Wimbledon Ball Boys & Girls: Prestige, Process & Lessons for Young Tennis Players

The Ball Boys and Ball Girls of Wimbledon, BBGs, are one of the most recognisable sights in sport. With their quick, smooth movements, these young athletes sprint, crouch, roll, and feed balls with such precision it’s often invisible to the casual eye. Though the role may seem simple, it's the result of intense training, high standards, and a rich century-old grass court tradition. 

This elite squad of tennis devotees kept traditions of excellence alive through changing times. Their stories trace back over a century, as their uniforms, recruitment and duties have evolved to match the sophistication of the world's premier tournament. 

Originally recruited from charitable homes in Britain, these young athletes now represent the gold standard for match support at the world’s most prestigious tennis tournament. Yet amidst adaptations, each new generation upholds standards of conduct, professionalism and youthful energy on the global stage. This esteemed role has launched careers, while giving fans consistent symbols of tradition and Wimbledon's legacy as a British gem worth discovering. Join us as we unpack the stories and interesting origins of these young stars who have made children's dreams reality. 

For parents of tennis loving children, especially here in Singapore, the Wimbledon BBG journey is a great lesson in discipline, focus and dedication. 

In this guide, you’ll find the history of Wimbledon ball boys and girls, the highly competitive selection process, the demanding training programme, life on court during The Championships, and valuable takeaways for parents and young tennis players everywhere.

The Role on Court

Wimbledon BBGs perform critical, behind-the-scenes roles such as:

• Retrieve tennis balls quickly without interrupting play
  
  
• Feed balls to servers and baseliners at the right time and in the right place
  
  
• Stand still and silent while points are being played and maintain court etiquette
  
  
• Managing towels, water bottles, and court essentials discreetly
  
  

Wimbledon matches are all about execution, down to the last detail. Ball boys and girls work in sync with players and officials to keep play flowing, and preserve the match tempo control the Championships is famous for. Their invisible work is the embodiment of precision and teamwork that Wimbledon is all about.

The Barnardo's Era (1920 - 1969)

Wimbledon’s first ball boys came from Barnardo’s Homes, a UK charity for homeless and disadvantaged children. For these kids, Wimbledon was more than an elite sporting event - it was a life changing experience that gave them discipline, purpose and international exposure.

Between 1946 and 1969 all ball boys and girls were from Barnardo’s. Many credited this role with giving them confidence and opportunities they would never have had otherwise.

Expanding Recruitment

After 1969, recruitment opened to local schools across London, and the talent pool expanded massively. This coincided with rising standards of athleticism and professionalism. Today, Wimbledon receives over 1,500 applications annually, but only about 250 to 280 14 to 16 years olds are selected to serve as BBGs each tournament year through rigorous school trials and assessments.

When Girls Joined the Squad?

Girls were first included as BBGs in 1977, marking a significant moment in the tournament’s history.

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Strict Eligibility

• Age: Candidates are usually between 14 and 16 years old.
  
  
• Nomination: UK applicants need to be nominated by their school.
  
  
• Physical criteria: Height, fitness, coordination, and tennis knowledge are all assessed
  
  

The Numbers Game

The competition is fierce:

• Applicants: Over 1,500 hopefuls
  
  
• Selected: Around 280 players
  
  
• Acceptance rate: Roughly 1 in 6 applicants
  
  

This is why candidates are so prepared and determined. 

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Wimbledon BBGs training lasts around 5 months, focusing on physical fitness, tennis specific skills, and mental focus. The monthly training flow looks like this:

Physical Demands

BBGs build endurance for long days spent crouching still, punctuated by sudden sprints and fast reflex actions. Weather conditions, rain or shine, do not deter these young athletes.

Mental Discipline

An “invisible presence” is the ultimate goal: BBGs must remain quietly alert, anticipating player needs without distracting the focus of the match or the audience.

Wimbledon’s respect for tradition shines through the evolution of its ball kids’ uniforms. The ball kids' uniforms have changed from casual 1920s shorts and shirts to today's professional vests and polos that match the sophisticated aura of Wimbledon itself. Yet the prestigious role has always been highly competitive - only about 250 15-year-olds are picked yearly out of 1,000 hopefuls.

• 1920s - 1930s: Casual shorts, shirts, and flat caps
  
  
• Today: Navy-and-green Ralph Lauren polo kits paired with sun caps and tennis shoes

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These uniforms are practical, breathable, flexible, with Wimbledon’s iconic image of grace and style on the grass courts.

Beyond Sport

The BBG experience teaches valuable life lessons.

• Responsibility:  Your actions would directly affect world class tennis matches
  
  
• Teamwork: Mastering silent coordination and non-verbal communication
  
  
• Resilience: Maintaining composure and recover quickly from mistakes under pressure
  
  

Famous Alumni

Andy Murray and Roger Federer were ball boys at other tournaments, but their early exposure to elite tennis environments shows how such experiences can spark lifelong passion and success in sport.

The BBG role develop skills and traits that go way beyond tennis:

• Discipline: The training and rules builds solid habits
  
  
• Confidence: Performing under the world’s spotlight builds self-belief
  
  
• Tennis IQ: Watching elite players up close helps you understand strategy
  
  

Even if your child isn’t selected for Wimbledon BBG, these same life skills can be nurtured through structured tennis coaching.

The discipline, agility, and etiquette of the Wimbledon Ball Boys and Girls can inspire young athletes anywhere, including Singapore. While the official BBG program recruits mainly in the UK, its core skills are universal: fast reactions, soft hands, and professional court behavior.

At BasePlay Tennis Academy, our training programs mirror many BBG preparation principles. Young players develop:

• Explosive footwork and agility for quick court coverage.
  
  
• Soft, accurate ball handling to stay in control under pressure.
  
  
• Strategic positioning skills to read the play well.
  
  
• Tennis etiquette and focus, to stay calm in high-pressure situations.
  
  

1. What is a Wimbledon ball boy, and what do they do?

A Wimbledon ball boy or girl is an on-court assistant, keeping matches flowing by picking up balls, handing towels and drinks and supporting players quietly and efficiently.

2. When did Wimbledon start using ball girls?

Wimbledon ball girls were first included in 1977, the tournament’s centenary year, marking a shift from all-male squads to mixed teams.

3. How competitive is the selection to become a Wimbledon BBG?

Super competitive. For 2025, only 280 were selected from 1,500 applicants, with 170 new and 110 recalls from past years. That’s 18% acceptance rate, same as elite university admissions

4. What qualities do selectors look for in a Wimbledon ball boy training candidate?

Candidates are assessed on fitness (speed, endurance), ball-handling skills (rolling, feeding), tennis knowledge (rules, scoring), and court positioning during trial simulations.

5. What does Wimbledon BBG training involve?

Training runs for several months. From February, candidates attend fortnightly sessions which intensify to weekly drills after Easter. They practice agility, rule-based scenarios, silent discipline and simulated shifts on court.

6. What’s the age range and profile of most BBGs?

Most are 15 years old and in Year 9 or 10. Occasionally, older participants join, as did a 47-year-old in 2019, but the average is mid-teens.

7. What do BBGs get for their efforts? Are there perks?

BBGs get around £200 (~$250) for the two-week tournament, a small amount for the role. They also get to keep the iconic Ralph Lauren uniforms, certificate of participation, a group photo, and a can of used tennis balls as souvenirs.

8. How are BBG shifts structured during the tournament?

Teams of six rotate through courts, usually one hour on, one hour off. Priority courts like Centre and No.1 are the most coveted.

9. What happens if a BBG makes a mistake?

 Errors are rare but handled discreetly. Coaches and supervisors provide quick feedback during breaks to correct positioning or timing.