I teach students as young as 3 to 4 years old, starting with basic coordination drills and fun activities using foam balls and small racquets. Around 5 to 6 years old, kids can begin structured lessons focusing on proper technique and footwork. By 7 to 8 years old, they can transition to more competitive play with modified courts and balls (such as red, orange, and green dot balls). Ultimately, the best age depends on the child's coordination, interest, and ability to follow instructions.
1.5 rating — You have limited experience and are primarily focused on getting the ball in play.
2.0 rating —You have little court experience, and your strokes need improvement. You know the basic positions for both singles and doubles play.
2.5 rating — You’re learning to judge where the ball is going, though your court coverage is still limited. You can sustain a short rally at a slow pace with players of similar ability.
3.0 rating — You are fairly consistent with medium-paced shots but struggle with all strokes and lack control when attempting directional control, depth, or power. Your common doubles formation is one-up, one-back.
3.5 rating — You’ve improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots but need more depth and variety. Your net play is more aggressive, court coverage is better, and you’re improving teamwork in doubles.
4.0 rating — You have dependable strokes, including control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides with moderate-paced shots. You can execute lobs, overheads, approach shots, and volleys with some success, and occasionally force errors when serving. Your rallies may be lost due to impatience. Doubles teamwork is evident.
4.5 rating — You’ve developed power and spin and can handle the pace. You have good footwork, control shot depth, and adapt your game plan to your opponent. You can hit powerful first serves and place your second serve. You tend to overhit on difficult shots, with aggressive net play being common in doubles.
5.0 rating — You anticipate shots well and often have an outstanding shot or attribute that you build your game around. You can regularly hit winners or force errors off short balls and put away volleys. You can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys, and overhead smashes, and you maintain good depth and spin on most second serves.
5.5 rating — You have mastered power and/or consistency as a major weapon. You can vary your strategies and styles of play in competitive situations and hit reliable shots under pressure.
6.0 rating — You’ve had intensive training for national tournament competition at the junior and collegiate levels and have earned a sectional and/or national ranking.
7.0 rating — You are a world-class player.
![Alexandria, VA (2025) -- #2 ranked player in Honduras for U16 [Alejandro Matuty Castillo]]](resources/Alejandro%20Matuty%20Castillo%20%28angel%27s%20nephew%29%206-13-2025.JPG)
