KIDS Tennis at Heffron Park

If you’re a parent looking for kids tennis near you in Matraville, our Kids Tennis Program or also known as Hot Shots at Heffron Park Tennis Centre is designed to help children learn tennis in a structured, age-appropriate way. Lessons use modified courts and balls so kids can rally sooner, build confidence, and develop solid fundamentals step-by-step.

Kids Tennis at Heffron Park

If you’re a parent looking for kids tennis near you in Matraville, our Kids Tennis Program or also known as Hot Shots Program at Heffron Park Tennis Centre is designed to help children learn tennis in a structured, age-appropriate way. Lessons use modified courts and balls so kids can rally sooner, build confidence, and develop solid fundamentals step-by-step.

hot shots tennis

What is Hot Shots Tennis?

Hot Shots Tennis is tennis for kids! A National Tennis Australia accredited program utilising modified courts and tennis balls to teach children aged between 3 to 12 years tennis a fun and easy way.

The program separates children (aged 3 to 12) into similar age ranges as well as ability, with each stage of the program focusing on different skills that enable your child to learn how to play a full game of tennis.

What Our Players Say:

Tennis is better when it’s shared. Here’s what the Heffron Park community has to say about their experience on and off the court.

Why Our Kids Tennis Program Matter for Parents

Kids learn best when the game matches their body size, coordination level, and attention span. That’s why Hot Shots uses modified courts and tennis balls, so children can learn timing, movement, and rallying in a way that feels achievable early on.

For parents, the goal is usually simple — and if you’re keen to pick up a racquet yourself while they train, our Adult Group Lessons work on that same principle:

You want your child to enjoy the sport,

Learn real skills,

And be coached in an environment where progress is visible and expectations are clear.

The Hot Shots Stages At Heffron 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.

Kinder supports the development across fine and gross motor skills, balance, socialisation with others and provides parent and bub plenty of bonding moments.

The foundation 'Launch' stage. The lesson is jam packed with new skills and easy to learn techniques with a big emphasis on FUN.

Kids build tennis skills and begin exploring basic rally play through fun, game-based activities on modified courts, using red balls and 19–23" racquets sized for their age and ability.

Kids advance into singles and doubles play on one of two court sizes, using a 50% compression orange ball. Tactics, consistency, and competitive confidence are the focus at this stage.

The most advanced stage in the junior program. This stage has a big emphasis on skills improvement and competitive match play. The full court is used for this stage.

Recommended for children aged 11+. This stage looks at rallying and match play. Classes have a Minimum number of children to enable the coach to teach the group. Suitable for Beginner level players.

This stage has a big emphasis on technique improvement and competitive match play.

Super Squads will focus more on competition match play, how to construct points, and a strong emphasis on drills.

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meet OUR COACHes

Luis Gambali | Head Coach

Playing Background

Former performance junior player with national-level competitive experience.
15 years of playing experience in competitive tennis.
Developed strong technical, tactical, and competitive foundations through high-level junior competition.

Coaching Experience

7 years of coaching experience working with players of different ages and levels.
Head Coach for the past 2 years, responsible for program development, player progression, and coaching leadership.

Coaching Qualifications

AATC Accredited Coach – Development & Performance Coaching Courses.
Tennis Australia Level 1 Coach – Junior Development.
Tennis Australia Level 2 Coach – Club Professional.

Certifications

First Aid & CPR Accredited.

Education

Bachelor of Law (LLB).

Coaching Approach

Focus on technical development, tactical awareness, and strong work ethic.
Emphasis on positive learning environments and player confidence.
Experience developing junior players from grassroots participation to performance pathways.

Santiago Rodriguez | Senior Tennis Coach

20 years of coaching experience with kids and adults in Australia, South America and Europe. Private and group lessons, as well as school programs with tennis andpickleball.
Played tennis for 30+ years, including junior nationals and senior tournaments indifferent countries.
A patient and thoughtful coach who wants players to enjoy their experience on thecourt by helping them understanding the game beyond their level.

Certifications:
Tennis Australia Development Coach (Level 1)
Certificate III in Sports Coaching.
PTR Level 1 National and International tennis coach course.
PTR Level 2 National and International high-level coach course.
AATC Level 1 Development Tennis Coach certification from the Australasian Academyof Tennis.
AATC Advanced Tennis Coach certification from the Australasian Academy of Tennis Coaches.
AATC Pickleball Coach.
Estess accredited Pickleball Coach.
First Aids & CPR qualified

Alejo Tenti

Originally from Argentina, with over 4 years of professional coaching experience, I specialize in developing players of all ages and skill levels – from young beginners picking up a racquet for the first time to advanced competitors refining their tournament strategy.My coaching style focuses on communicating effectively with a diverse range of players, making lessons inclusive, clear, and highly engaging.Coaching Qualifications
- Certificate IV in Sport Coaching – Tennis Coach
- Tennis Australia Level 1 Coach – Junior Development.
- First Aid & CPR Certified
Core Expertise
- Junior Development: Delivering engaging Hot Shots Tennis programs to build fundamental motor skills in kids.
- Adult Coaching: Technical alignment, cardio tennis, and match-play drills for social or competitive adults.
- Tactical & Technical Analysis: Diagnosing stroke mechanics, footwork patterns, and implementing tactical baseline strategies.
Languages Spoken
- English (Fluent)
- Spanish (Native)

Marcus Italiano

Over 5 years experience coaching tennis both domestically and internationally in club, school and resort settings, across a variety of ages and skill levels.
Head Tennis Coach for Neilson Active Holidays at Baia Dei Mori Beach Club, Sardinia in 2025.
Trainee Coaching Course (fmr. Community Coaching) certification from Tennis Australia in 2022.
Holds a Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Secondary Education completed at Macquarie University in 2024.
First Aid and CPR qualified.
Playing Tennis for 14 years.
A caring, patient, hardworking and engaging coach with a great passion for working with people to develop their skills and support their learning.

Luis Gambali

Playing Background

Former performance junior player with national-level competitive experience.
15 years of playing experience in competitive tennis.
Developed strong technical, tactical, and competitive foundations through high-level junior competition.

Coaching Experience

7 years of coaching experience working with players of different ages and levels.
Head Coach for the past 2 years, responsible for program development, player progression, and coaching leadership.

Coaching Qualifications

AATC Accredited Coach – Development & Performance Coaching Courses.
Tennis Australia Level 1 Coach – Junior Development.
Tennis Australia Level 2 Coach – Club Professional.

Certifications

First Aid & CPR Accredited.

Education

Bachelor of Law (LLB).

Coaching Approach

Focus on technical development, tactical awareness, and strong work ethic.
Emphasis on positive learning environments and player confidence.
Experience developing junior players from grassroots participation to performance pathways.

How to Be Part Of Our Kids Tennis Program?

STEP 1 : Enquire with your child’s age and experience

Tell us:

your child’s age

whether they’ve played before

what you want most (confidence, skills, fun, match play readiness)

This helps us guide you to the right stage from the start.

STEP 2 : Book a free trial lesson (optional but recommended)

A free trial is available, so your child can experience the session and you can confirm fit before committing.

STEP 3 : Choose a session time from the timetable

Hot Shots has a published timetable through the booking system.
(If you are unsure which class to choose, enquire first so you don’t waste time switching later.)

STEP 4 : Enrol and set up payments

Hot Shots lessons are booked and paid for in advance via fortnightly direct debit, and you can join throughout the calendar year (subject to availability).

STEP 5 : Progress through stages with coaching guidance

As skills improve, your child can progress through stages that match their ability and confidence.

What’s Included:

Coaching designed for kids using modified courts and balls

Grouping by age and ability

Stage pathway (Kinder, Launch, Red, Orange, Green, Yellow, and squads)

Option to use an Active Kids Voucher (email voucher prior to registering)
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.

What’s Not Included:

We do not promise specific outcomes (for example, tournament wins or guaranteed skill improvements).

How much does it cost?

Weekly pricing varies by stage and session length:

Kinder Tennis

$24.00/week (30 minutes)

Launch Pad

$29.00/week (30 minutes)

Red Ball

$36.00/week (60 minutes)

Orange Ball

$40.00/week (60 minutes)

Green Ball 1

$40.00/week (60 minutes)

Green Ball 2

$40.00/week (90 minutes)

Yellow Ball

$44.00/week (60 minutes)

Squad

$48.00/week (90 minutes)

Active Kids Voucher: “$50 off” is referenced on the page, with instruction to email the voucher prior to registering.

More KIDS Tennis Options at
Heffron Park

Hot Shots Challenge (Kids Match Play Event)

If your child is already doing Hot Shots, the Hot Shots Challenge is a great way to experience match play in a friendly format. It is run as a round robin event with level-based rules, helping kids build confidence with scoring, serving, and point play.

LEARN MORE

Private Tennis Coaching For Kids

Heffron Park 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.

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.

LEARN MORE

School Holiday Tennis Camps

Looking for a structured school holiday activity for kids? Our School Holiday Camps are designed for children aged 5 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.

LEARN MORE