Standard delivery
FREE over £75 / £4.95 under £75
- Working days
- 2-3
- Cost
- Free if over £75, or £4.95
- Delivery type
- Standard
Babolat Initiation Stage 1 Tennis Balls - Green (3 Ball Tube)
Regular price
£5.99
Regular price
£6.00
Sale price
£5.99
Unit price
/
per
Babolat Initiation Stage 1 Tennis Balls - Green (3 Ball Tube)
Babolat Initiation Stage 1 Tennis Balls - Green (3 Ball Tube)
Regular price
£5.99
Regular price
£6.00
Sale price
£5.99
Unit price
/
per
-
Free Delivery On Orders £75+
We offer rapid free UK mainland delivery on any order over £75. We also offer a UK Next Day service where needed.
- Next Working Day Delivery Available!
Model:
Initiation Stage 1
Player Level
Junior / Kids
Number of Balls
3
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Player level
BeginnerProfessional
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Ball Durability How durable the ball is
LOWHIGH
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Performance Quality Performance Quality of the Ball
BeginnerProfessional
- Product description
- BUYING GUIDE
- PRODUCT DELIVERY
- RETURNS / WARRANTY
- PRICE MATCH
Product description
- Lower Compression
- Designed for juniors
- 25% Speed Reduction
- 3 Balls Per Tube
The Babolat Initiation Stage 1 Tennis Ball is a tennis ball with a 25% speed reduction, making them ideal for training at an early age.
The Stage 1 balls are designed for children aged 9-10 in order to aid their development as smoothly as possible.
| Brand | Babolat | |
| Model series | Babolat - Initiation | |
| MODEL NAME | Initiation Stage 1 | |
| PLAYER LEVEL | Junior / Kids | |
| Number of Balls | 3 | |
BUYING GUIDE
Tennis Balls - who knew there was so many to choose between….if you’re new to tennis! So this is where we come in to help you out with working out…..what do tennis players look for when choosing balls?
We’ve put together a key summarised and more detailed list for you to help with your decision. We’ve also detailed aspects that you may not have considered when buying tennis balls that’s right for you and how you can use this guide to find the right product on our site.
Are all tennis balls the same?
At first glance there can appear to be not much difference between tennis balls, but tennis balls can vary hugely from, differences in felt, speed and size for juniors, all to create different characteristics for different levels of play.
What are tennis balls made of?
Tennis balls are made with a rubber core and covered in felt. Most balls are filled with compressed air. Having the right type of tennis ball for the surface and level you’re playing can make a significant difference to what you get out of the playing experience, whether for fun, training or competition.
Key Factors to consider are the following:
- What type of Tennis Ball you need
- Your Playing Level / Who or for what occasion you’re playing for
- What surface you’re playing on
- Playing Conditions
1. Type of Tennis Ball you need
So what are the differences between the different types of Tennis Balls?
You can check what “type” of tennis ball we are selling on every product page via the specifications section.
Lets explain…firstly check out our simply broken down chart.
| Type of Ball: | Suited For: |
| Regular Pressure Tennis Balls | Slower Courts (Clay, Grass) |
| Extra Duty Tennis Balls | Hard Courts (if extra durability is needed) |
| Pressureless | Training |
| Foam Balls | Ages 3-5 |
| Junior Stage 1 Red Balls | Ages 6-8 |
| Junior Stage 2 Orange Balls | Ages 9-11 |
| Junior Stage 3 Green Dot Balls | Ages 12-14 |
Tennis Balls Pressurised vs Pressureless Tennis Balls
Practically a pressurised tennis ball has added internal air pressure into the the balls, enabling them to bounce easily. There are by far the most commonly used balls and will be seen in all major tennis competitions.
Pressureless balls do not have compressed air in them and are often made of a solid rubber core or other materials. This means that they wont go flat and are perfect for training. They have a very consistent bounce and can be great when used on hard surfaces.
How long does a tennis ball last?
Once a pressurized tennis ball is opened and exposed to air, the internal pressure begins to decrease. As a result, the ball gradually loses its bounce and becomes less responsive over time. Pressurized tennis balls used for professional matches typically lose their optimal playing characteristics after around 1 to 2 hours of play. For practice sessions, pressurized tennis balls may last longer, usually around 4 to 6 hours of play before they start to noticeably lose their bounce and become "dead."
Regular Tennis Balls vs Heavy Duty Tennis Balls
As defined by the name, the major difference is how long the balls will last! How is this done? They’re made with wool rather than nylon on the outside, they’ll feel softer to the touch and will be generally slower on court. For harder courts, heavy duty balls can be particularly popular, whilst for softer surfaces like grass or clay, regular balls are more widely played with.
Championship Tennis Balls vs Professional Tennis Balls vs Entry Level
| Playing Level | How the Tennis Ball is Made |
| Championship | Natural Wool, and woven felt, feels better for durability & consistency |
| Professional | Less Natural Wool and more synthetic fibers |
| Standard Entry | Mostly synthetic fibres |
Championship level tennis balls we generally recommend for training, and club level playing. The quality is great!
The difference between these balls is subtle, however when playing they can make a big difference at competition level. A professional level ball will typically provide a better “feel” so are typically used more in tournaments.
Learner & Kids Tennis Balls
You’ll notice we list Stage 1,2 and 3 Tennis Balls in our menus, in addition to Foam Tennis Balls. These are all intended for Children at different stages of their ability.
Stage 1 = Green Felt = Intended for 9-10 years, and are about 25% slower than a normal ball. They’re also the same size as a normal tennis ball.
Stage 2 = Orange Felt = Intended for 8-9 years, these are 50% slower and are normal size
Stage 3 = Red Felt = Intended for Kids 5-8 years, they’re 75% slower than a normal ball and are larger too.
Extra Duty Tennis Balls
Designed specifically for hard surfaces like concrete, or asphalt. They’re made to be more durable due to their thick outer felt and should have a longer lifetime than standard tennis balls. These balls are popular in use because they balance out the fast speed seen on hard courts due to their extra “felt fluff”. You’ll see most Extra Duty balls referenced in their titles with “XD”.
2. Your Playing Level / Who or for what occasion you’re playing
Much of this has been addressed in the above section on Tennis Balls types. However there’s a small amount below to add to that.
This is subjective but we generally recommend slower tennis balls for lower level or skilled players and faster tennis balls for higher level players.
We have a “Player Level” chart below each Tennis Ball (on our product pages) so you can work out what’s right for you.
3. What surface you’re playing on
Slower Courts or Clay/Grass Courts = these treat tennis balls well, and won’t wear out so fast
Faster Courts or Hard Courts = are tough on tennis balls, we recommend extra duty balls so they last longer
4. Playing Conditions
Typically this isn’t an issue but in more unusual conditions this is a factor. These include:
- Weather Humidity - Typically Tennis Balls absorb moisture so the ball becomes heavier, so lighter and harder balls generally suit humid conditions better.
- Altitude - Typically balls at sea level go much faster, so pressurised balls at high altitude don’t make much sense. Therefore if you’re playing at altitude we recommend that you use pressureless balls.
Tennis Ball Fun Facts
Q. How big is a tennis ball?
A. A standard tennis ball has a diameter of about 6.7 to 6.9 centimeters (2.6 to 2.7 inches). This size is regulated by the International Tennis Federation
Q. Why are tennis balls fuzzy?
A. The fuzz, or felt, on a tennis ball creates turbulence in the air around the ball as it moves through the air. This helps reduce air resistance, allowing the ball to travel faster and with more control. The fuzz also helps players generate spin on the ball, giving them more control over the direction and trajectory of their shots.
Q. What colour is a tennis ball?
A. A tennis ball is typically yellowish-green
Q. Why are tennis balls yellow?
A. While tennis balls were traditionally white, the shift to yellow began in the 1970s when TV broadcasts started using color. Yellow was chosen because it showed up better on television.
Conclusion
Hopefully this summary guide about Tennis balls will help you in your journey finding the right Tennis Balls for you. Feel free to contact us if you need further help or have any other questions.
PRODUCT DELIVERY
Delivery information
UK delivery options for your tennis order.
Standard UK Mainland delivery takes 2-3 working days and is free on orders over £75, or £4.95 for orders under £75. Need it faster? Next Working Day delivery is £5.95 when your order is placed before the 1pm dispatch cut-off.
1
Free over £75
UK Mainland standard delivery is free when your order is over £75.
2
2-3 working days
Standard UK Mainland delivery usually takes 2-3 working days.
3
Order before 1pm
Next Working Day orders need to be placed before the daily dispatch cut-off.
Delivery options at a glance
All of our delivery options, and their prices, are shown below.
Customisation such as re-stringing may cause a 24-48 hour delay in dispatching your order. To double-check delivery before ordering, contact Tennis HQ via Live Chat, email support@tennishq.co.uk or phone +44 (0)2381 449449.
Expected delivery for Express orders.
Next Working Day delivery is subject to your order being placed before Tennis HQ's 1pm daily dispatch time.
Mon-Thurs before 1pm
Dispatch: same day
Expected delivery: next day.
Friday before 1pm
Dispatch: same day
Expected delivery: Monday.
Saturday-Sunday
Dispatch: Monday
Expected delivery: Tuesday.
Tennis HQ strives to deliver all Express parcels on the next working day when ordered before the 1pm cut-off, but cannot be held responsible for delays outside of its control.
Delivery information to know before you order.
If you have any issues with the delivery of your parcel, please see below.
Re-stringing may add 24-48 hours.
Customisation, including re-stringing, may cause a 24-48 hour delay in dispatching your order.
Email within 7 days of purchase.
If your parcel is not delivered, email support@tennishq.co.uk within 7 days of purchase. Claims cannot be accepted after this point.
Contact Tennis HQ within 7 days of receipt.
If anything is missing or damaged when your parcel arrives, contact Tennis HQ within 7 days of receiving it. The item must remain unused while this is investigated and resolved.
Please do not refuse courier delivery.
If you change your mind, please accept the parcel and follow the instructions on the Returns page. A refused parcel carries a £15 charge, deducted from your refund once the parcel arrives back at Tennis HQ.
Proof of delivery is required.
A pin will be emailed and/or texted to you on the morning of delivery, which you'll need to give to the driver at the point of delivery. If you don't have the pin ready, you can request the driver resend this while at your property.
This pin is required for the delivery to be made successfully.
Your order can be put aside for collection.
If collecting directly from store, select this option in checkout and Tennis HQ will put your order aside near the shop entrance within 1 working day, ready for collection.
The parcel may return to the depot.
If you are unavailable when delivery is attempted, the parcel will return to the depot for another attempt. More than one unsuccessful attempt may result in the parcel returning to Tennis HQ, which carries a £5.99 charge plus shipping.
You take responsibility for safe-place delivery.
If you request delivery to a safe place, Tennis HQ is not liable for theft or loss once the courier has delivered to the safe place requested.
Delivery questions answered.
Quick answers based on the current Tennis HQ delivery information.
How much is UK Mainland standard delivery?
UK Mainland standard delivery is free on orders over £75. Orders under £75 cost £4.95.
How long does UK Mainland standard delivery take?
Standard delivery takes 2-3 working days.
How much is Next Working Day delivery?
Next Working Day delivery is £5.95 and takes 1 working day when your order is placed before the 1pm dispatch cut-off.
What happens if I order after 1pm?
Orders placed after the 1pm daily dispatch time are processed the next working day.
Can customisation affect dispatch?
Yes. Customisation such as re-stringing may cause a 24-48 hour delay in dispatching your order.
How much is Scottish Highlands delivery?
Scottish Highlands standard delivery costs £9.95 and takes 2-3 working days. Tennis HQ treats Scottish locations above Aberdeen as Scottish Highlands.
What if my parcel is delivered to a collection point?
If delivery is made to a collection point and the parcel is returned to Tennis HQ because it was not collected, the same return fees may apply.
Do you ship outside UK Mainland?
No. Tennis HQ states that, due to Brexit, it no longer ships outside of UK Mainland.
Need help with delivery?
For delivery questions before ordering, contact Tennis HQ via Live Chat, email or phone.
Email support support@tennishq.co.uk Contact page +44 (0)2381 449449
Mon-Fri 10:00am - 4:00pm Returns information Use the Returns page if you change your mind rather than refusing a parcel.
Mon-Fri 10:00am - 4:00pm Returns information Use the Returns page if you change your mind rather than refusing a parcel.
The Click & Collect service is available Monday-Friday 10:00am - 3:00pm. Delivery options, costs and availability may be confirmed during checkout.
RETURNS / WARRANTY
Returns & exchanges
Easy returns for your Tennis HQ order.
Need to return an item, arrange a refund, or report a damaged or incorrect product? Start by contacting Tennis HQ with your order number and return reason. Items must be unused, in their original packaging and returned within the standard return window.
Christmas 2026
Extended Christmas returns.
Buying early for Christmas? Orders placed from 21st September 2026 can be returned up until 15th January 2027, so there is no need to wait before ordering.
Return up until 15th January 2027.
Items purchased from 21st September 2026 onwards are covered by the extended Christmas window, rather than the standard 30 day period alone.
Full refund as normal.
Returns requested within 30 days of purchase are refunded as set out in the standard returns policy below, minus the £5.99 label cost if you use Tennis HQ's DHL label.
Gift voucher instead of a refund.
Items returned after the 30 day period and up until 15th January 2027 are credited as a Tennis HQ gift voucher, sent to the email address used on the order.
Unused and in pristine condition.
Items must be unused with the original packaging intact and no labels or sellotape applied to it. Rackets should still have the handle plastic wrap in place, and shoes and clothing should still have boxes and tags attached.
The extended window applies to the return deadline only. The standard stringing rules still apply, so rackets restrung with a string and tension of your choice cannot be returned. Please still email Tennis HQ first with your order number and reason for returning.
1
Request your return
Email Tennis HQ with your order number and reason for returning.
2
Package it carefully
Keep tape and labels off the product and product packaging.
3
Send it back
Use the prepaid DHL label or arrange your own tracked courier.
UK Mainland returns
How to return your item.
You can use Tennis HQ's DHL returns option, or arrange your own return through Royal Mail, a personal courier or another suitable service.
Step 1
Contact Tennis HQ
Email support@tennishq.co.uk with your order number and reason for returning. Once your return has been requested, Tennis HQ can provide a prepaid DHL return label if needed.
Step 2
Package your return securely
Wrap the item carefully and do not apply sellotape directly to the product, product packaging or box. Damage caused by tape or insufficient packaging may result in a charge or refused return.
Step 3
Attach your return label
Once your return has been authorised and the item is packaged, attach the label to the outer parcel only. Do not attach it to the product itself or the product's box.
Step 4
Drop off at a DHL service point
Take the labelled parcel to your nearest DHL E-Commerce service point. Keep your receipt so the return can be tracked if there are any issues in transit.
The prepaid DHL return label costs £5.99. The label is prepaid, so the £5.99 cost is deducted from your refund if you use this service.
Before sending
Return rules at a glance.
Following these points helps avoid delays, deductions or the return being refused and sent back to you.
Returned items should include the original packaging, including racket handle plastic wrap and boxes or tags for shoes and clothing.
Refunds & exchanges
What happens after your return arrives.
Tennis HQ aims to process returns within 14 days of arrival. Refund timing depends on the original payment method and your bank.
| Topic | What to know | Timing / cost |
|---|---|---|
| Return processing | Tennis HQ aims to process all returns within 14 days once the parcel arrives back at the warehouse. | Within 14 days |
| Card refunds | Once the return has been processed, refunds generally appear in your bank account shortly afterwards. | Usually 2-3 business days after processing |
| Exchanges | Tennis HQ cannot reserve stock for exchanges. Return the item for a refund, then place a new order for the replacement item through the website. | New order required |
| Return label deduction | If you use the prepaid DHL label, the label cost is deducted from your refund. | £5.99 if used |
| Shipping costs | Shipping costs are not included in the refund unless the order is returned because it arrived damaged or the incorrect item was received. | Not usually refunded |
| Stringing deductions | Rackets returned with a Stringers Professional Decision restring can be returned, but the refund will not include the restring cost. If the restring was free, a service charge may be deducted. | £25 service charge may apply |
Items that do not meet the return criteria may be refused and returned to you. Tennis HQ reserves the right to charge reasonable losses incurred by this.
Problems & warranty
Wrong items, damage and warranty claims.
Contact Tennis HQ before using the item or removing packaging if anything appears incorrect, damaged or faulty.
Contact within 7 days.
Email support@tennishq.co.uk with your order number and images of the issue. Tennis HQ can then provide a prepaid label and arrange the replacement once the incorrect goods are returned.
Do not use the item.
If an item arrives damaged or faulty, contact Tennis HQ within 7 days and keep the product unused with packaging intact while the issue is assessed.
Keep wrap, tags and boxes in place.
Do not remove racket handle plastic, clothing tags, shoe tags or packaging when reporting a wrong, damaged or faulty item.
Damage through use is handled separately.
If an item has been damaged through use, email support@tennishq.co.uk with details of the damage so the warranty process can begin.
Photos of the issue and your order number will help Tennis HQ deal with the problem as quickly as possible.
Care & address
Reasonable care and return address.
Please look after goods and packaging while deciding whether to keep your order. If arranging your own courier, use the address below.
Keep items in returnable condition.
Please do not use or damage the item or its packaging while deciding whether to keep it. Deductions or refusal may apply if reasonable care has not been taken.
You can choose your own return service.
You may use your own courier, but Tennis HQ is not liable for loss or damage in transit if your own courier is used. Keep your receipt and tracking details.
TennisHQ / Flywalk Ltd
Unit 1 Greatbridge Business ParkBudds Lane
Romsey, Hampshire
SO51 0HA
United Kingdom
No sellotape on product packaging.
Labels and tape should only be applied to the outer parcel, never to the product itself or the product box.
FAQs
Returns questions answered.
Quick answers for the most common Tennis HQ returns, exchange and refund questions.
How long do I have to return a Christmas order?
Items purchased from 21st September 2026 can be returned up until 15th January 2027. Returns made within 30 days of purchase are refunded as normal, and returns made after 30 days and up until 15th January 2027 are credited as a Tennis HQ gift voucher.
How do I start a return?
Email support@tennishq.co.uk with your order number and reason for returning. Tennis HQ will then confirm the next steps and can provide a prepaid DHL return label if required.
How much is the prepaid return label?
The prepaid DHL return label costs £5.99. This amount is deducted from your refund if you use the label.
Can I return using a different courier?
Yes. You can arrange your own return with a courier of your choice, but Tennis HQ is not liable for loss or damage in transit if your own courier is used.
Will I receive a full refund?
If all items meet the return criteria, the item will be refunded in full minus the £5.99 label cost if that service was used. Shipping costs are not included unless the return is due to damage or an incorrect item being received.
How long does a refund take?
Tennis HQ aims to process returns within 14 days of arrival at the warehouse. Once processed, refunds generally appear in your bank account within 2-3 business days.
Can I exchange an item?
Stock cannot be reserved for exchanges. Return your item for a refund, then place a new order for the replacement item through the website.
Can I return a restrung racket?
Rackets with a Stringers Professional Decision restring can be returned, but the restring cost will not be refunded. If your racket was restrung with a string and tension of your choice, it cannot be returned.
What should I do if I received the wrong item or it arrived damaged?
Contact Tennis HQ within 7 days at support@tennishq.co.uk. Include images of the issue and your order number, and do not use the item or remove its packaging.
Need help with a return?
For returns, refunds, exchanges, damaged items or warranty questions, contact Tennis HQ before sending anything back.
Email support support@tennishq.co.uk Contact page +44 (0)2381 449449
Mon-Fri 10:00am - 4:00pm DHL service point Find your nearest drop-off location once your return has been authorised.
Mon-Fri 10:00am - 4:00pm DHL service point Find your nearest drop-off location once your return has been authorised.
Please include your order number whenever you contact Tennis HQ about a return, refund, exchange, delivery issue or warranty claim.
PRICE MATCH
Price Match Promise
Seen it cheaper? We’ll aim to match it.
We’re passionate about offering our customers the best possible price on any product. We review our prices weekly and update them as often as we can, but if you find the same product for less somewhere else, we’ll always try to match the price where possible.
How to request a price match.
Please read the conditions below, then contact our sales team before placing your order. You can use the Price Promise tab available on any product page. You’ll need the competitor’s website address so our team can verify the match.
01
Same product
The item must be identical in every way, including the exact model, size, colour and specification.
02
In stock
The competitor must have the goods in stock in the UK and ready to ship at the time of the request.
03
Before ordering
Price matches must be requested before an order is placed. They can’t be applied retrospectively.
Price match conditions.
To keep the process fair, all price match requests need to meet the conditions below before we can approve them.
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The product must be identical.
The product must match in all ways, including the exact model, size, colour and specification.
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The competitor must have stock available.
The competitor website must have the goods in stock and ready to ship. For products with multiple sizes or colours, the required size or colour must be available.
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The final price must include shipping and VAT.
We compare the full final price, not just the product price. Delivery charges and VAT must be included in the competitor’s price.
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Some sellers are excluded.
We’re unable to match prices from websites based outside Mainland UK, unauthorised brand stockists, or third-party marketplaces such as Amazon or eBay.
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The match is not a binding contract.
Tennis HQ will always endeavour to match prices where possible, but reserves the right to refuse a price match at its sole discretion.
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Requests must be made before ordering.
It is the customer’s responsibility to contact Tennis HQ and request a price match before placing an order. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer a price match after an order has been placed.
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Balls and strings are excluded.
We’re unable to offer price matching on tennis balls or tennis strings.
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Babolat products are excluded.
We’re unable to offer price matching on Babolat products.
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Shipping-only matches are excluded.
We cannot offer to price match based only on shipping costs from other retailers.
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Discount codes are excluded.
We cannot offer a price match based on discount codes or promotional codes from other retailers.
Tip: When contacting us, include the Tennis HQ product link, the competitor’s product link, and the size or colour you want us to check.
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We provide a simple returns form with all orders, if you’re not happy after receiving the item within the first 30 days, you’re able to return it for a refund. This does not cover product warranty periods.
EASY 30 DAY RETURNS
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We aim to make sure your order, delivery, products and service from ourselves is of the highest possible standards. Our staff are highly trained to make sure all our customers are properly looked after to ensure the sport is properly supported by ourselves as a shop
Need Help? Call us on +44 (0)2381 449449or email us on sales@Tennis-hq.co.uk
SERVICE PROMISE
BUY NOW PAY LATER
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Our Prices are price checked every day against all major competitor retailers to ensure we’re offering you the best possible deals!
We try to be as competitive as possible but, if you do manage to find a product for less somewhere else, we'll always try to match the price where possible! (Excluding Babolat products. Excluded all Strings and Balls).
If this is the case you can either complete our price match promise form online, or call us on +44 (0)2381449449 or email us on sales@tennishq.co.uk
