Ball Children (Ball Boys/Girls)

In tennis, Ball Children, commonly referred to as Ball Boys and Ball Girls, are young assistants positioned around the court to aid in the smooth flow of a match. Their primary responsibilities include collecting and distributing tennis balls to the players efficiently, ensuring that the court remains clear of balls and potential hazards. They also provide players with towels, water, or other necessities upon request.

Role & Importance:

• Quick Retrieval: They ensure that the match is not delayed by swiftly retrieving balls that go out of play.
• Court Management: Ball children keep the court safe and orderly by removing stray balls that might cause a player to trip or interfere with gameplay.
• Assisting Players: They often pass balls to players before serves and hand them towels during breaks to keep the pace of the match moving efficiently.

Training: Ball children undergo training sessions to familiarize themselves with the rules and protocols of the game. They are trained to move quickly, remain focused, and blend into the background, so as not to distract players or the audience. Physical fitness, quick reflexes, and awareness of the game’s flow are crucial for their role.

Ball children are typically selected through local programs or tennis academies for prestigious events like the Grand Slams and are a valued part of the tournament’s operations team.