Sports

ITF approved Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 tennis balls updated requirements

Stage 1 Green tennis balls, as defined by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), are designed for young children who are learning to play tennis. The specifications of Stage 1 Green tennis balls are:

  1. Color: The ball must be green in color, with a specific hue and brightness level defined by the ITF.
  2. Size: The ball has a diameter of 6.30-6.86 cm (2.48-2.70 inches).
  3. Weight: The ball has a weight of 47.0-51.5 grams.
  4. Bounce: The ball must have a lower bounce than a standard tennis ball. When dropped from a height of 100 inches, the Stage 1 Green tennis ball must bounce between 47 to 53 inches high.

These specifications are designed to make the ball easier for young children to hit, as they have a lower bounce and are lighter in weight than standard tennis balls. This makes it easier for them to develop their skills and technique while having fun playing the game of tennis.

Stage 2 Orange tennis balls, as defined by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), are designed for young children who have progressed beyond the Stage 3 Red tennis balls and are continuing to learn and develop their skills. The specifications of Stage 2 Orange tennis balls are:

  1. Color: The ball must be orange in color, with a specific hue and brightness level defined by the ITF.
  2. Size: The ball has a diameter of 6.00-6.86 cm (2.36-2.70 inches).
  3. Weight: The ball has a weight of 36.0-46.9 grams.
  4. Bounce: The ball must have a lower bounce than a standard tennis ball. When dropped from a height of 100 inches, the Stage 2 Orange tennis ball must bounce between 41 to 47 inches high.

These specifications are designed to provide a slightly more challenging ball for children who are continuing to learn and develop their skills. The lower bounce and lighter weight help children to develop their control and technique while still being able to hit the ball with relative ease. This helps to ensure that children continue to have fun playing the game of tennis while also continuing to improve their skills.

Stage 3 Red tennis balls, as defined by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), are designed for the youngest children who are learning to play tennis. The specifications of Stage 3 Red tennis balls are:

  1. Color: The ball must be red in color, with a specific hue and brightness level defined by the ITF.
  2. Size: The ball has a diameter of 7.00-8.00 cm (2.76-3.15 inches).
  3. Weight: The ball has a weight of 36.0-49.0 grams
  4. Bounce: The ball must have a lower bounce than a standard tennis ball. When dropped from a height of 100 inches, the Stage 3 Red tennis ball must bounce between 35 to 41 inches high.

These specifications are designed to provide a ball that is easier for the youngest children to hit, as it has a lower bounce and is lighter in weight than the Stage 1 Green or Stage 2 Orange tennis balls. The Stage 3 Red tennis ball is also smaller in size, which makes it easier for children to hold and hit. These specifications help to ensure that children have a positive and enjoyable experience when learning to play tennis, which can help to foster a lifelong love of the sport.