Red, Orange, Green, Yellow — the youth ball colors, explained.

Red, Orange, Green and Yellow Ball describe NGA's pathway. They help you understand the skills your child is developing, rather than assign a team name. The academy serves ages 6–16; each current program lists the ages and levels it accepts. Here's what the four steps mean in parent terms.

Red Ball — building the rally

The starting point for players brand-new to the game. Red Ball work uses a foam ball while kids build paddle control, footwork and their first sustained back-and-forth rally. No pickleball experience is needed to begin learning; current group availability and eligibility still come from the listing.

Orange Ball — building consistency

The bridge level. Kids here can rally and are layering in rules mastery, consistency, and full-court movement. It's where the game starts looking like the game.

Green Ball — strategy and teamwork

Strategy meets competition: shot selection, court positioning, and doubles teamwork. Partnerships start to form at this level, and kids begin thinking a shot ahead.

Yellow Ball — the tournament track

Our coach-curated competitive track focuses on tournament preparation. The Yellow Ball inquiry form is how you share interest; coaches extend invitations based on readiness. Check the actual offer for its dates, age requirements and group size rather than assume a particular schedule or number of players.

How placement works

A free 30-minute evaluation can help a coach recommend a next step by skill, within the program's age requirements. It is an option when you're unsure where to start, rather than a prerequisite for every partner enrollment. Private lessons are available at any color. Follow the current program's registration link and requirements before booking a group.