THEY were barely taller than the rackets they were swinging, but tennis coach Mitch Power it's never too early to start.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
A decent crowd rolled-out to the "tiny tennis" come and try day, which was aimed at getting toddlers active and starting good habits at a young age.
It proved to be a smash-hit with parents providing an activity in the city for kids aged three and younger.
The full program will begin in term three, but it couldn't have been launched at a better time, Mr Power said.
READ MORE:
The sport will be front of mind for many youngsters after Australian ace Ash Barty this week became the country's first world number player one since Lleyton Hewitt in 2003.
"She is a great role model for young boys and girls," the Tamworth tennis coach said.
"I know she works very hard and I can't wait to see what she does in Wimbledon."
Mr Power said there had been a lot of interest in his toddler tennis program already and was impressed with the turn-out for Thursday's come and try session.
As a father of a young child himself, he knew parents were keen to get out and about with their kids.
"I think you can't be too young to get outside and in the sun and running around and it give the parents a bit of time with their kids, it's going to be a program which they can do together," he said.
"It doesn't matter how they swing the racket, it doesn't matter how they run or how they catch, as long as they're out doing something and getting involved, we're pretty happy."
Parents interested can register online.