Beginners

Tennis balls have been developed to make it easier for beginner and recreational children and adult players learn the game, and thus enhance their enjoyment of tennis. This has been achieved by the manufacture of tennis balls which are designed to play 'slower' and which therefore allow greater opportunity for players to rally.

Three such groups of balls have been introduced: Stage 3 (red), Stage 2 (orange) and Stage 1 (green).

There are 2 sub-categories of Stage 3 (red) ball:

1. Standard construction

2. Cut or moulded foam

The following video explains the characteristics of each ball and compares them to the 'standard' type 2 tennis ball (courtesy of Tennis Australia).

From 2012 the ITF Rules of Tennis state that competition for players aged 10-and-under must be played with slower Red, Orange and Green balls on the appropriately sized courts. The traditional Yellow ball will not be permitted. The extract from the ITF Rules of Tennis can be found by clicking here, and will provide more details regarding the Rule Change for 10-and-under competition.

All balls submitted for approval must conform to the specifications described in the table below.

For more information about the different types of ball and starting tennis please visit the ITF's "Play and Stay" site.

Specifications for stage 3,2 & 1 balls

Notes:
There is no specification for return deformation.
There is no limit on the difference between individual forward deformation readings.
These specifications are subject to review and may be changed at any time.
All tests for size, mass, rebound height and forward deformation should be carried out in accordance with the official procedures described in Appendix I of the Rules of Tennis.