Junior Development

STC offers junior tennis classes for players ages 5–18, with skill-based classes, Match Days, summer camps, and tournament-level development drills.

Our Philosophy

Developing Players Who Love the Game

At Southlake Tennis Center, we believe in developing players who love the game. Our junior program uses a graduated method developed and used by European tennis federations to introduce age-appropriate skills, build confidence, and create early success on court.

Players are grouped by age and ability, with a focus on skill mastery before advancement. We care more about helping players build self-esteem, competence, and confidence at each level than moving them up too quickly. To move to the next level, players must pass skills tests and show they are ready for the next stage of development.

Our coaches are not just great players. They have been trained in junior player development and know how to help your player GET BETTER HERE.

Play-Based Approach

Helping Kids Get Better Here

We use group classes to help junior players build the skills needed to play the game. Because the real benefits of tennis come from match experience, each session includes Match Days by level so players can test their skills on court.

At the end of each session, players can participate in a World Tour tournament inspired by one of the four Grand Slam events. Our goal is to help every junior athlete develop, compete, and reach the level they want to achieve.

Understanding Junior Levels

Skill-Based Advancement, Not Age-Based

Players move through four or five levels within each age group based on skill development and coach evaluation. Each level builds on the one before it, helping players master key skills before moving up. Players are assessed at the end of each session.

All players new to our program begin in Level 1 for their age group. More advanced players may request a 30-minute evaluation for higher placement from our Junior Coordinator at juniors@southlaketennis.com

Level 1: Beginner

New to tennis or just starting lessons. Players learn basic tennis skills through small-group instruction once a week. All basic tennis skills, including grips, swing path, court movement and basic scoring are taught.

Level 2: Skill Building

Players continue developing technique, movement, and early match-play skills. Players are taught more advanced grips, tactical awareness and basic match play skills. Eligible for Match Days.

Level 3: Pre-Tournament

Twice-a-week classes and optional private lessons prepare players for competitive play. Match Day attendance is required for continued development.

Level 4/5: Tournament Development

Players focus on advanced skills, match play, and competition. Most players are doing private lessons in addition to classes. Monthly tournament play is required at this level.

Coaching Staff

Certified Coaches Focused on Junior Development

Our coaching staff are certified through USTA Coaching, Professional Tennis Registry, and RSPA and we are a PTR National Training Facility. Every member of our team must pass the USOC/USTA rigorous background check by Safe Play. The team participates in ongoing training several times a year that is focused on tennis-specific child development, helping junior players build skills, confidence, and a love for the game.

Classes by Age Group

Choose Your Player's Age Range

Each age group includes class details, schedules, and what to bring. Free STC membership is required. Classes are limited to 8 players per instructor, with 4 needed to form a class.

Registration is for enrollment in a specific class. We reserve a class spot and hold it open for you, even if you have to miss. Players may only attend the classes for which they are enrolled. We do not offer make ups classes for missed attendance.

We refund registration fees up to 7 days in advance of the first class of the entire session for all levels/days. There are no credits for missed days unless we cancel the class. We give account credits only for days that are missed due to weather.

Our program is based on the school year, with 4 sessions (2 each semester). Players are automatically enrolled in subsequent sessions to hold spots in our classes. Parents are able to opt out of our program by providing a written request to withdraw by the registration deadline, which is usually 2 weeks prior to the start of a new session.

Registration in any of our classes constitutes an agreement to the above terms.

Building the Foundation

STC offers junior tennis classes for 5–8 year olds focus on coordination, movement, rallying, and early point play. Classes meet weekday afternoons at 4:00 PM and on Saturdays. STC membership is required to register. Most players spend 2-3 years at this level, developing the skills they will need at the next age/level. Players move up in LEVEL, not age, as they advance in skills.

Program Details

What to Bring

Racquet: 17–23 inch racquet based on height
Clothes: Shirts and shorts with pockets
Shoes: Non-marking tennis or athletic shoes
Water Jug: Water is not provided on court
Player Bag: Required at the start of each school year and brought to every lesson

Player Equipment Bag

All players are required to purchase a Player Equipment Bag at the beginning of their first session.

Skill Building and Early Match Play

STC offers junior tennis classes for 9–10 year olds focused on technique, movement, rallying, and early match play. Classes meet weekday afternoons at 5:00 PM and on Saturdays. STC membership is required to register. Most players spend 1-2 years at this level, developing the skills they will need at the next age/level. Players move up in LEVEL, not age, as they develop their skills.

Program Details

What to Bring

Player Equipment Bag

Players are required to purchase a bag at the start of each school year. It includes a t-shirt and practice balls.

Racquet: 23-inch racquet for Level 1, 25-inch racquet for Levels 2–4
Clothes: Shirts and shorts with pockets
Shoes: Non-marking tennis or athletic shoes are required
Water Bottle: Water is not provided on court
Player Bag: Required at the start of each school year and brought to every lesson

Next Level Tennis

STC offers junior tennis classes for 11–13-year-olds focused on technique, movement, rallying, and match-play skills. Classes meet weekday afternoons at 6:00 PM and on Saturdays. STC membership is required to register. Most players spend 1-2 years at this level, developing the skills they will need at the next age/level. Players move up in LEVEL, not age, as they develop their skills.

Program Details

What to Bring

Racquet: Level 1–2 racquets are provided. Level 3–4 players need a 26–27 inch racquet.
Clothes: Shirts and shorts with pockets
Shoes: Non-marking tennis or athletic shoes are required
Water Bottle: Water is not provided on court
Player Bag: Required at the start of each school year and brought to every lesson

Player Equipment Bag

Players are required to purchase a bag at the start of each school year. It includes a t-shirt and practice balls.

Next Level Tennis

STC offers junior tennis classes for 14–17-year-olds focused on technique, movement, rallying, and match-play skills. Classes meet weekday afternoons at 6:00 PM and on Saturdays. STC membership is required to register. Most players spend 1-2 years at this level, developing the skills they will need at the next age/level. Players move up in LEVEL, not age, as they develop their skills.

Program Details

What to Bring

Racquet: Level 1–2 racquets are provided. Level 3–4 players need a 26–27 inch racquet.
Clothes: Shirts and shorts with pockets
Shoes: Non-marking tennis or athletic shoes are required
Water Bottle: Water is not provided on court
Player Bag: Required at the start of each school year and brought to every lesson

Player Equipment Bag

Players are required to purchase a bag at the start of each school year. It includes a t-shirt and practice balls.

Carroll ISD Off-Campus PE at STC

Off Campus PE is a Carroll ISD program that allows students to enroll in approved outside instruction in place of attending PE classes. Southlake Tennis Center is a CISD-approved provider for this program.

Most players enroll in Category II, which requires students to participate in tennis-related activities at STC for 5 hours per week during the school year. Players typically enroll in 2 classes per week, participate in match play, and complete a one-hour workout each week.

Players interested in off-campus PE should contact the STC Junior Coordinator at juniors@southlaketennis.com for more information.

Invitation Only

This class is designed for players ages 11–14 who are playing on their middle school tennis teams or actively competing in tournaments with a UTR of 1–2.

Program Details

Ages: 11–14 years old
Level: Invitation only
Best Fit: Middle school team players or tournament players
UTR: 1–2
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30–7:00 PM
Membership: STC membership required to register

What to Bring

Racquet: 27-inch racquet
Clothes: Shirts and shorts with pockets
Shoes: Non-marking tennis or athletic shoes
Water Bottle: Water is not provided on court
Player Bag: Required each school year if the player does not already own a tennis bag

Player Equipment Bag

Players are required to bring their player bag to every lesson. The bag includes a t-shirt and practice balls.

Invitation Only

Tournament Level is for players who are actively competing in USTA and UTR tournaments. Drills are offered Monday through Thursday on a drop-in basis. Drills are $30.00 per session. We ask that players register online in advance of the drills.

Program Details

Player Levels

School Year and Summer Programs

Two Ways to Play Year-Round

Year-round junior tennis options include school-year practices, summer camps, and weekly classes with online or Pro Shop registration.

Start Junior Tennis at STC

Find the Right Class for Your Player

Help your child build tennis skills, confidence, and match-play experience at STC. Free membership is required to register. Questions? Call (817) 421-5605 or email juniors@southlaketennis.com.