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
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.
š 7 Waratah Street, Rushcutters Bay NSW 2011
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. ItĀ welcomes children from toddler age through to early teens.
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.
What Our Players Say:
Tennis is better when it’s shared. Here’s what the Rushcutters Bay community has to say about their experience on and off the court.
Why Our Kids Tennis Program Matter for Parents
Finding a consistent, well run activity for your child in the inner east isn’t always straightforward. The kids tennis program at Rushcutters Bay follows the official Tennis Australia kids pathway, so the curriculum, equipment, and teaching approach meet a national standard recognised wherever your child plays next. Each stage has a defined developmental focus, so children work toward a real next step rather than repeating the same thing term after term. The setting helps too: Rushcutters Bay Park is one of inner Sydney’s most loved green spaces, and kids learn outdoors on proper courts.
Our program is also part of a real community. SSMG works directly with local schools including Darlinghurst Primary, Plunkett Street Primary, Glenmore Road Public, Sydney Grammar, Scots College, and Conservatorium High, and we offer scholarships for families who need financial support.
The Hot Shots Stages In Rushcutters Bayā
Hot Shots is not āone group fits all.ā 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.Ā
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MEET OUR COACHES
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.
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.
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.Ā
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 $50 discount.Ā
Fees are charged weekly via direct debit. You’ll complete a short direct debit form as part of the sign-up process ā no large upfront term payment required.Ā
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.
Whatās 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
- Children need their own racquet appropriate for their age and stage. Our coaching team can advise on sizing. Racquets are free to borrow for the program.
Whatās Not Included:
- Tennis shoes ā flat-soled, non-marking sports shoes required (chunky-soled runners are not suitable for court surfaces)
- One-on-one private coaching ā available separately via our Private Tennis Coaching program
How much does it cost?
Weekly pricing varies by stage and session length:Ā
$23/week (30 minutes)
$27.50/week (30 minutes)
$34.50/week (60 minutes)
$37.00/week (60 minutes)
$38.00/week (60 minutes)
$42.00/week (90 minutes)
$42.00/week (60 minutes)
$46.00/week (90 minutes)
Active Kids Voucher:Ā ā$50 offā is referenced on the page, withĀ instructionĀ to email the voucher prior to registering.Ā
More Kids Tennis Options In Rushcutters Bay
Hot Shots Challenge (Kids Match Play Event)
If your child is already doing Hot Shots, theĀ Hot Shots ChallengeĀ isĀ a great wayĀ to experience match play in a friendly format. It is run as aĀ round robinĀ event with level-based rules, helping kids build confidence with scoring, serving, and point play.Ā
Hot Shots Challenge (Kids Match Play Event)
If your child is already doing Hot Shots, theĀ Hot Shots ChallengeĀ isĀ a great wayĀ to experience match play in a friendly format. It is run as aĀ round robinĀ event with level-based rules, helping kids build confidence with scoring, serving, and point play.Ā
Private Tennis Coaching For Kids
Rushcutters Bay Park Tennis Courts offers one-on-one private tennis lessons suited to all ages and ability levels, from beginners through to advanced players. Sessions are coach-led and structured around each player’s personal goals, with a focus on skill-specific improvement, technique, and fitness.Ā
Lessons are available in 30, 45, or 60-minute formats, with pricing starting at $121 for a single session and discounted 5-pack and 10-pack options available.
Private Tennis Coaching For Kids
Rushcutters Bay Park Tennis Courts offers one-on-one private tennis lessons suited to all ages and ability levels, from beginners through to advanced players. Sessions are coach-led and structured around each player’s personal goals, with a focus on skill-specific improvement, technique, and fitness.Ā
Lessons are available in 30, 45, or 60-minute formats, with pricing starting at $121 for a single session and discounted 5-pack and 10-pack options available.
School Holiday Tennis Camps
Looking for a structured school holiday activity for kids? OurĀ School Holiday CampsĀ are designed for children agedĀ 4 to 14, with full-day and half-day options, plus after care (where available).Ā ItāsĀ a practicalĀ optionĀ for parents who want kids to stay active and keep learning during the holidays.Ā
School Holiday Tennis Camps
Looking for a structured holiday activity for kids? Our School Holiday Camps are designed for children aged 4 to 14, with full-day and half-day options, plus after care (where available). It’s a practical option for parents who want kids to stay active and keep learning during the holidays.
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 levelĀ we’re happy to advise.
Yes. Children need their own racquet appropriate for their age and stage. Our coaching team can advise on sizing. Racquets are free to borrow for the program.
Comfortable sportswear and flat-soled, non-marking tennis shoes. Also bring a labelled water bottle and sunscreenĀ 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 enrolmentĀ 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-FRIĀ 7:00am – 10:00pm
SAT-SUNĀ 7:00am – 7:00pm
Contact Us
7 Waratah Street
Rushcutters Bay NSW 2011
MON-FRIĀ 7:00am – 10:00pm
SAT-SUNĀ 7:00am – 7:00pm