Edinburgh Tennis - LTA Registered Venue
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Junior Tennis Lessons Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Tennis Junior Coaching Programme is widely regarded as one of the best in the city.

Tennis coaching for junior players spans a wide range of age groups and skill levels but at Edinburgh Tennis we are able to provide solutions for children and teenagers who are just starting out on their tennis journey, playing recreationally or even competing at county level and above.

Our programme is delivered by the partnership of Michael Millar and Finn Mclean who are well known for going above and beyond for their players. Working tirelessly to deliver tennis lessons that balance enjoyment with high quality coaching whilst also guiding and supporting players through internal and external competition.

To maintain standards, we follow the guidelines set by the LTA and ITF in terms of ball stages, player progression and competition structures but we pay very close attention to a player’s individual development and biological age.

Finally, as a coaching programme with current and past players competing at local, regional and GB national level, we maintain strong links with the East of Scotland LTA, Tennis Scotland and Merchiston Castle School’s Tennis Academy to assist in player development and offer associated opportunities.

Junior Tennis Coaching Schedule

As mentioned above, the Edinburgh Tennis Junior Coaching Programme has been designed to have a solution for players of all ages and abilities.

Our programme operates as a nomadic club which means that we move venues based on the season (e.g - switching between outdoors and indoors).

  Tots Tennis (Parent & Child)

The starting point for many tennis players!

High energy, action packed tennis lessons with parents getting involved on the court.

Our Tots Tennis sessions will introduce players to fundamental movements, coordination exercises and basic tennis skills wrapped up in a fun package for the youngest children in the programme.

3 to 5 years old (approx)

Open to all abilities.

Sundays

09.00 to 09.45 (45 minutes)

The next lesson block begins on Sunday 1st Sept '24.

Have A Question?Book Now

  Starter Tennis

Our action packed Starter Tennis lessons are perfect for players up to 9 years old.

Sessions include a wide variety of shot development and skill building exercises whilst working towards consistent rallying and basic competition on a mini tennis court.

We use a combination of red and orange tennis balls in this session to aid skill development.

5 to 9 years old (approx)

Open to all abilities.

Sundays

09.45 to 10.45 (60 minutes)

The next lesson block begins on Sunday 1st Sept '24.

Too long to wait? Take a look at our Junior Summer Camps!

Have A Question?Book Now

  Starter Tennis +

The second stage of our Starter Tennis lessons.

Sessions include basic tennis tactics, advanced shot development, movement patterns and a focus on competition on a mini tennis court.

We use a combination of red and orange tennis balls in this session to aid skill development.

5 to 9 years old (approx)

Players should be able to rally in a mini tennis court.

Sundays

09.45 to 10.45 (60 minutes)

The next lesson block begins on Sunday 1st Sept '24.

Too long to wait? Take a look at our Junior Summer Camps!

Have A Question?Book Now

  Rallyer & Competitor Tennis

Fun, game based tennis lessons for more experienced players up to 10 years old.

Sessions include drills to develop existing shots and build new skills along with a large amount of live ball games which encourage athleticism.

Players will work towards advanced rallying and competition by learning to play with tennis tactics in mind on a 3/4 sized tennis court.

We use a combination of red and orange tennis balls in this session to aid skill development.

7 to 10 years old (approx)

Players should be able to rally in a 3/4 sized tennis court and be competing.

Sundays

11.00 to 12.00 (60 minutes)

The next lesson block begins on Sunday 1st Sept '24.

Too long to wait? Take a look at our Junior Summer Camps!

Have A Question?Book Now

  Rallyer & Competitor + Tennis

Competitive, game based tennis lessons for experienced and older junior players up to 11 years old.

Sessions include drills to develop advanced shots and strengthen existing skills.

Players will work towards advanced rallying and gain confidence in their ability to compete on a full size tennis court.

We use a combination of orange and green tennis balls in this session to aid skill development.

Ages 8 to 11 (approx)

Players should be able to rally in a full size tennis court and be competing.

Sundays

12.00 to 13.00 (60 minutes)

The next lesson block begins on Sunday 1st Sept '24.

The next lesson block begins on Sunday 1st Sept '24.

Too long to wait? Take a look at our Junior Summer Camps!

  Teen Starter Tennis

Our Starter Tennis option for teenage players.

Sessions include a focus on building all the basic shots and developing a love for the game by taking part in live ball drills and working towards consistent rallying.

We use green tennis balls in this session to aid skill development.

10 to 18 years old (approx)

Open to all abilities.

Sundays

12.00 to 13.00 (60 minutes)

The next lesson block begins on Sunday 1st Sept '24.

Too long to wait? Take a look at our Teen Summer Camps!

Have A Question?Book Now

  Teen Rallyer & Competitor Tennis

Full size tennis on a full size court!

Players will develop a well-rounded tennis game by playing competitive drills and learning through taking part in scenarios that are focused on shot selection and tactical intentions.

Generally, sessions are aimed at players who are actively competing or would like to improve the competitive element of their tennis.

We use full yellow tennis balls in this session.

11 to 18 years old (approx)

Players should be able to rally in a full size tennis court and be competing.

Sundays

13.00 to 15.00 (120 minutes)

The next lesson block begins on Sunday 1st Sept '24.

Too long to wait? Take a look at our Teen Summer Camps!

Have A Question?Book Now

Need Some Help?

Tennis coaching class stages and ball colours can be confusing so if you are unsure, don’t worry!

Our mission is to make sure your player gets the best experience and finds the right fit to maximise both their learning and enjoyment.

Simply provide as much information as you can about your child, their age and their tennis experience and we will advise on the best solution.

Contact Us

A high quality, dynamic coaching programme that balances learning, exercise and fun.

Available for children of all ages, from 3 to 18, and based around the LTA Youth & ITF framework.

Sessions suitable for all abilities, from beginner to county level and beyond.

Nomadic programme at multiple venues (indoor and outdoor by season).

Individual or group private lessons are available to support players in the programme.

Player of the Week - Edinburgh Tennis

Player of the Week!

Meet Mathilde who is our 'Player of the Week'!

These awards go to players in our programme who have shown a high level of effort, perfected a new skill or had a great result when competing.

Junior Tennis Coaching Overview

Our programme uses a variety of coaching methods to capture all aspects of the game and help your child become a well rounded, skillful and balanced tennis player.

Technical Coaching - Edinburgh Tennis

Technical Coaching

Technical development in tennis can be tricky for young players but your child will be taught proper form and technique for each tennis shot in a way that relates to their age and skill level but is, most importantly, not boring!

Tactical Coaching- Edinburgh Tennis

Tactical Coaching

Tactical skills are a vital component of tennis and your child will learn fundamental tactics relative to their age and skill level by taking part in fun drills and live games with other players.

Playing The Game - Edinburgh Tennis

Playing The Game

Learning to play the dynamic game of tennis is just as important as learning to hit a ball well and your child will learn to play the game of tennis by taking part in match situations and conditioned games.

Tournaments - Edinburgh Tennis

Tournament Planning

When they’re ready, we will offer internal competitions or work with you to find suitable tennis tournaments that your child can take part in. We’re also able to advise on the LTA competition structure and the ITF world tennis number.

Highly Recommended!

with Edinburgh Tennis are rated 5 / 5 by 38 people.


"My six year old dd has been attending lessons with Edinburgh Tennis since April. Finn, Michael and other coaches have been working very hard to keep lessons engaging and interesting. Tennis is dd's favourite sport now. Would definitely recommend it."

(parent) - 23rd Dec 2023

     (5 / 5)


"My son attends tennis on a Sunday at the Meadows. It is a great environment with fun, supportive coaches, adaptive for all levels of player, encouraging team and confidence building, developing skills and techniques in a sociable setting."

(parent) - 5th Dec 2023

     (5 / 5)


"Lessons with Edinburgh Tennis are fun and engaging. My son loves going to them - LOVES Finn and Michael and their great games and silly jokes! I love how much progress he is making both in his tennis ability but also in his confidence."

(parent) - 15th Nov 2023

     (5 / 5)


"Such an awesome program and provides the perfect 'next step' for kids looking to develop their game and have fun. Brilliant opportunity!"

(parent) - 3rd March 2023

     (5 / 5)


"Finn and Michael are fantastic coaches and make their sessions engaging and fun. Ruairi can't wait for his next sessions and has progressed hugely since attending 1-2-1's with Finn and his Sunday group sessions.

Ruairi's technique, variety of shots and overall game have increased massively in the short period of time he has been attending his sessions. F & M are always extremely approachable, provide great feedback after each session and are always very responsive to any of the many questions we have.

We always get fantastic feedback from Ruairi (and some half decent jokes too) after each of his sessions. The coaches positivity and passion for the sport shines through, I cannot recommend Finn and Michael enough, keep up the great work guys!"

(parent) - 17th Jan 2023

     (5 / 5)


"My daughter Imogen loves her sessions with Finn and Michael.

Her game has improved week by week through their excellent technical coaching, communicated in a fun way which always keeps her smiling on court. The sessions are well structured and varied keeping the kids engaged and entertained while developing all aspects of their game.

Imogen is becoming a more complete player under their tutelage and I would recommend this programme to any parents who would like their children to improve or take up the wonderful sport of tennis."

(parent) - 4th Jan 2023

     (5 / 5)


"Our daughter loves the sessions at Edinburgh Tennis and it has really made a difference to her game.

Michael and Finn are great coaches and always make it lots of fun. Highly recommend it!"

(parent) - 29th Dec 2022

     (5 / 5)


"My son Rafael is ten years-old and has recently started tennis lessons with Michael. His technical skills have improved quite a lot and he has enjoyed every single lesson.

Michael has a great energy and a very positive attitude towards his pupils, and this has been reflecting on my son's progress.

Could not recommend more!"

(parent) - 18th Jan 2022

     (5 / 5)


"Michael coached my son as part of the Additional Support Needs group at Craiglockhart for a number of years.

From the outset he created a structured programme for the kids which was delivered in a fun and understandable way and, in doing so, he massively increased their engagement and enjoyment.

The group had a very wide range of ages and abilities and Michael ensured that everyone could play at an appropriate level and with coaches who understood their specific needs.

As well as the physical benefits of exercising, the strong social side of the group was hugely enjoyed by children and parents alike. Thank you Michael."

(parent) - 22nd May 2021

     (5 / 5)


"I wanted to thank Michael for doing the Advantage Tennis group for all these years. My daughter Isabella has always struggled with coordination, balance and mobility, she has Autism and is visually impaired. The coaching has played a huge part in allowing her to develop at her own pace and overcome these difficulties in a welcoming and inclusive environment."

(parent) - 21st May 2021

     (5 / 5)


"My 10 year old recently had her first tennis lesson with Michael - immediately afterwards, her first question to me was "when I can have another lesson please?" She loved it. And after just a few lessons, she has already picked up critical skills and techniques and her confidence on the court has skyrocketed.

Michael is incredibly engaging, patient, and has an excellent rapport with her. He is firm yet gentle, and brings a happy dose of humour to every session. We highly recommend Michael - he is a gem!"

(parent) - 24th Apr 2021

     (5 / 5)


"My 6 year old son really enjoyed his tennis lessons over the Easter holiday, despite never having played tennis before. He is now very keen to continue playing the game."

(parent) - 23rd Apr 2021

     (5 / 5)


"The kids have loved their coaching sessions with Michael. As complete novices, Michael has been patient, encouraging and really broke the lessons down in ways which really engaged and motivated the children. They were positively glowing after their coaching sessions and can't wait for more."

(parent) - 18th Apr 2021

     (5 / 5)


"My 8 year old son has just taken up tennis lessons with Michael and he is thoroughly enjoying it!

Although a complete beginner, my son has already gained a lot of skills and confidence from Michael's coaching. I also appreciated Michael's clear and friendly communications in getting my son signed up for lessons. Highly recommended"

(parent) - 15th Apr 2021

     (5 / 5)


"My daughter loves tennis with Michael because he makes things fun without talking down to the kids. No matter what the weather is like, within a couple of minutes of the class starting she is running around with a smile on her face. He is great at encouraging and expecting everyone to learn new skills and to keep trying, even when it's a challenge. We recommend him highly!"

(parent) - 30th Mar 2021

     (5 / 5)


"I highly recommend Michael as a coach. He's coaching my 8yr old and 6 yr old and they both love their lessons. Michael has a great rapport with kids and provides a good mix of fun and skills development in his lessons."

(parent) - 24th Mar 2021

     (5 / 5)


"Michael is a great teacher and is fun, committed and reliable. We have been really happy with our lessons over the past 4 years. I would thoroughly recommend him."

(parent) - 22nd Mar 2021

     (5 / 5)


"My 7 year old daughter Juno has been a pupil of Michaels since she was 4.

He is a fantastic coach who has never failed in his enthusiasm and encouragement. Juno would rather be coached in awful weather on The Meadows than indoors any day (we tested this!).

Michael has the rare ability of being able to control a class of children with authority whilst making learning a fun experience; no mean feat."

(parent) - 14th Feb 2021

     (5 / 5)


"I would highly recommend Michael as a tennis coach. My son and daughter have both participated in his group lessons for several years now.

Both kids really love these lessons, not only because they can see improvements in their tennis, but also because Michael makes them interesting and fun.

My kids have learnt a great deal, but of equal importance is that they just can't wait to go to his lessons!"

(parent) - 14th Feb 2021

     (5 / 5)


"I would highly recommend tennis coaching with Michael. My son previously attended group lessons with him which really sparked his enthusiasm for the game. Michael is a great communicator and is a natural at getting the best from the kids he coaches. His combination of patience, positive energy and attention to each individual child meant that my son really grew in confidence as well as improving his technique.

He was delighted to start individual coaching with Michael recently and I have no doubt that he will really benefit from Michael's expertise and dedication."

(parent) - 6th Feb 2021

     (5 / 5)


"Benjamin has been coached by Michael for several years.

Michael's coaching is structured, varied and most importantly fun. Michael has the personality and ability to challenge and motivate a player, not an easy task!

Benjamin continues to improve and maintains his enthusiasm for tennis."

(parent) - 11th Dec 2020

     (5 / 5)


"Michael is a great coach! My son has taken lessons at several clubs in the city and with multiple coaches and from my perspective Michael's lessons are by far the best.

Michael is very enthuthiastic and patient, and he has a lot of experience in communicating tennis concepts to young kids. My son first took group lessons with him and is currently doing individual training. He clearly gets better and better with every lesson, which is a pleasure to watch.

My son is always excited and happy to go to his coaching."

(parent) - 29th Sept 2020

     (5 / 5)


"Michael is an educator and a role model for the children he works with.

In his coaching, he is thorough but gentle, balancing the focus on technique with building the children's confidence and passion for tennis.

In group lessons, Michael pays attention to every member of the class and encourages sportsmanship and discipline, while also making the sessions engaging and enjoyable.

During private coaching, Michael sets a development plan based on the pupil's personal needs, and focuses on polishing technique with great attention to detail.

Last but not least, Michael has great charisma and is respected by pupils and parents alike for his charitable activities (Advantage - Tennis For Good!), which set a great example for the young players he has been coaching over the years."

(parent) - 21st Sept 2020

     (5 / 5)


"Excellent, engaging instruction.

My sons (ages 10 and 11) were not very skilled when we started this summer, but they enjoyed just hitting back and forth. Now, they are learning and practicing skills that have really developed their game.

Great exercise, and motivates my sons to be active and healthy. An absolute neighborhood treasure!"

(parent) - 28th Aug 2020

     (5 / 5)


"Michael has taught my son in group and private lessons for the past few years and I feel that that we've been very lucky to find such a great tennis coach in Edinburgh!

He is very organised and gave advice on, and helped source, a new racket which was very helpful. My son has really improved and benefitted from Michael's patient, rigorous and enjoyable coaching sessions.

I would highly recommend Michael to anyone looking for a quality tennis coach."

(parent) - 27th Aug 2020

     (5 / 5)


"Both of my children enormously enjoyed their lessons with Michael, and benefitted physically and mentally from his patient and expert tuition.

They both have very different capabilities, strengths and weaknesses but Michael was able to keep both engaged and enthusiastic throughout. They were always keen to return, and found the hour stimulating and fun, while learning key coordination skills based around improving their tennis skills, but also greatly developing them physically and with general coordination and fitness.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Michael as a teacher to anyone at any level of tennis from absolute beginner upwards."

(parents) - 10th Aug 2020

     (5 / 5)


"Michael is a great coach and fantastic with children. He is equipped with extensive knowledge and is endlessly patient in keeping my son engaged throughout the training. His classes are well-structured and have helped develop the core skills that my son needs in tennis. Training with Michael is always fun and motivating. He also has helped my son to be more focused, confident and made very positive progress in every class. Michael's dedication and enthusiasm are inspiring. Could not recommend Michael highly enough!"

(parent) - 1st Aug 2020

     (5 / 5)


"Michael has coached our 8-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter on Saturday mornings.

He is an outstanding coach, dedicated and talented. He makes lessons great fun, and manages to tailor the activities to the different skill levels of both of our children. He is able to teach technical aspects in a way that is easily understandable for youngsters, and keeps them fully engaged for the full hour that the (very reasonably-priced) lessons last.

Both of our kids love the lessons and can't wait to go back each week. Highly recommended."

(parent) - 1st Aug 2020

     (5 / 5)


"Michael coached my 8 and 10 year old son and he was fantastic! He was very engaging and made the lessons fun, and also managed to adapt to each of their different levels during the lesson. I could see a difference in their skills and confidence after only a couple of lessons!"

(parent) - 1st Aug 2020

     (5 / 5)


"Michael is a very talented coach. He is focused, methodical and manages to keep children engaged from start to finish.

We could see improvements in technique almost straight away, but, most importantly, he revived our children's enthusiasm for the game and they now always look forward to their lessons.

Michael is also extremely professional in his communication and with logistics, which is a big bonus."

(parents) - 26th July 2020

     (5 / 5)


"Michael has been coaching my oldest son (P6) for a couple of years and recently also started coaching our youngest (P2). He is by far the best coach the boys have had. He manages to keep them engaged, focused and working hard. He regularly goes above and beyond, for example starting games early rather than having a class standing around waiting if a court is available. He has enthused them to join in matchplay events to improve their skills. During lessons he keeps the class very active so there isn't any 'boring bits'. The variety and number of skill games that he uses in teaching is very impressive.

Post lockdown restrictions Michael has been coaching both my boys in a single lesson, given the 4 year age gap this is challenging, but he has made their lesson a highlight of their week and their play has benefitted immensely from it."

(parent) - 24th July 2020

     (5 / 5)


"We were fortunate that Michael was the coach who introduced both our boys to tennis, at the age of 3.

His classes are fun, but structured and instilled in both an enthusiasm for the sport along with a discipline for training.

I am constantly amazed by how he manages to maintain focus amongst pre-school and young children in group and individual classes alike. Highly recommended."

(parent) - 15th July 2020

     (5 / 5)


"Michael is an excellent coach who really makes learning fun for the kids. My son started with the 'Tennis Tots' group coaching sessions at Craiglockhart and has always loved taking part in all the games and drills designed by Michael to introduce them to the fundamentals of tennis. The emphasis is always on enjoying the game but with a clear focus on making progress and creating a sense of achievement.

More recently, due to the closure of indoor venues, we have started with some private one-to-one tuition. These sessions are varied, retain the fun element and have allowed my son to really improve his strokes.

Michael's enthusiasm for the game shines through and he transmits this passion to those he is coaching. He has a wealth of experience coaching children and adults of all ages and abilities and I would highly recommend him."

(parent) - 14th July 2020

     (5 / 5)


"Michael has coached our daughter for 6 years now. His ability to bring out the best in all the kids he coaches is invaluable no matter what the child's standard of play.

Michael's love of coaching is evident in all that he does and he is generous in his praise. His determination to make sessions happen has seen him shoveling snow and salting courts on rather wintry Edinburgh mornings.

It is due in no small part to Michael's influence that our daughter is keen to take coaching qualifications and pass on her love for the game to younger children."

(parent) - 14th May 2020

     (5 / 5)


"Michael has been coaching my son for several years at the Meadows in Edinburgh in all weather conditions but always with enthusiasm and good humour. He mixes teaching skills and techniques through drills with more competitive point-based games always with an emphasis on fun and fair play.

My son's tennis has progressed impressively over the years since he has been in Michael's groups from having limited tennis experience to now playing regularly for the Meadows Club junior teams.

Michael is very approachable and has a great rapport with the young people he coaches. He has always been punctual and reliable and shows great dedication to tennis through coaching the Meadows tennis teams in the evenings in addition to his other coaching commitments.

I would highly recommend Michael as a tennis coach to children of all ages and stages of the game."

(parent) - 12th May 2020

     (5 / 5)


"I can say with absolute confidence that Michael is the best coach our son has ever had.

Michael has been our son's coach for a year and a half, and in that time we've been impressed by Michael's attention to every detail of our son's game. Our son's skill has improved substantially because of Michael's strength as a coach. He manages to be both patient and relentless, and our son likes him very much.

Having watched Michael with our son and other kids, Michael approaches each one depending on his or her own needs, understanding that each child is different, and tailoring his approach to fit them. He routinely provides us with specific feedback on where our son is doing well and what he's working on.

Michael has also helped our son and several others participate in tournaments throughout Scotland. He takes the initiative to get them engaged and then follows through with rides and the full spectrum of coaching support. We'd highly recommend him as a coach."

(parent) - 11th May 2020

     (5 / 5)


"Michael is an incredible source of tennis inspiration for my teenage daughter Lucy whom he has taught for many years. He is an excellent coach with a lovely way of engaging children and young people – he brings them on in a fun yet effective way where they thrive. Lucy thoroughly enjoys her sessions with Michael and her tennis has improved significantly under his coaching. She looks forward to each lesson with Michael and learning new tennis skills.

He is totally dedicated to all the young people he works with and we have seen this each week in his sessions and also the work he has done for Advantage tennis. He regularly organises additional competitions and tennis opportunities for all levels which allows expansion of skills in the context of, for example, charity fundraisers. Lucy and her friends are always keen to be involved in these opportunities which are really appreciated.

I would highly recommend Michael for tennis coaching."

(parent) - 8th May 2020

     (5 / 5)


"I am a native German but currently I am studying at Merchiston Castle School. Over my time at Merchiston I have worked together with Michael as my tennis coach and I haven't just improved a lot, I have also had a lot of fun.

At the beginning Michael looked for parts of my game which needed some improvement by testing my skills and also watching me play in tournaments. A good example for that is my backhand slice which has been at the start of the year non existent but now, through continuous work with Michael, it has become a strong shot that I can play with great confidence.

Michael has always helped me a lot in tennis and motivated me to become a better player with not just the right shots but also the right mindset and attitude. It was a great time!"

(player) - 26th June 2019

     (5 / 5)