What is Teddy Tennis?
Teddy Tennis is a children’s sports programme that teaches tennis through music, pictures and fun activities. It was co-founded by brothers Richard and Stephen Bean.
Richard Bean
Richard is a career tennis coach and singer songwriter who has combined both skills & expertise to create the Teddy Tennis concept.
Richard, who is one of the UK’s leading children’s tennis coaches, attributes his success to his unique ability to communicate and interact with young children. Through these special communications skills, Richard has been able to tap into the imagination of his young pupils and to jointly create the songs, stories and characters that make up Teddy Tennis.
Stephen Bean
Stephen is a career marketer and has spent 20+ years working in corporate marketing in the computing sector. More recently Stephen has been involved in teaching and lecturing in marketing.
Stephen has combined his commercial, marketing and teaching skills to develop the Teddy Tennis program into a deliverable and highly desirable lifestyle program for young children.
Stephen and Richard received tremendous support in developing Teddy Tennis, and they would like to give special credit to:
What is the history of Teddy Tennis?
Teddy Tennis began in 2002 and evolved into its current format in 2006.
From the start, the goal has always been to make learning tennis easy, fun, and confidence-building for young children.
A key breakthrough came when music, pictures, and teddy bear characters were combined with simple tennis games. This unique blend of sight, sound and play has become the foundation of the Teddy Tennis teaching system.
Over the years, every song, picture, activity and idea has been market tested with real children, especially the 2½-6-year-olds attending classes in Holland Park, West London. Their feedback (and that of their parents) has helped shape Teddy Tennis into what it is today.
Over the years, every song, picture, activity and idea has been market tested with real children, especially the 2½-6-year-olds attending classes in Holland Park, West London. Their feedback (and that of their parents) has helped shape Teddy Tennis into the programme we know and love today.
Teddy Tennis continues to grow and evolve, with new songs, games and activities developed regularly to ensure the programme stays fresh, engaging and effective for children around the world.
Where can I play Teddy Tennis?
Teddy Tennis classes are available in selected locations. To find your nearest class, simply visit our Find a Class page on the website.
If you don’t see a class in your area, feel free to contact us — we’re always expanding our programmes.
What equipment do I need?
For Parents:
Your Cub Cadet only needs a few basics for every Teddy Tennis lesson:
- A bottle of drinking water
- A pair of trainers
- Comfortable sports clothing
Rackets:
A junior tennis racket is provided at the class, so you do not need to bring one.
If you would like your child to have their own racket, you can purchase one from the TeddyTennisProShop – please note this shop is UK-based.
All other Teddy Tennis equipment (balls, nets, music, targets, etc.) is supplied by the coach during lessons.
What is the swap policy?
Do parents need to stay?
Parents do not need to stay during Teddy Tennis classes. If you wish to watch, you’re welcome to stay on the sidelines, but we kindly ask that you do not come onto the court during the session.
What happens if it rains?
Does Teddy Tennis teach children to play tennis properly?
Absolutely. Teddy Tennis provides one of the best foundations for learning tennis. Every game, skill and activity has been carefully designed to help young children develop the key fundamentals of tennis – including coordination, balance, footwork, racket skills and ball tracking.
Children who progress through the Teddy Tennis programme build strong core techniques and confidence, giving them an excellent platform to become successful tennis players in the future.
Can a child of 2½ years of age really learn to play tennis?
Yes, absolutely. Children aged 2½ can learn the foundations of tennis through Teddy Tennis. Our programme is specially designed for this age group, using music, stories and fun activities to help them develop coordination, confidence and the key early skills of tennis.
Most importantly, children love it – and their enthusiasm naturally leads them to want to play more and more.
Where can I buy Teddy Tennis equipment and merchandise?
Teddy Tennis equipment and merchandise vary by location.
Parents should speak directly with their local Teddy Tennis coach, who will advise on what’s available in their area.
For those in the UK, a full range of rackets, balls, clothing and more can be purchased from our Teddy Tennis Web Shop.
What is the smallest space that is suitable to play Teddy Tennis?
Teddy Tennis does not require a full tennis court.
All you need is a small, safe, flat area where children can move comfortably.
Suitable spaces include:
- Squash courts
- Small sports halls
- Nursery or school halls
- Community centre rooms
- Small playgrounds or outdoor play areas
As a guide, a minimum area of around 6m x 6m is ideal for most classes.
Do you need a tennis court to play Teddy Tennis?
No, you do not need a tennis court to play Teddy Tennis.
Teddy Tennis can be played anywhere ere is a safe, suitable indoor or outdoor space-such as a hall, playground, classroom area, sports room or small court.
Can I set up a Teddy Tennis franchise in my area?
Yes! We are always excited to hear from enthusiastic individuals or businesses who would like to bring Teddy Tennis to their local community
— both in the UK and internationally.
If you’re interested in starting your own Teddy Tennis franchise, you can find full details on our franchise website:
