tennis. What ever happens, it is best to remember that it is a sport and good for building character in a child.
Other related posts:
Tennis equipment for children can sometimes be made from sub-standard materials. If you are going to get your child involved in tennis make sure they get a high quality racket and tennis shoes that have good support and grip. I suggest a visit to an online tennis store or supplier that has reviews of various tennis products will suit your purpose.

