Australia Aviva Tennis Hot Shots
Once you’ve read this article, find out more about Australia’s kids programme by visiting the official website of the programme.
Aviva Tennis Hot Shots is Tennis Australia's kids' starter program for children aged five-12 years old. From the first moment children participate in the Aviva Tennis Hot Shots program, they will “play the game” of tennis.
Historically, tennis participation programs are offered by a coach and predominantly focus on skill development. Aviva Tennis Hot Shots is designed to coexist with skill development programs by providing accessible, fun competition. Players are able to serve, rally and score from the first moment they engage in tennis, creating more tennis moments and offering a new service for coaches to grow their business.
Aviva Tennis Hot Shots is taking Australian tennis by storm through using modified equipment, which enables access for all children. The use of modified balls and courts offers a unique stepping stone into tennis allowing every player to obtain maximum enjoyment!
Following international trends, Aviva Tennis Hot Shots has adopted the three progressive stages and matches the individual skill level of each player. The three progressive stages are represented by three different colours - red, orange and green. These three colours represent a skill development pathway, which is aligned to Tennis Australia's Junior Player Development framework.
When did Aviva Tennis Hot Shots commence?
The Aviva Tennis Hot Shots program, incorporating the on-court competition format, took effect from 1 January 2008. Aviva Tennis Hot Shots Deliverers have engaged in competitions from this date.
The Aviva Tennis Hot Shots program runs on an annual basis with the Deliverer required to pay a Deliverer fee. It is recommended that the Aviva Tennis Hot Shots program is delivered in eight week periods.
How will an Aviva Tennis Hot Shots Deliverer benefit?
The Aviva Tennis Hot Shots program can generate significant financial benefits to the person who delivers the program. In particular, the on-court program allows a substantial increase in player-to-court ratio over regular coaching and competition programs.
In addition, the modified equipment caters for a broader segment in the market. Committed Aviva Tennis Hot Shots Deliverers are able to attract a variety of children aged between five and 12 with different skill levels.
Last, but not least, Tennis Australia supports the business of all Deliverers by maintaining a long-term commitment to the promotion of the Aviva Tennis Hot Shots brand with both a national and local advertising campaign.
Example of Tennis Hot Shots in Action…
Perth, Western Australia, hosted the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Group I event for Asia/Pacific in February 2009. A group of dedicated, local young players took up the fantastic opportunity of playing on the same court as the professionals – hitting with red balls on 11m courts over 80cm nets.
With thanks to Darren Sturgess, Tennis West for images.