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Baseline Tennis Academy provides top-quality junior tennis programs at four locations in Cairns, at the Edge Hill Tennis Club, Cairns International Tennis Centre, Freshwater Tennis Club and Redlynch Tennis Club. The Junior Programs are designed to nurture young talent at every age and skill level and are aligned with Tennis Australia’s Hotshots framework. Each stage uses modified equipment to create a fun, safe and progressive learning environment and covers everything from basic motor skills to full-court play. Kids in our Junior Programs advance through stages that build confidence, coordination and create a lifelong love for tennis.
Want to get started? We provide a free first lesson to let kids experience the game – so contact us to book this in – and every child that signs up to a program will receive a free tennis racquet and Hotshot shirt.
You can start your child’s tennis journey from as young as 3 years old. The Blue Ball stage is a fun introduction to tennis using play-based activities to help develop essential motor skills. Using larger, low-compression blue balls and mini racquets, kids enjoy a fun start in a safe and supportive environment. This stage is played on a small court, about a quarter the size of a full court, with lower nets to suit younger players. It’s a perfect introduction to tennis for beginners, focusing on enjoyment and early skill-building.
Building on basic skills, children in this stage learn to rally, work on coordination, and grasp simple game strategies with the help of red balls and slightly larger racquets. Played on a court about half the size of a full tennis court, with a lowered net, the Red Stage offers a fun way for kids in Cairns to gain confidence while progressing their tennis journey. This level prepares them for more advanced play in a relaxed, modified setting.
At this level, kids can refine their tennis technique and rallying skills, using orange balls on a court that’s approximately three-quarters the size of a full court. With a focus on understanding match play and teamwork, the Orange Stage is ideal to help kids prepare for competitive play and fixtures. This stage continues to build confidence, coordination and a love for the sport.
Transitioning to a full-size court, players in the Green Ball Stage work on advanced skills and match strategies. The use of green balls, which are softer than standard balls, encourages control and precision, helping young players further build their tennis. This stage bridges the gap between modified and standard tennis, allowing players to hone their technique and enjoy more challenging games.
For kids ready to play like the pros, the Yellow Stage uses standard tennis balls on a full-size court. This level solidifies core skills and places greater emphasis on competitive play, sportsmanship and personal growth, both on and off the court. The Yellow Stage is ideal for players who are committed to advancing their skills and taking on new challenges in a standard tennis environment.
Friday Matchplay is held at the Cairns International Tennis Centre and provides kids with the opportunity to participate in ‘real’ competitive matches, in a fun, supportive environment. With guidance from our coaches, children learn important skills like rallying, scoring and teamwork. The Leagues Manager Program tracks progress, encouraging commitment and a sense of achievement. Friday Matchplay combines skill-building with a lively atmosphere, complete with music and a sausage sizzle, making it a favourite event for our young Cairns tennis players and their families.
Our Academy Program offers Cairns’ advanced juniors a high-performance pathway focused on further skill development, fitness and competitive play. With expert coaching and structured sessions, players prepare for tournaments like the Junior Development Series (JDS) and Junior Tour (JT), gaining valuable match experience. Emphasizing Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness, we build resilient athletes ready for success on and off the court.
Baseline Tennis Academy is Cairns’ premier destination for children wanting to learn, grow and enjoy tennis. We run a variety of junior tennis programs and pathways, providing opportunities for children as young as 3 years old and taking them right through their teenage years. Want to get started? We provide a FREE first lesson to let kids experience the game – so contact us to book this in – and every child that signs up to a program will receive a FREE Tennis Racquet and Hotshot Shirt. We have experienced coaches and state-of-the-art facilities, with a focus on providing a supportive learning environment.
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