How Are Wimbledon Ball Boys and Girls Selected?

During Wimbledon tournaments, some boys and girls stand at the edge of the court with a lot of discipline, and as soon as the ball goes out of the court, they pick up the ball very nicely, give it to the player, and go back to their position. These individuals are referred to as "ball boys" and "ball girls" at Wimbledon. They are also called BBGs in short form. 

Wimbledon ball boys and girls

Have you ever wondered how these tennis ball crews are selected in international sports events? Can anyone apply for this position? So let's talk about these topics in today's blog and know how Wimbledon ball boys and girls are selected.

Who Comprises the Wimbledon Ball Crew?

Around 700 to 800 teenagers whose ages are between 14 and 16 years are selected from the schools in the area around Wimbledon, i.e., the All England Lawn Tennis Club, to form the Wimbledon ball crew. After selection, they have to go through a tough selection and training process, after which only the final 240-250 students from these ball crews are put on court duty in the finals.

The standard of Wimbledon is world-class; hence, the ball crew also has to maintain the same discipline, speed, and focus. Their job is not just to lift the ball, but their timing, coordination, and presence of mind are also very important so that the flow of the match is never disturbed.

These Wimbledon ball boys and Wimbledon ball girls both together perform their duty very efficiently.

The Ball Crew Selection Process

The process of selecting the Wimbledon ball crew is very tough. After 3-4 steps, the final ball crew is selected. In this, boys and girls are selected in almost equal proportion. Let us understand the process by breaking it down.

• School Nominations: First, some students are selected from the schools around Wimbledon (London). This selection is done on the basis of their physical fitness, discipline, and teamwork.
• Physical Assessments: Then the fitness test of these selected students is done, in which their speed of running on the court, agility, ability to handle the ball properly, etc., are all checked. Because this is necessary for fast-paced tournaments like Wimbledon.
• Interviews: Then the students nominated through this process are interviewed to find out whether the student's focus is strong or not, whether he can remain calm under pressure, and whether he is enthusiastic about taking on a big responsibility like Wimbledon, etc. After checking all this, the final selection is done from this.
• Training Commitment: After all these processes, the remaining students have a long-term Wimbledon training from February. During this training, students participate every week and learn practice drills, movement techniques, and game understanding that are necessary for Wimbledon.

After the completion of the training, 1 student out of every 5 is selected for the final Wimbledon tournament. In this case, the number of ball boys and ball girls is equal. Overall, it can be said that out of a total of 500 students, only 100 students are selected for the tennis ball crew.

Intense Wimbledon Training for Ball crew

The training to become Ball Boys and Ball Girls at Wimbledon is quite tough, challenging, and intense. After this training, the candidates become proper court-ready professionals.

1) Court Techniques

The technique of ball handling is taught here. This includes rolling the ball slightly in underarm style. Next, they effortlessly toss the ball to the player and swiftly retrieve it without interfering with the match. While doing all this, they do not have to disturb the concentration of the player, especially when top players like Djokovic or Swiatek are on the court.

2) Tennis Knowledge

The ball crew does not only have to pick up the ball; they also need to have an understanding of the game. For example, they should understand which balls are live and which are dead. Apart from this, when to give the ball to the player and when not, and also have to anticipate which way the next point will go. With all this knowledge, they are able to react completely, which maintains the flow of the match.

3) Endurance Drills

This type of training simulates a long match and includes numerous fitness drills and stamina sessions. This training includes practicing standing for long periods, working in conditions such as rain or heat, and maintaining constant alertness. This ensures that the BBGs remain active and sharp throughout the match, no matter how long the match is. 

Wimbledon is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments; therefore, any mistake is not just confined to the court but becomes a topic of global discussion. If the Wimbledon ball boys and Wimbledon ball girls make any mistake, it gets highlighted in front of the live TV cameras set on the court. Therefore, the training of the ball crew is done very well.

Why the Wimbledon Ball Boys and Girls Role Is Challenging

Being a ball boy or ball girl at Wimbledon is not a matter of fun or enjoyment, but it is a responsible duty.

• High Pressure: Even a small mistake gets captured in the camera. And the concentration of the player should not be disturbed because of their mistake. Even while being on the court, they have to work flawlessly.
• Tough Conditions: Whether it is strong sunshine, rain, or even cold winds, the BBGs have to perform their duty with full responsibility. They have to stay on the edge of the court kneeling down for a long time.
• Team Coordination: The work of the Wimbledon ball crew is a team effort; their one wrong timing can spoil the entire coordination. Every BBG has to be perfectly in sync with his teammate.

Making this tennis ball crew is not only a test of physical strength but also of mental strength.

The Prestige of the Wimbledon ball crew role

Being a part of the Wimbledon ball crew is considered an honor. And it also becomes a memorable moment for a lifetime. The ball crew gets the live experience of standing with the players for whom the fans are crazy.

When many members of the ball crew return for the next Wimbledon, some also take up supervisory roles. In addition to this, the Wimbledon ball crew receives several other benefits, including

• Life skills
• Discipline
• Iconic Wimbledon uniforms (BBGs)
• Stipend as a bonus

To friends! Next time you go to watch Wimbledon, be sure to also notice the hardworking ball boys and ball girls, as their efforts contribute significantly to making the entire match flawless.

Fun Fact: Only 20% of the students are selected for the Wimbledon ball crew. And those who get selected become part of an elite group.

Related Questions (PAA)

Q1: How old are Wimbledon ball boys and girls?

➡️There are 14- to 16-year-old schoolboys and girls.

Q2: Are Wimbledon ball boys and girls paid?

➡️Yes! They also get a small stipend as a bonus.

Q3: How long is Wimbledon training for the ball crew?

➡️It starts in February and goes on for a few months. There is training every week.