Welcome to the Family!
Announcing the Z Sisters Racquet Sports YouTube Channel and the Launch of Our Junior Team Tennis Series
Welcome to the Z Sisters community! For years, we’ve shared our passion for the game on the courts, in clinics, and through our dedicated Z Sisters Pickleball channel. Today, we are thrilled to announce a significant and exciting new chapter in our mission to share the joy of racquet sports: the launch of our brand-new YouTube hub, Z Sisters Racquet Sports and our Video Series for Junior Team Tennis!
This new channel is designed as the ultimate resource for students, parents, and coaches navigating the diverse and exciting world of racquet sports, including Tennis, Pickleball, and Ping Pong. We wanted to create a specialized space, separate from our adult-focused pickleball content, that speaks directly to the needs of developing players, families, and those just beginning their journey into competitive play.
And what better way to kick things off than by focusing on the backbone of junior development? We are launching the channel with our very first, comprehensive video resource: the “Getting Ready for Junior Team Tennis” Series.
Bridging the Gap: The Why Behind the Series
As long-time RSPA Elite Tennis and Pickleball coaches in Northern California, we (Anne & Carrie Zarraonandia) have spent countless hours on the court with eager young players. We love the energy, the enthusiasm, and the rapid improvement that defines junior development. However, we also noticed a consistent, repetitive gap that existed between standard lessons and the realities of match day.
Lessons focus on forehands, backhands, and serves—the physical mechanics of the game. But standard lessons rarely cover the logistics, the protocol, or the psychological preparation required when a player steps onto the court for their first real competition.
This leads to “match-day jitters,” which aren’t always about whether a player can hit the ball. They are often about:
- “Where do I go when I arrive?”
- “Which lines am I supposed to use?”
- “What happens if I lose count?”
- “What do I say to my opponent afterward?”
We realized we were spending valuable lesson time (or chaotic pre-match time) repeating the same instructions and reassuring parents. That is why we filmed this series.
Our goal is to build confident, independent players. We want our students (and players everywhere) to be able to “study the game” at home. If they—and their parents—know exactly what to expect when they walk through the club gates, they can focus 100% of their energy on playing their best, supporting their team, and having fun.
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The Z Sisters: Coaching by Experience
While we are filming these videos as independent coaches and they are not officially endorsed by the USTA or any specific club facility, the advice within them comes from our extensive, real-world experience coaching successful Junior Team Tennis teams in NorCal.
This series isn’t just theory; it’s based on practice. We observed exactly where our own players (particularly 10U and 12U Orange Ball athletes) struggled during their first seasons. We saw the confusion, the procedural mistakes, and the questions parents consistently asked on Sunday afternoons.
By synthesizing these recurring lessons into a series of professional, easy-to-digest videos, we are giving your player the coaching insights we usually only share during game time. These videos act as a “video handbook,” a supportive mentoring session that families can access anytime, anywhere.
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What’s Inside the Junior Team Tennis Video Series?
This playlist is designed to be watched in order, taking a family from the initial excitement of joining a team all the way through the final post-match handshake.
We cover all the logistical, technical, and ethical bases of team competition, including:
1. The Foundation: Introduction and Sportsmanship
- Welcome to Z Sisters Racquet Sports: Meet Coaches Anne and Carrie and learn the mission of the new channel.
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- Hello from Coaches: We’re so excited to help you start your competitive tennis journey!
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- USTA Player’s Oath: Sportsmanship is the cornerstone of all competition. We explain the pledge every player makes and why fairness and respect are non-negotiable on the court.
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2. The Logistics: Match Day Procedures
- How to Check-In: This video removes the stress of arrival. We show exactly where to go, what to say at the desk, and what information you need before your match begins. This saves time and starts the day with confidence.
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- How to Begin the Match: From the coin toss or racquet spin to the correct warm-up procedures, we show the formal way a match starts.
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3. The technicals: The Orange Ball Court
- Which Lines to Use: This is one of the biggest points of confusion! For our 10U and 12U players, we clarify the specific court boundaries and line usage for Orange Ball. We show the player what is “in” and what is “out.”
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- Key Elements (Two Balls, Holder/Pocket): We break down essential habits, like having two balls ready to serve and the rule about ball placement (in a pocket or ball-holder) during play. These “little habits” distinguish experienced competitors.
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- How to Score a Game: We make tennis scoring simple. This video breaks down the points (15, 30, 40) and the structure of a game so players never lose track during play.
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- Scoring Aids for Orange Ball: We demonstrate how to use visual scoring aids, like the unexpected clothes pins, so both players are always aligned on the match score.
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4. The Flow: During and After the Match
- Playing the Match: An overview of the match’s rhythm, including what happens during changeovers and the overall structure from the first point to the last.
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- Are You Ready for Junior Team Tennis?: This is crucial for Junior Team Tennis success! Coach Carrie shows what she brings to the court and gets it all ready the night before the match! You will be ready to play if you follow these tips of taking charge of your equipment!
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- Click here for FREE: Junior Team Tennis Checklist PDF!
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- After Match Completed: The match isn’t over until the final protocols are followed. We cover reporting scores and the all-important post-match handshake and exit etiquette.
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7 Point Tie-Breaker Introduction: Sides, Scores, and Serving Video
Coach Anne Z demystifies the 7-point tie-breaker, from alternating service sides to mastering court positioning and calling the score. While tie-breakers can feel fast and confusing, learning these rules gives young players the confidence to stay calm and play their best when the match is on the line!
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Junior Team Tennis Coaching Tips for Parents: How to Use this Resource
We didn’t just film this series for the youngsters; it’s designed for families to watch and learn together. We encourage parents to use these videos as a teaching tool.
Here are a few junior tennis coaching tips for how to integrate this series into your player’s routine:
- Watch Together Before the Season: Set aside 20 minutes to watch the entire playlist as a family before the season starts. This gets everyone on the same page regarding expectations and rules.
- Highlight a Video of the Week: Focus on one specific concept (like the Player’s Oath or Check-in) before practice or on the way to the club.
- Use it as a Post-Match Review: If a player was confused by a rule or forgot court boundaries, review that specific video on the ride home from the match.
- Emphasize Teammate Skills: Pay special attention to the teamwork video. Encourage your child to identify specific ways they can support their team this week.
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Looking Ahead: Red Ball Players and the Future of Z Sisters Racquet Sports
While this initial Junior Team Tennis series is primarily geared toward 10U and 12U Orange Ball players, our mission is long-term and multi-sport. We are excited to welcome Red Ball players into the mix as they begin their own USTA local league competitions in Spring 2026. This channel will grow with our students, offering resources for every stage of development.
And while tennis is our first feature, we are Z Sisters Racquet Sports. Stay tuned for upcoming content related to Pickleball (specifically designed for youth and multi-sport conversion) and Table Tennis tips. We want to be the go-to digital academy for families who love to compete and learn on any court or table.
In the meantime, you can head over to Z Sisters Pickleball Website and Z Sisters Pickleball YouTube Channel!
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Our Humble Beginnings in Tennis
Did you know? Before There Was Venus and Serena, There Were Anne and Carrie Z!
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Join the Z Sisters Community!
We created this channel because we want every junior player to feel prepared, capable, and excited when they compete. By eliminating the fear of the unknown—the procedures, the scoring, the logistics—we give them the freedom to truly enjoy the process of learning, growing, and playing Junior Team Tennis.
We invite you to subscribe to the new channel, explore the “Getting Ready for Junior Team Tennis” series, and share these resources with your own teams, clubs, and fellow families. Whether your child has played a few matches or is picking up their first racquet, we have helpful information designed to support their journey.
We look forward to seeing you on the digital court!
Welcome to the family.
Coaches Anne & Carrie Z Sisters Racquet Sports
