IRC Junior Development Program – Red Ball
The IRC Junior Development Program strives to create a fun environment focusing on a strong foundation of fundamentals. This includes correct grips, technique, ball control, agility, balance, coordination and play. Players will also learn the importance of teamwork, develop self confidence and learn to love the game.
For players ages 5-7 using a modified court (36′) , racquet and tennis ball (foam or red balls) .
Levels of Play
Red Ball is divided into three levels of play.
- Hot Shots: Age 5 – Emphasis on developing hand-eye coordination as well as send/receive skills with a ball.
- Red Ball 1 & 2: Players age 6 – 7 who are new to the game or have limited experience. Developing rallying skills, basic strokes, and coachability.
- Red Ball 3: Players age 6 – 7 who can maintain 20 shot rally using a variety of shots, spins & speed. Advanced athletic development & coordination. Beginning to participate in competitive play. Emphasis on coachability.
Additional Information
- All play held at IRC Dean Road (8249 Dean Road, Indianapolis, IN 46240)
- Membership required for all programs.
When does each session start?
| Session | Dates (Start – Finish) | Priority | Transition | Open |
| Session 1 | August 11 - October 12 | N/A | N/A | July 16 |
| Session 2 | October 13 - December 21 | Sept. 9 | Sept. 16 | Sept. 23 |
| Session 3 | January 5 - March 15 | Nov. 18 | Nov. 25 | Dec. 2 |
| Session 4 | March 16 - May 22 | Feb. 10 | Feb. 17 | Feb. 24 |
When do I register?
Players must register in advance for each session. Membership must be active through the entire session.
I.) Priority Registration: Priority registration begins two weeks before open registration to allow players currently enrolled in a program to register for the exact same program (day, time and level) for the following session.
- Registration begins at 9am. Attempts to register prior to 9am will not be honored.
- Players who wish to move to a new program, including a new level, day or time must wait until open registration begins.
- There is no priority registration for Session 1 registration. Players from a previous year will not be given priority to register.
II.) Transition Registration: Transition registration allows current session players to move to a different time, day or level (space dependent) or add an additional class.
- Registration begins at 9am. Attempts to register prior to 9am will not be honored.
- Players will only be able to transition from a current class.
- Any additional classes will be processed under open registration.
III.) Open Registration: Open registration allows new players to register.
- Registration begins at 9am. Attempts to register prior to 9am will not be honored.
Can I schedule a makeup class?
Effective August 11, 2025
Players who complete a Record an Absence form a minimum of 4 hours in advance of a missed class, may be eligible for ONE make-up per session. Make-ups are not guaranteed and must be completed within the session of the absence. No refunds will be given for missed classes. Make-ups must be scheduled with Member Services.
What if I need to withdraw?
Players who withdraw with Member Services prior to the start of the session will be provided a full refund. Once the session begins and if more than half the session remains, players will receive a 50% account credit minus the classes prior to withdrawal. If less than half of the session remains, no credit or refund will be eligible.
Exception: Players who provide medical documentation of an injury or a forwarding address for relocation.
Will sessions always be available?
IRC reserves the right to alter or cancel any program (drop-in or session) for any reason deemed necessary including, but not limited to price, assigned teaching professionals, age, skill level or location. A minimum number of players is required to begin and/or continue a group.
Will teaching pros ever change?
Pro assignments may change unexpectedly due to unforeseen circumstances. These changes may be temporary or a permanent change in the pro assignment. We appreciate your understanding.
Court Size
36' Court. 2'9" Net Height.
Tennis Ball
*Red Felt or Red Foam balls.
Racquet
Ages 4-5: Up to a 21" racquet.
Ages 6-7: Up to a 23" racquet.
Session 2: October 13 - December 21
To register: Contact Member Services at (317) 516-5617 or irc@indyracquet.com.
Membership required for all Hot Shots & Red Ball programs.
All play @ IRC Dean
Pro assignments are subject to change. For further information, please see the FAQ above
Hot Shots | Red Ball 1 & 2 | Red Ball 3
Hot Shots: Age 5 – Emphasis on developing hand-eye coordination as well as send/receive skills with a ball.
Red Ball 1 & 2: Players age 6 – 7 who are new to the game or have limited experience. Developing rallying skills, basic strokes, and coachability.
Red Ball 3: Players age 6 – 7 who can maintain 20 shot rally using a variety of shots, spins & speed. Advanced athletic development & coordination. Beginning to participate in competitive play. Emphasis on coachability.
| Level | Day | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Shots | Saturday | 9:00 - 9:45 am | $153.00 |
| Red Ball 1 & 2 | Monday | 4:45 - 5:30 pm | $170.00 |
| Red Ball 1 & 2 | Wednesday | 4:45 - 5:30 pm | $170.00 |
| Red Ball 1 & 2 | Saturday | 9:00 - 9:45 am | $153.00 |
| Red Ball 1 & 2 | Saturday | 9:45 - 10:30 am | $153.00 |
| Red Ball 3 | Monday | 4:00 - 4:45 pm | $170.00 |
| Red Ball 3 | Wednesday | 4:00 - 4:45 pm | $170.00 |
Session 3: January 5 - March 15
To register: Contact Member Services at (317) 516-5617 or irc@indyracquet.com.
Membership required for all Hot Shots & Red Ball programs.
All play @ IRC Dean
Pro assignments are subject to change. For further information, please see the FAQ above
Hot Shots | Red Ball 1 & 2 | Red Ball 3
Hot Shots: Age 5 – Emphasis on developing hand-eye coordination as well as send/receive skills with a ball.
Red Ball 1 & 2: Players age 6 – 7 who are new to the game or have limited experience. Developing rallying skills, basic strokes, and coachability.
Red Ball 3: Players age 6 – 7 who can maintain 20 shot rally using a variety of shots, spins & speed. Advanced athletic development & coordination. Beginning to participate in competitive play. Emphasis on coachability.
| Level | Day | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Shots | Saturday | 9:00 - 9:45 am | $170.00 |
| Red Ball 1 & 2 | Monday | 4:45 - 5:30 pm | $170.00 |
| Red Ball 1 & 2 | Wednesday | 4:45 - 5:30 pm | $170.00 |
| Red Ball 1 & 2 | Saturday | 9:00 - 9:45 am | $170.00 |
| Red Ball 1 & 2 | Saturday | 9:45 - 10:30 am | $170.00 |
| Red Ball 3 | Monday | 4:00 - 4:45 pm | $170.00 |
| Red Ball 3 | Wednesday | 4:00 - 4:45 pm | $170.00 |