Adult Red ball Tennis is the latest sport to take on Pickleball. This kids tennis game has been mutated into a low impact competitor to Pickleball. But can it stop Pickleball, the fastest growing sport in the World? Join us as we discover what adult red ball tennis is, and does it stand a chance against the power of pickleball? Let’s Kick it in.
What is Adult Red Ball Tennis
Adult Red Ball Tennis is an easier to play, smaller-court version of tennis. It is played with smaller racquets and a softer, red dot felt ball which is served underarm. Sound familiar?
The game is designed to be a fun, social experience. And like pickleball, anyone can pick up and play the sport, which makes it more accessible for all players. Essentially, it is a low impact version of tennis.
Adult Red Ball Tennis is a slower paced game. It introduces a more social element to the game (like pickleball). So that players can have a conversation while getting some exercise (like pickleball)
The concept is borrowed from “red ball tennis”, where children aged 6-8 begin their tennis journey, playing with red balls on small courts. The red ball game helps children build foundational tennis skills and to learn to play the game of tennis.
But how does Adult Red Ball Tennis stack up against Pickleball?
Pickleball VS Adult Red Ball Tennis
Tennis must be worried when it tries to out-pickle pickleball. Tennis has always been seen as a game that is difficult to play. The introduction of “adult red ball tennis” in the last few years has reduced the barrier of entry for tennis players. The game is simpler, easier to play and likely more fun for non-trained players.
The USTA (U.S. Tennis Association) don’t want to play nice with pickleball. The USTA has “flipped the script” on pickleball and have launched 400 pilot Red Ball Tennis programs across the US. This ambitious plan is an attempt to not get steamrolled by the surging popularity of Pickleball. And to regain their court supremacy with their version of Pickleball, using springy racquets and quieter balls.
The USTA president Brian Hainline is being cheeky, and isn’t afraid to take on Pickleball head on.
“You can begin tennis at any age… We believe that when you do begin this great sport of tennis, it’s probably best to begin it on a shorter court with a larger, low-compression red ball. What’s an ideal short court? A pickleball court.”
As you can see, while some tennis organizations are happy for Pickleball and tennis to co-exist, the USTA is fighting back.
Let’s take a look at the game.
What Are The Red Ball Tennis Rules
Red ball tennis rules are a simplified version of standard tennis.
Players take turns serving using a tennis tie-break format, and they take turns serving two points each.
The scoring system is simpler and 10 points is required to win the match. The player serves are underarm and the equipment is also slightly different.
When you play red ball tennis, you need the following equipment:
- A Smaller racquet: A 23″ racquet usually used by kids aged 8 and Under
- Red Dot Felt Ball: A slower, less compressed ball
- 18″ tennis nets: A smaller, lower tennis net
- Smaller Court: roughly a quarter of the size of a standard tennis court.
Let’s take a look at the Red ball tennis court dimensions.
What Are the Red Ball Tennis Court Dimensions
The Red Ball Tennis Court Dimensions are 36 feet long and 18 feet wide. It is almost a quarter of the size of a tennis court. And the tennis net must be 18″ wide and it is usually lower.
As you can see in the image below, the red ball tennis court is small but fits exactly on the end of a tennis court. meanwhile, a pickleball court is slightly larger in both length and width.
Interesting to note, that USTA suggests that playing red ball tennis on a Pickleball court is ideal. And we agree, that extra space on the court is always welcome.
Final Thoughts
Adult Red Ball Tennis is a really interesting idea that was born from the popularity of Pickleball. Some players may gravitate to adult red ball tennis, because of the feel of playing with a tennis racquet. And it would be funny to see, adult red ball tennis being played alongside pickleball, on Pickleball courts across the world.
However, I do question the intention of the USTA in introducing Red Ball Tennis for adults. Is it to get more adult players to start playing beginner tennis, so that they may start playing full court tennis one day? Or is it to reduce the number of people playing Pickleball?
We believe it is the latter, but any sport that gets people out and moving is great. And the Bros would love to try Adult Red Ball Tennis, because it does look fun. But who are we kidding, Adult Red Ball Tennis should have just been called “Pickle Tennis“
Let the Bros know, would you play Red Ball Tennis? Yay or Nay?
Pickle On!
The Aussie Pickleball Bros.
FAQs
What is Red Ball Tennis?
Red Ball Tennis is a smaller version of tennis for children, designed for 6-8 year old’s to learn and develop their tennis skills. The sport is named after the red foam or felt balls that are used, which bounce lower and move slower.
And the courts are one quarter of a tennis court (36 feet long by 18 feet wide) with a smaller net.
What is Red Ball Tennis Scoring System?
Red Ball matches are played as a match tie-break to 10 points. Every point won will increment the score one point. And you must win by 2 points.
References
- TIME Website: Pickleball Craze America
- Elly Shear Tennis Website: Ball Colors what do they mean
- Ace Coach: Red Ball Tennis Development Foundations
- USTA Website: Adult Red Ball Tennis
- USTA Website: What Tennis Level is Right For Me
- Tennis Bros.Com: Tennis Court Dimensions
- USTA Website: Tennis Equipment for Kids