DTP PATHWAY
The Denver Tennis Park provides a learning pathway for youth tennis players of all ages and abilities. We prioritize creating a fun, positive, and enthusiastic atmosphere for players to develop their tennis skills . We place emphasis on our core values of character development, including Attitude, Effort, Teamwork, and Respect.
Youth Tennis Pathways
Our pathways are broken down by Elementary School, Middle School, and High School. Within each age group, we offer three levels: Instructional, Intermediate for tournament players, and Advanced for sectionally competitive tournament players.
All our programs use the USTA player development philosophy as a baseline, while also incorporating fun game-based coaching and good old technique and fundamentals. Additionally, our elementary school programs are broken down using the USTA ROGY (Red, Orange, Green, Yellow) pathway. Learn more about those programs by visiting USTA Tennis for Kids 10 and Younger.
Our goal is to set up kids for success! We place players where they can be challenged, have fun, and learn appropriate skills for their age and stage. We know having players in appropriate groups is important for their tennis and social development. However, every player is unique, so we have several variables we consider when fitting players into groups and classes.
Criteria for Class Placement
Factors that are considered for placement include, but are not limited to:
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Age
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Athletic Development
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Tennis Skills
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Consistency
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Match experience
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Commitment to a number of tournaments and practices
Elementary School Pathway
Red Ball I, II, III
Age: 6-8 | Ratio: 6:1
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Red Ball is the perfect way for young players to jump into tennis! This fun and engaging program introduces the basics, from rallying and receiving to fundamental strokes. Whether they're just starting out or building on beginner skills, players will develop a strong foundation while having a blast on the court. Most will need a few sessions of practice before moving up to Orange Ball.
Orange Ball I, II, III
Age: 9-11 | Ratio: 6:1
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Orange Ball is great for players at any stage, whether they’re brand new or gearing up for Orange Ball tournaments! This program focuses on building solid fundamentals for every stroke, rallying with confidence, and learning how to play matches. Most players will need several sessions of practice before moving up to Green Ball.
Green Ball
Age: 9-11 | Ratio: 4-6:1
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Green Ball is designed for players at all levels, from beginners to advanced competitors. They'll sharpen their rallying skills, play matches, and refine their strokes with a focus on strategy. More experienced players will work on consistency, advanced shot-making, and footwork—getting tournament-ready with every session!
Middle School Pathway
Instructional Development Program
(IDP)
Age: 11-14 | Ratio: 6:1
Ball: Green
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IDP is a fun and engaging way for players to build a strong tennis foundation! Designed for beginners and advanced beginners, this program focuses on rallying, match play, and overall skill development. Players will typically need several sessions of practice before moving up to NDP with coach approval.
Intermediate Development Program
(NDP)
Age: 11-14 | Ratio: 6:1
Ball: Green & Yellow
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NDP is perfect for players who have a solid grasp of the fundamentals, can rally consistently, and are ready for Junior Team Tennis (JTT) competition. This program focuses on refining strokes, improving consistency, and developing both singles and doubles strategies to take their game to the next level. Coach approval is required.
Tournament Team
(Formerly ADP)
Age: 11-14 | UTR: 2.0-4.5
Ratio: 6:1 | Ball: Yellow
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Tournament Team is for sectionally and nationally competitive players working on advanced footwork, strategy, and tournament preparation. To continue to hone their skills for the future, they will be combined on court with the High School Tournament Team. Offered for players at UTR 2.0-4.5 (players above this level will be invited to join the High School ADP group). Coach approval is required for participation.
High School Pathway
Instructional Development Program
(IDP)
Age: 13-18 | Ratio: 6:1
Ball: Yellow
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IDP is a fun way for players to get started with tennis, whether they’re brand new or advanced beginners. The program focuses on rallying and match play, with an emphasis on doubles strategies for high school team play! Most players will need a few sessions of practice before moving up to NDP with coach approval.
Intermediate Development Program
(NDP)
Age: 13-18 | Ratio: 6:1
Ball: Yellow
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NDP is designed for players with a good foundation on all strokes, able to rally consistently and play matches at the junior team tennis level. Focus will be on more advanced stroke production, singles and doubles strategy. Coach approval required.
Tournament Team
Age: 13-18 | UTR: 2.5-4.9
Ratio: 6:1 | Ball: Yellow
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Tournament Team is for competitive players (Level 6 and higher) with a UTR of 2.5-4.9 who are ready to take their game to the next level. Players will focus on advanced footwork, strategy, and tournament prep, all while building mental toughness. Since the groups are combined with the Middle School Tournament Team, it’s a great opportunity for dedicated competitors to challenge themselves and grow in a dynamic, focused environment.
Advanced Development Program
(ADP)
Age: 13-18 | UTR: 5.0-9.0
Ratio: 4:1 | Ball: Yellow
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ADP is for sectionally and nationally competitive players working on advanced footwork, strategy, and tournament preparation. Offered for players with a UTR 5.0-9.0. Coach approval is required.