USTA Programming

Top Ten Reasons Kids Play Youth Sports

1. To have fun 2. To improve their skills 3. To stay in shape 4. To do something they are good at 5. The excitement of the competition 6. To get exercise 7. To play as part of a team 8. The challenge of the competition 9. To learn new skills 10. To win

According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA)

Youth Pathway

Youth Pathway

Where the kids are!

Park, Playground, Local Community Center or School

Adopt-A-School Handbook

Adopt-A-School Handbook

Tips for taking tennis to a School, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club

Sell your programHow to meet with decision makers

Creating InterestLunch time tennis demoAssembly outline/class visit

Games and Play FormatsResources

Youth Pathway

Youth Pathway

Reading’s Tennis Philosophy

Make available the game of tennis that emphasizes fun, increases wellness & self esteem and teaches life skills that participants can carry over to their everyday lives.

a. Using Quickstart to introduce tennis

b. Fun first approach (healthy happy environment)

c. Fun with other kids (social skills/ladies and gentlemen

d. Fund with adults positive role model/leadership

e. Fun playing tennis

"Using tennis as a way to connect with our kids"

Introduction to Tennis

1. School Assemblya. By grade levelb. Classes

2. Physical Education Lessons a. 3 lessons/weeks long b. Play right away

Additional Play

3. Early Bird Tennis-Tennis Club

a. 45 minutes before school starts

b. Assigned days by grade level

c. Students report with completed homework and behavior chart.

d. Spectator Section and Jobs

Keep Them Playing!

4. Players Club “Ballers”a. Identified students play 1 hour and 15 minutes after-schoolb. 10-12 Students selectedc. High Performance Playersd. Winter play at Tennis Indoor facilities

5. Tournaments/Special Eventsa. Students play against other schoolsb. Rotating Basis (every student goes)

Youth Pathway

Structured Play

USTA Jr. Team Tennis

Many ways to run leagues:Start small

Key organizers

Word of mouth

10 & Under Team Tennis

Philadelphia Area Team Tennis Association (PATTA) Quickstart Leagues

One Location focusing on local community

Kids sign up for leagues, then divided

2 divisions- 8 and under, 10 and under

Kids play and keep score

All Star Tournament

10 & Under Team Tennis

Why It Could Work for You?Kids are able to rally with Quickstart

Team concept like other sports

Transition to 11& Over

Can use non-tennis facilities

11& Over PATTA JTT Spring and Fall Leagues

Low cost travel league

Coaches/Clubs set up their own teamParents

High School Coaches

Tennis Pros

Membership and uniform

Advancement

Tennis Link- Easy Registration

11& Over Jr. Team Tennis

Running a Team (Existing League)Very Easy

Secure Courts

Practices

Fees

Add-On’s

Comparison to other sports

11 & Over Jr. Team Tennis

Why It Could Work for You?Next Big Thing

Great for Intermediate Players

Gives Play Opportunity outside of school

Advancement

How to Utilize Parent Volunteers

10 & UnderBall Tossers

Phone Chain

Score Keepers

11 & OverTeam Manager

Youth Pathway

Competitive Play

QuickStart Tournaments

10 & Under Rule Change-20129-10 on 60-foot courts with orange low-compression tennis balls and regulation nets. (3 feet at the center)

8 & U on 36-foot courts using red foam balls and nets at a height of 2 feet, 9 inches.

www.usta.com/rulechange

Junior Tournaments

Fundraiser for your CTA/NJTL

A good way to reach junior players to expand your programs.

DR-Level 7 or beginner unranked tournaments.

Junior Tournament Sanction Requirements

1. Tournament Director and have Organization Membership

2. Complete Tournament Request Form

3. Complete TDM & TennisLink Training

4. Secure courts

5. Run tournament!

Adult Opportunities To Grow and Connect

One Day TournamentsLimited Time Commitment

Non-Elimination

Competitive Introduction

Social Impact

Adult Leagues

Flex LeagueFlexible schedule

Singles, Doubles & Mixed

By ability level (NTRP)

USTA LeagueAdult, Senior, Super Senior, and Mixed

Share Best Practices Supervised Play

School TennisCommunity Tennis

Structured PlayTeam Tennis

Competitive Play TournamentsLeagues