Hot Shots is New Zealand’s official tennis starter programme for kids aged 3 to 10+, designed to make learning tennis fun, accessible, and age-appropriate. The programme is structured into four progressive stages — Blue, Red, Orange, and Green — each tailored to suit the developmental needs of children as they grow and improve their skills.
Hot Shots is New Zealand’s official tennis starter programme for kids aged 3 to 10+, designed to make learning tennis fun, accessible, and age-appropriate. The programme is structured into four progressive stages — Blue, Red, Orange, and Green — each tailored to suit the developmental needs of children as they grow and improve their skills.
Each stage utilises modified equipment and court sizes to ensure that children can play and enjoy tennis from their very first session. For instance, the Blue stage introduces young children to tennis through games and fun activities using balloons, big balls, and beanbags.
As children progress to the Red, Orange, and Green stages, they transition to using larger courts and faster balls, gradually preparing them for full-court play with standard equipment.
For further information is available on the New Zealand Tennis website.
Children build confidence with a racquet while improving basic movement skills in a relaxed and inclusive environment.
Children learn the basics of rallying, serving, and scoring while developing coordination and confidence in a supportive, social setting.
Kids gain confidence in extended rallies, directional hitting, and tactical play. They may start participating in informal matches.
Children develop competitive skills, preparing them for junior club tennis, tournaments, and long-term participation in the sport.
To receive updates and alerts for sessions please download ClubAppsNZ. Search for Waimairi Tennis Club and set alerts for Hot Shots.
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Waimairi Tennis Club junior members can take part in Canterbury Tennis Interclub competitions throughout the season.
Junior Interclub is a competition open to all juniors up to 18 years of age, covering a range of abilities. Tennis Canterbury offers Friday night and Saturday morning competitions from October to March.
The Junior Interclub rules and handbooks are available on the Tennis Canterbury website.
If you have any questions, or need more information, about our junior programmes please reach out:
Our coaching team at the Waimairi Tennis Club is led by Hukaatai Hart (Huk).
Huk brings over 17 years of coaching experience and a deep connection to Waimairi Tennis Club, where his own tennis journey began at age five.
Known for his fun, energetic style, he’s passionate about helping players build confidence, develop strong technique, and enjoy the game.
Drawing on his background as both a player and coach, Huk works with kids, teens, and adults — whether they’re chasing competition or just having fun. He tailors his coaching to each player’s unique style and enjoys building positive relationships on and off the court.
His goal is to make tennis welcoming, rewarding, and lifelong.
Daiki is a respected coach and former top Christchurch player who has been involved in tennis from a young age.
After high school, he earned a scholarship to play and study at Savannah College of Art and Design in the USA, where he further sharpened his game.
Known for his focus on fundamentals, Daiki helps players of all levels build a strong foundation for long-term improvement. His calm, supportive approach makes coaching both effective and enjoyable.
At Waimairi Tennis Club, he’s passionate about growing players’ confidence, skills, and love for the game through clear, fundamentals-driven coaching.
Rhys has nearly 20 years of experience in tennis as both a player and coach, working across Christchurch and internationally in the Maldives, Greece, and Cyprus. ITF Level 1 certified, he’s passionate about helping players grow on and off the court.
In 2021, he founded the University of Canterbury Tennis Club to support young adults staying in the game. Rhys tailors his coaching to each player, focusing on tactical and technical growth.
Now at Waimairi, he values the club’s strong coaching culture and is committed to helping players enjoy tennis, compete confidently, and reach their full potential.
The club also has a talented group of young coaches who support Huk with our junior programmes.
