Junior Programming
The Washington Tennis and Education Foundation invites you to discover a world of tennis excitement and skill development for youth aged 4 to 18. Engage with our comprehensive array of programs, from the beginner-friendly Red Ball to advanced Performance levels, available at both our East and West locations.
The Junior Tennis Journey: From First Swing to Lifelong Play
Junior Development Pathway & Player Competencies
Follow your player’s development from their first day on court to advanced training and lifelong play. Our Junior Development Pathway visualizes every stage of growth, beginning with Tots and Red Ball classes for our youngest athletes and moving through Orange, Green/Yellow, Intermediate, Advanced, and Performance levels. Each step highlights recommended ages and clearly maps how players progress through WTEF’s structured pathway.
Alongside the pathway, our Player Competencies show what athletes learn at each level on the court, physically, tactically, and personally. Competencies span athletic development, technical skills, tactical understanding, competition readiness, and character development, all detailed in the competency matrix below.
As players grow, they build capabilities such as movement and balance, ball tracking, rally skills, grips and swing fundamentals, point construction, serve and return mastery, and mental performance habits. They also develop qualities like resilience, ownership, goal-setting, and sportsmanship, creating confident players prepared for both competition and life.
Explore both visuals to see how your player will grow at each stage and what they’ll be equipped to master as they move through WTEF’s comprehensive tennis pathway.
WTEF BY THE NUMBERS: Ideallly this would be some sort of graphic…Sormthing to make it stand out.
-2000+ Juniors across all programs and campuses
-100+ Competitive Junior Players
-12 certified coaches
East Campus
Photo for Red 1 and Red 2
Red I (Ages 4-6 Open)
This class is an introduction to the sport for our youngest tennis players. In this class, we will focus on the FUNdamentals. Players will develop their ABCs (Agility, Balance, and Coordination) while learning basic racquet and ball control. There will be an introduction to serving, rallying, and scoring. This class is team-based and players are encouraged to develop character traits such as listening skills, responsibility and honesty.
Dates
January 3 – February 21 (8 weeks)
(No Class 1/19, 2/16)
Session 3
Mondays: 4:00-5:00pm SIGN UP!
Fridays: 4:00-5:00pm SIGN UP!
Saturdays: 9:00-10:00am SIGN UP!!
Saturdays: 10:00-11:00am SIGN UP!!!
Red II (Ages 6-8 OR by assessment)
In this class, players will continue to build their ABCs (Agility, Balance, and Coordination) and develop technical skills and basic strategies on the court. Players will be able to play Red Ball team events by serving, rallying and keeping score. This class is team based and players are challenged to develop character traits such as respect, responsibility and resilience.
Dates
January 3 – February 21 (8 weeks)
(No Class 1/19, 2/16)
Session 3
Mondays: 4:00-5:00pm SIGN UP!
Fridays: 4:00-5:00pm SIGN UP!
Saturdays: 9:00-10:00am SIGN UP!!
Saturdays: 10:00-11:00am SIGN UP!!!
Photo for Orange 1 and Orange 2
Orange Ball I – (Ages 9-11 Open) – Beginner
This class is designed to learn and improve basic stroke techniques, athletic skills and compete in a fun and game based environment. Players will continue learning and refining the skills necessary to serve, rally and score. Players will be challenged to cover a larger court size. We will foster an environment where students are encouraged to develop character traits such as honesty, responsibility and resilience.
Dates
January 3 – February 21 (8 weeks)
(No Class 1/19, 2/16)
Session 3
Mondays: 5:30-7:00pm SIGN UP!
Fridays: 4:00-5:30pm SIGN UP!!
Saturdays: 9:00-10:30am SIGN UP!!!
Orange Ball II – (Ages 9-11 OR pending assessment) – Intermediate
In this class, players will continue to build on their foundational skills. Players will begin to take ownership of their tennis development and are encouraged to compete in team and tournament formats of play! We will foster an environment where students are encouraged to develop character traits such as responsibility, leadership and resilience.
Dates
October 29 – December 20 (7-8 weeks)
(No Class 11/26,11/29)
Session 2
Wednesdays: 4:00-5:30pm SIGN UP!
Saturdays: 10:30am-12:00pm SIGN UP!!
Green/Yellow
Players will be challenged to learn and improve their stroke mechanics, movement, balance, and coordination. This group will be introduced to competition and tactics. We will encourage players to develop their technique and consistency across their game. Players will be encouraged to experiment with different tactics and strategies, understand areas of strength in individual games, and the development of game styles. Designed for players who are developing their games and are competing in local events, high school team matches, and USTA Section tournaments
Dates
January 3 – February 21 (8 weeks)
(No Class 1/19, 2/16)
Session 3
Mondays: 4:00-5:30pm SIGN UP
Wednesdays: 5:30-7:00pm SIGN UP
Fridays: 4:00-5:30pm SIGN UP
Saturdays: 9:00-10:30am SIGN UP
Saturdays: 10:30am-12:00pm SIGN UP
Junior Beginner
Welcome to our Junior Beginner Tennis Class, designed for ages 11-14 who are new to the sport or looking to build a strong foundation! This class provides a fun, engaging, and supportive environment where young players can develop their basic tennis skills and a love for the game.
Dates
January 19 – February 21 (7 weeks)
(No Class 11/29)
Session 2
Fridays: 5:00-6:00pm SIGN UP
Saturdays: 11:00am-12:00pm SIGN UP
Intermediate/Advanced
This program is designed for intermediate/advanced level players (Ages 11-18). Clinics are designed to help every participant reach their full potential by bringing together skilled and hard-working players to compete against and support one another. Players are grouped based on effort, focus, commitment, skill, and WTN/UTR ratings. Must be approved by the Tennis Director (Alex Shek).
Dates
January 3 – February 21 (8 weeks)
(No Class 1/19, 2/16)
Session 3
Mondays: 5:00 – 7:00pm SIGN UP
Fridays: 5:00 – 7:00pm SIGN UP
Saturdays: 12:00 – 2:00pm SIGN UP
Performance – (Invite Only) Must be approved by the Tennis Director
This program is designed for committed athletes training multiple times per week and actively competing in tournaments. Players develop complete movement skills, including balanced recovery, multidirectional footwork, and quick reactions to support a versatile and adaptable game. Technical priorities include mastering reliable serves and returns, building spin, control, and depth on groundstrokes, refining net play, and learning advanced shot selection for point construction. Training emphasizes both physical preparation and mental focus, with athletes analyzing matches, setting measurable goals, and developing resilience under pressure. Character development highlights discipline, coachability, leadership, and sportsmanship, supported by a recommended competitive schedule of 2–3 events per month.
Dates
January 3 – February 21 (8 weeks)
(No Class 1/19, 2/16)
Session 3
Mondays: 4:00 pm -7:00 pm SIGN UP
Tuesdays: 4:00 pm -7:00 pm SIGN UP
Wednesdays: 4:00 pm -7:00 pm SIGN UP
Thursdays: 4:00 pm -7:00 pm SIGN UP
Fridays: 4:00 pm -7:00 pm SIGN UP
Saturdays: 12:00 pm -3:00 pm SIGN UP
West Campus
Photo for both Red 1 and Red 2
Red Ball I – (Ages 4-6 Open)
An introduction to the sport for our youngest tennis players. In this class, we will focus on the FUNdamentals. Players will develop their ABCs (Agility, Balance, and Coordination) while learning basic racquet and ball control. There will be an introduction to serving, rallying, and scoring. This class is team-based and players are encouraged to develop character traits such as listening skills, responsibility, and honesty.
Dates:
January 5th – February 27th (8 weeks)
(No Class 1/19, 2/16)
Session 3
Monday – 4:00 – 5:00 pm – SIGN UP (6 Weeks)
Tuesday – 4:00 – 5:00 pm – SIGN UP (8 weeks)
Wednesday – 6:00 – 7:00 pm – SIGN UP (8 Weeks)
Thursday – 4:00 – 5:00 pm- SIGN UP (8 Weeks)
Friday – 4:00 – 5:00 pm- SIGN UP (8 Weeks)
Red Ball II – (Ages 6-8 OR by assessment)
A continuation of Red I for players who have already developed and passed a coach’s assessment in Red I AND/OR players new to the sport who are 6:00-9 years of age. In this class, we will focus on the FUNdamentals. Players will develop their ABCs (Agility, Balance, and Coordination) while learning basic racquet and ball control. There will be an introduction to serving, rallying, and scoring. This class is team-based and players are encouraged to develop character traits such as listening skills, responsibility, and honesty.
Dates:
January 5th – February 27th (8 weeks)
(No Class 1/19, 2/16)
Session 3
Monday – 4:00 – 5:00 pm – SIGN UP (6 Weeks)
Tuesday – 4:00 – 5:00 pm – SIGN UP (8 weeks)
Wednesday – 6:00 – 7:00 pm – SIGN UP (8 Weeks)
Thursday – 4:00 – 5:00 pm- SIGN UP (8 Weeks)
Friday – 4:00 – 5:00 pm- SIGN UP (8 Weeks)
Orange Ball 1 and 2 Photo
Orange Ball I – (Ages 9-11 Open) – Beginner
In this class, players will continue to build on their foundational skills by drilling techniques and mechanics. Players will begin to take ownership of their tennis development and are encouraged to compete in team play formats! We will foster an environment where players are encouraged to develop character traits such as responsibility, leadership, and resilience.
Dates:
January 7th – February 25th (8 weeks)
Session 3
Wednesday – 4:00 – 5:30 pm – SIGN UP (8 Weeks)
Thursday – 5:00 – 6:30 pm – SIGN UP (8 Weeks)
Orange Ball II – (Ages 9-11 OR pending assessment) – Intermediate
In this class, players will continue to build on their foundational skills but will transition to live ball play with orange balls. Players should be able to hit consistently with an orange ball from the service line, baseline, and net, as well as serve and compete in match play. Players will begin to take ownership of their tennis development and are encouraged to compete in team and tournament play formats! We will foster an environment where players are encouraged to develop character traits such as responsibility, leadership, and resilience.
Dates:
January 6th – February 24th (8 weeks)
Session 3
Tuesday- 5:00 – 6:30 pm- SIGN UP (8 Weeks)
Junior Beginner – (Ages 11-18 Open) – Orange/Green Ball
Welcome to our Junior Beginner Tennis Class, designed for ages 11-14 who are new to the sport or looking to build a strong foundation! This class provides a fun, engaging, and supportive environment where young players can develop their basic tennis skills and a love for the game.
Dates:
January 9th – February 27th ( 8 weeks)
Session 3
Friday – 5:30 – 7:00 pm- SIGN UP (8 Weeks)
NEED SPACE FOR A PHOTO – I DO NOT HAVE ONE I LIKE YET
Green/ Yellow – (Ages 11 – 18 OR pending Assessment)
Players will be challenged to learn and improve their stroke mechanics, movement, balance, and coordination. This group will be introduced to competition and tactics. We will encourage players to develop their technique and consistency across their game. Players will be encouraged to experiment with different tactics and strategies, understand areas of strength in individual games, and the development of game styles. Designed for players who are developing their games and are competing in local events, high school team matches, and USTA Section tournaments
Dates:
January 5th – February 25th (8 weeks)
Session 3
Monday – 5:00 – 6:30 pm- SIGN UP (9 Weeks)
Tuesday – 4:00 – 5:30 pm – SIGN UP (8 Weeks)
Wednesday – 5:30 – 7:00 pm- SIGN UP (8 Weeks)
Intermediate / Advanced 1 & 2 – (Int./Adv. 1 – Ages 14+) and (Int./Adv 2 Ages 11-13) pending assessment.
This program is designed for intermediate-level players. Clinics are designed to help every participant reach their full potential by bringing together the most skilled and hard-working players in the area to compete against and support one another. Coaches will encourage proper footwork, shot selection, situational point-play, focus, and maximum effort at all times. Players are grouped based on effort, focus, commitment, skill, and WTN/UTR. This clinic structure follows: Dynamic warm-up, live ball warm-up, drills, and situational point play.
Dates:
January 5th – February 27th (8 weeks)
(No Class 1/19, 2/16)
Session 3
Monday – 4:00 – 6:00 pm- Int./Adv 1 (6 Weeks)
Tuesday – 5:00 – 7:00 pm – Int./Adv 2 (8 Weeks)
Wednesday – 5:00 – 7:00 pm – Int./Adv 2 (8 Weeks)
Thursday – 5:00 – 7:00 pm – Int./Adv 2 (8 Weeks)
Friday – 4:00 – 6:00 pm – Int./Adv 1 (8 Weeks)
Performance – (Invite Only) Must be approved by the Tennis Director
This program is designed for committed athletes training multiple times per week and actively competing in tournaments. Players develop complete movement skills, including balanced recovery, multidirectional footwork, and quick reactions to support a versatile and adaptable game. Technical priorities include mastering reliable serves and returns, building spin, control, and depth on groundstrokes, refining net play, and learning advanced shot selection for point construction. Training emphasizes both physical preparation and mental focus, with athletes analyzing matches, setting measurable goals, and developing resilience under pressure. Character development highlights discipline, coachability, leadership, and sportsmanship, supported by a recommended competitive schedule of 2–3 events per month.
Dates:
January 5th – February 27th (8 weeks)
(No Class 1/19, 2/16)
Session 3
Mondays – 4:00-7:00pm – Performance 2 & 3
Tuesdays – 4:00-7:00pm – Performance 1 & 2
Wednesdays – 4:00-7:00pm – Performance 2 & 3
Thursdays – 4:00-7:00pm – Performance 1 & 2
Fridays – 4:00-7:00pm – Performance 2 & 3
