Kids Tennis In Rushcutters Bay
Tennis Australia’s national Hot Shots program for children of all ages, right here in Rushcutters Bay, close to Elizabeth Bay, Edgecliff, Kings Cross, Darlinghurst, Paddington, Woolloomooloo, Double Bay, and Darling Point.
 7 Waratah Street, Rushcutters Bay NSW 2011
Tennis Australia’s national Hot Shots program for children of all ages, right here in Rushcutters Bay, close to Elizabeth Bay, Edgecliff, Kings Cross, Darlinghurst, Paddington, Woolloomooloo, Double Bay, and Darling Point.
7 Waratah Street, Rushcutters Bay NSW 2011
Hot Shots Tennis
What is Hot Shots Tennis?
What is Hot Shots Tennis?
Hot Shots is the official kids tennis program developed and accredited by Tennis Australia. It uses modified court sizes, age-appropriate racquets, and lower-bouncing balls so children can actually play and rally from their very first lesson , not just practise strokes in isolation.
The program is structured into clear stages, each with a specific developmental focus. Early stages build coordination, motor skills, and confidence. Later stages introduce rally consistency, match play tactics, and competition preparation. Children move through the stages at a pace that suits them, with coaches tracking progress each term.
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Who is it for?
The Hot Shots program at Rushcutters Bay welcomes children from toddler age through to early teens. There are no prerequisites. Whether your child has never held a racquet or has had some prior exposure to the game, our coaches will assess their ability at enrolment and place them in the stage that fits them best.
Rushcutters Bay Park Tennis Centre is managed by Sydney Sports Management Group (SSMG), which has been operating tennis centres across Sydney for over 25 years and maintains direct affiliations with Tennis Australia and Tennis NSW.
What Other Parents Say
Why Our Kids Tennis Program Matters for Parents
Finding a consistent, well-run activity for your child in the inner east isn’t always straightforward. You want something safe, properly structured, easy to get to, and genuinely engaging — not just a way to fill an afternoon.
Here’s what makes the program at Rushcutters Bay a practical choice for local families:
It’s built on a national standard. Hot Shots is not a local program invented by one club. It’s the official kids pathway from Tennis Australia, used at accredited venues across the country. That means the curriculum, equipment, and teaching approach all meet a consistent national standard — and your child’s stage is recognised wherever they play next.
The setting makes a difference. Rushcutters Bay Park is one of inner Sydney’s most well-loved green spaces. Your child learns to play outdoors on proper courts, in fresh air — not a gym or indoor facility. It’s a genuinely enjoyable place to spend a weekend morning.
There’s a clear progression pathway. Each stage in the program has a defined developmental focus. Children aren’t just repeating the same thing term after term — they’re working toward a real next step, with coaches recommending advancement when the time is right.
It’s part of a real community. SSMG works directly with local schools including Darlinghurst Primary School, Plunkett Street Primary School, Glenmore Road Public School, Sydney Grammar, Scots College, and Conservatorium High School. We also provide scholarships for children from families who need financial support. Tennis at Rushcutters Bay is genuinely part of the local community.
Your Active Kids Voucher is accepted here. NSW families with an eligible child can use a $100 Active Kids Voucher toward enrolment. It’s a straightforward saving that many families don’t realise applies to tennis.
The Hot Shots Stages at Rushcutters Bay Park
Hot Shots is not “one group fits all.” The program separates children into similar age ranges and ability, with each stage focusing on specific skills so your child can progress toward playing a full game.
Hot Shots is also built as a pathway. As children move through stages and build confidence, they can work toward more advanced rallying and match play, and for some, eventually progress into squad lessons.Â
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MEET OUR COACHES
Samantha Loveridge
- Tennis Coach.
- Holds a First Class BA (Hons) Sport Management Degree.
- 1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Coaching.
- 1st4sport Level 3 Award in Education and Training.
- 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Preparations for Coaching Sport.
- Advanced Tennis Coach Certification from the Australasian Academy of Tennis Coaches.
- Development Tennis Coach Certification from the Australasian Academy of Tennis Coaches.
- Special Olympics Certification for Inclusive Sport In Schools and Young Athletes
- First Aid & CPR qualified.
- Passionate about teaching, helping people improve, and using sport as a tool to benefit well-being.
Mike Etherington
- Head Coach.
- Passion for teaching and playing tennis.
- 30 years of coaching experience, including 7 years abroad.
- Coached former world number 1 Andy Roddick at Rick Macci Tennis Academy
- USPTA certified professional since 1994.
- Coached 2023 Tennis Seniors Player of the Year Sanna Bedford (currently representing Australia at the World Teams Championships in Turkey 2025).
- 2009 World Masters Games bronze medallist.
- Two-time club champion at Manly Lawn Tennis Club (1998 & 2005).
- Former state-ranked junior.
- Australian top 15 senior ranking (previous world ranking of 269).
- Multiple State and Australian corporate games singles titles.
- Certificate III in Business.
- Bronze Medallion and Advanced Resuscitation Certificate.
Martina Caliari
- Senior Coaching Professional.
- Gym Instructor.
- Former EU semi-professional tennis player with 22 years of experience, starting at age 6.
- Certification in Tennis Australia Community Coaching.
- Advanced Tennis Coach Certification from The Australasian Academy of Tennis Coaches.
- Development Tennis Coach Certification from The Australasian Academy of Tennis Coaches.
- Certificate III in Personal Training.
- Certificate IV in Personal Training.
- Certificate IV in Sport Coaching.
- Diploma in Sport Coaching.
- Passionate about learning and coaching, bringing great energy to her classes.
How to Be Part of Our Kids Tennis Program
View our current class schedule to find a day and time that works for your family.
Download and fill in the enrolment form. If you have an Active Kids Voucher, email it to us before submitting so we can apply the $100 discount.
Fees are charged weekly via direct debit. You’ll complete a short direct debit form as part of the sign-up process — no large upfront term payment required.Â
 On your child’s first session, arrive in comfortable sportswear with a water bottle and sunscreen. Coaches confirm stage placement on the day. You’re welcome to watch from the sidelines.
What’s Included:
- Weekly coached group sessions in your child’s Hot Shots stage
- Tennis Australia accredited instruction following the national Hot Shots framework
- Use of modified courts and age-appropriate equipment during sessions
- Ongoing stage progression assessment by our coaching team
- Access to Hot Shots Challenge events
What’s Not Included:
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- Tennis racquet — your child needs their own, sized to their stage. Our coaches can advise.
- Tennis shoes — flat-soled, non-marking sports shoes required (chunky-soled runners are not suitable for court surfaces)
- One-on-one private coaching — available separately via our [Private Lessons →] program
How much does it cost?
Weekly pricing varies by stage and session length:Â
$24.00 / week
$29.00 / week
$36.00 / week
$40.00 / week
$40.00 / week
$44.00 / week
$48.00 / week
All fees are charged weekly via direct debit.
Active Kids Voucher — Save $100 NSW Government Active Kids Vouchers are accepted. Email your voucher to info.rbtc@ssmgroup.com.au before registering to apply the $100 discount.
MORE TENNIS OPTIONS AT RUSHCUTTERS BAY
Hot Shots Challenge
The Hot Shots Challenge is a fun, informal competition for current Hot Shots participants — a chance to put skills into practice against others at a similar level. Low-pressure, well-organised, and a great motivator for kids who are ready for match play in a real setting.
LEARN MORE
School Holiday Tennis Camps
Our School Holiday Camps run across the major NSW school breaks and offer an intensive, multi-day tennis experience for children of all levels including complete beginners. Camp programs fill quickly each term.
LEARN MORE
Private Lessons
For children who want one-on-one focus, our Private Lessons program offers individual coaching with one of our Tennis Australia accredited coaches — structured around your child's specific stage and goals.
LEARN MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
We welcome children from toddler age in our Kinder Tennis program. If your child can engage with group activities and follow basic instructions, they’re ready to start. Contact us and we’ll help identify the right stage.
Our coaches assess each child at their first session and confirm the appropriate stage. If you’d like guidance before enrolling, call us on (02) 9357 7332 and describe your child’s experience level we’re happy to advise.
Yes. Children need their own racquet appropriate for their age and stage. Our coaching team can advise on sizing. Racquet hire is not part of the program.
Comfortable sportswear and flat-soled, non-marking tennis shoes. Also bring a labelled water bottle and sunscreen all sessions are held outdoors at Rushcutters Bay Park.
Yes. Parents and carers are welcome to watch from the surrounding area. For Kinder Tennis, parent participation is part of the session format.
Fees are charged weekly via direct debit. You complete the direct debit form during enrolment no large upfront term payment required.
Yes. NSW Government Active Kids Vouchers give eligible families $100 off. Email your voucher to info.rbtc@ssmgroup.com.au before registering. Vouchers are available through Service NSW.
Please review our [Policies page →] for full details on absences and make-up sessions. For specific questions, contact us at (02) 9357 7332.
Yes , stage progression is built into the program. Coaches monitor development each term and recommend advancement when your child is ready.
Yes. Hot Shots is the official national kids tennis program developed by Tennis Australia. Rushcutters Bay Park Tennis Centre delivers it under Sydney Sports Management Group, which maintains direct affiliations with Tennis Australia and Tennis NSW.
Yes. We currently run programs with Darlinghurst Primary School, Plunkett Street Primary School, Glenmore Road Public School, Sydney Grammar, Scots College, and Conservatorium High School. Schools can contact us at info.rbtc@ssmgroup.com.au.
Yes. SSMG provides scholarships giving eligible children a free term of coaching. Contact info.rbtc@ssmgroup.com.au to find out more.
Contact Us
7 Waratah Street
Rushcutters Bay NSW 2011
MON-FRI 7:00am – 10:00pm
SAT-SUN 7:00am – 7:00pm