The Power of Matchplay for Kids
​For young tennis players, the journey from learning the basics to becoming confident competitors is one built on practice, perseverance, and real match experience. At Ready for Tennis, we provide that experience through Matchplay Fridays - a dedicated time for juniors to put their training into action, grow resilience, and develop a genuine love for the game.
In this article, we’ll explore why match play is such an important part of your child’s tennis development - the mental, emotional, and technical benefits, and how it helps prepare them for success both on and off the court.
Here are some insights on the power of matchplay, and how real-world experience builds future champions.
1. Building match experience early
Moving from lessons into competition can feel like a big leap for kids. While coaching builds a foundation of technique, fitness and strategy - match play is where it all comes together.
That’s where Matchplay Fridays at Ready For Tennis step in. For our Red Ball players, these weekly sessions provide a fun, low-pressure environment to test their skills in real games. It’s a chance to experience competition in a way that feels safe and supportive - without the intensity of a tournament.
Interested in Orange or Green Ball matchplay on a Friday during the school term? Speak to Reid, and we can help organise opportunities for your child to take that next step too.
According to Tennis Australia, match play is an essential part of player development. It’s how kids develop strategic thinking and improve their ability to make decisions under pressure.
2. Developing mental toughness and resilience
One of the biggest lessons kids take away from match play is resilience. Tennis demands focus, composure and the ability to handle setbacks.
In Matchplay Fridays, kids experience all the highs and lows - the excitement of winning points, the frustration of making errors, and the challenge of staying calm when the score gets tight. These moments help them learn how to:
- Bounce back from mistakes
- Manage nerves and emotions
- Stay focused under pressure
And just as importantly, they learn good sportsmanship. Whether it’s shaking hands at the net or respecting an opponent’s call, kids begin to understand what it means to compete with respect and humility.
3. Putting skills into action
Drills are important, but real growth happens when kids apply their skills in unpredictable, live-play situations.
In Matchplay, they get the chance to:
- Test their strokes against different playing styles
- Work on serves and returns under pressure
- Learn to adapt strategy mid-game
- Experience the natural flow of a match
This “real-world” application fast-tracks improvement. Kids don’t just know how to hit a shot — they learn when and why to hit it.
4. Creating a pathway to competition
For kids who dream bigger, match play is the bridge to tournaments. It provides a taste of competition without the high stakes, helping them gradually build confidence before stepping onto a larger stage.
The lessons learned on a Friday evening, from managing emotions to problem-solving on the court, prepare kids for school fixtures, local tournaments and beyond.
5. Building a love for the game
Perhaps most importantly, Matchplay Fridays foster joy. Kids experience the thrill of competition, the camaraderie of being part of a group and the satisfaction of seeing their hard work pay off.
It’s this blend of fun and challenge that keeps them engaged, motivated and in love with the game for the long run.
6. Learning teamwork, care, and club spirit
Tennis may be an individual sport, but at its heart, it’s also about community. One of the most powerful and often overlooked benefits of Matchplay is the way they foster connection, teamwork, and shared responsibility.
From helping set up courts to cheering on teammates, kids learn that they’re part of something bigger.
They experience moments that teach:
- Cooperation and teamwork
- Respect for coaches, peers, and facilities
- Responsibility and care for shared spaces
- What it means to be part of a club
These experiences build more than just tennis players - they help shape considerate, respectful young people who understand the value of contributing to a community.
In small but meaningful ways, our players learn to lead, support others and take pride in being part of the Ready for Tennis family.
Building resilient and confident kids
At Ready for Tennis, we see Matchplay Fridays as more than just extra court time. They’re about building confident, resilient kids who carry the lessons of tennis into every area of life.
Red Ball players can join our weekly Friday sessions.
Families of Orange and Green Ball players - chat with Reid to explore match play opportunities for your child in the upcoming term.
​
Whether your child is chasing tournaments or just starting out, match play is the missing piece that brings their tennis to life.
​
Ready to see your child thrive?
Call or text Reid on 0405 095 275
Email [email protected]