The Beginner’s Guide to Youth Tennis
It’s that time of year again. The best tennis players in the world will soon head to New York City to compete in the iconic U.S. Open, inspiring fans and athletes of all ages.
With tennis fever taking over, there’s no better time than this fall to build on the excitement and find a youth tennis class for your child! Whether they dream of playing in Arthur Ashe Stadium one day or just want to try a fun and fast-paced sport, tennis is an excellent way for kids to stay active and healthy, while learning important life skills.
At Asphalt Green, our NYC youth tennis classes help children learn the game through energetic drills and encouraging instruction. With age-appropriate equipment, expert coaching, and a play-to-learn approach, we make it easy and fun for kids to ignite their passion for the sport.
Why Tennis Is Great for Kids
Tennis is not just any other sport—it’s a full-body workout that builds strength, speed, endurance, and focus. Young players learn to move quickly, track the ball, and think strategically. Plus, tennis teaches sportsmanship, focus, determination and resilience, making it one of the most popular options for parents looking for youth sports programs.
Inside AG Tennis: How Kids Learn the Game
1. Grip and Swing Basics
Understanding how to hold the racket is the first step. In our beginner classes, players start by learning basic grips and practicing simple swings like the forehand and backhand. Coaches use fun, repetitive drills to build muscle memory and confidence.
2. Develop Hand-Eye Coordination Through Rally Games
Once kids have the basics of swinging, it’s time to start hitting! Our coaches guide students through rally-based games that build timing, coordination, and consistency.
Asphalt Green Sports Tip: Our curriculum emphasizes movement and fun to keep players engaged—no standing in lines!
3. Practice Court Awareness and Footwork
Tennis is all about constant movement. Kids learn how to move into position, recover between shots, and stay light on their feet. Through ladder drills, cone work, and quick-change games, players improve agility and stamina, improving fitness and physical health while learning to navigate the court.
4. Build Confidence Through Match Play
As skills progress, kids put their practice into action with beginner match play. They learn the rules, how to keep score, and—most importantly—how to play with good sportsmanship. Our coaches ensure a supportive environment where every player can grow.
Ready to take the court? Find your nyc youth tennis class
In partnership with Super Duper Tennis, our Youth Tennis program welcomes children ages 3-8 to the sport through fun games, expert instruction, and kid-sized equipment that sets them up for success.
Toddlers can start in our Mini Aces and Tiny Aces classes, where certified instructors introduce fundamentals like how to hold a racket, track the ball, and develop proper form. As players grow, they progress into Little Aces and Big Aces, where they continue building their skills—learning how to rally, serve, and move with confidence on the court.
Along the way, kids will develop motor skills, hand-eye coordination, agility, and most importantly, a love for the game. Whether your child is picking up a racket for the first time or looking to level up, our program offers the perfect starting point to fuel their passion and dream big—even for Arthur Ashe Stadium!
