JVTA Player Pathway

The JVTA Player Pathway gives every player and parent a clear roadmap for tennis development — showing where a player is now, what they need to improve, and what is required to progress.

How the Pathway Works

Players progress through six levels:

Blue → Red → Orange → Green → Yellow → Black

Most levels are divided into three stages, for example:

Orange 1 → Orange 2 → Orange 3 → Green 1

Players are assessed continuously by their coaches during normal lessons, so there are no formal assessment days.

Progress is measured across five areas:

  • Technical Skills

  • Physical Development

  • Tactics & Tennis IQ

  • Mental & Character

  • Participation & Competition

A player graduates once they have demonstrated the required competencies across their stage.

How Long Does Each Stage Take?

Players will generally spend a minimum of around two terms in each stage.

Progress is not based purely on strokes. A player may be technically strong but still need to develop areas such as decision-making, movement, resilience, match play or focus before graduating.

Every player develops at a different pace depending on their age, experience and how often they play.

Graduation Week

We want progression to feel exciting and rewarding.

When a player graduates to a new stage, they receive a custom JVTA racket dampener featuring their level mascot.

When a player progresses into a new colour level, they also receive a new racket grip, fitted by their coach.

Our mascots are:

Blue – Shark | Red – Bear | Orange – Eagle | Green – Crocodile | Yellow – Lion | Black – Wolf

A $5 graduation fee is added to your invoice when your child progresses to a new stage or level. This covers their custom dampener or grip.

Age Groups vs Pathway Stages

Lesson groups remain primarily age-based in line with Tennis Australia Hot Shots guidelines:

Blue: 3–5 | Red: 5–7 | Orange: 8–10 | Green: 10–12 | Yellow: 12+

The Player Pathway itself is competency-based.

This means two children in the same lesson may be at different Pathway stages depending on their experience, development and amount of practice.

If your child reaches a new age bracket during the term, we generally allow a six-month transition period and consider their ability, confidence, physical readiness and available places before moving them into a new lesson group.

The Goal

The Pathway is not about racing through levels.

It is designed to give players clarity, confidence, motivation and a sense of achievement while helping parents better understand their child's development.