What is QUICKSTART TENNIS?
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QUICKSTART TENNIS is a new format to help kids ten and under
learn and play the game. To make it easier for them, we've changed
a few things.
The court sizes. The racquet sizes. The balls. The scoring
system. Even the net height. The changes work too, because now any
child between the ages of five and ten can start playing tennis
almost immediately, even if they have never picked up a
racquet.
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Why is QUICKSTART TENNIS referred to as America's Plan
for 10 and under tennis?
The USTA, along with industry partners including USPTA, TIA and
PTR, have taken steps to bring tennis to children aged 10 &
under in a more fun and dynamic way. This collaborative effort has
resulted in the development of a new format that will get more kids
playing the game, developing better skills and staying longer.
The key goals are as follows:
- Increase the number of beginning players ages 5 to 10
- Increase the retention of players aged 5 to 10 and beyond
- Improve the technical, tactical and physical development of
players ages 5 to 10
- Develop future champions
- Improve the wellness of youth playing tennis
Is QUICKSTART TENNIS a new USTA program?
No, QUICKSTART TENNIS is a format, not a program. By format, we
mean specifications for play based on age, courts dimensions, net
height, ball, racquet size and scoring. This format will be used
for casual play, in lessons, team competition and tournaments.
Who decided on the specifications for the QUICKSTART
TENNIS format?
The specifications for the format were agreed upon by the
representatives from the tennis industry - USTA, TIA, USPTA, and
PTR,. The specs were agreed upon based on lessons learned from
pilot programs that were conducted by tennis professionals that
operate some of the largest 10 and under tennis programs in the
country.
What programs do you anticipate using the QUICKSTART
TENNIS format?
Locally branded programs across the country, in every state,
will use the QUICKSTART TENNIS format. Also, nationally branded
programs such as the USPTA's Little Tennis program and PTR's Kids
Tennis will use the QUICKSTART TENNIS format.
HOW IS QUICKSTART TENNIS different than what people have
been doing for years using smaller balls and smaller
racquets?
There are two key differences. Coaches and pros have used foam
balls and smaller racquets for years. But there were never
standardized specifications for the ball, the racquet, the court,
the net and scoring based on age. The QuickStart Tennis format uses
all of these elements together, the same way, and that makes a huge
difference. The other key is that there were very few competitions
using scaled- down equipment and courts. Therefore, it was used
primarily as a teaching aid and was not considered real tennis.
Since the QuickStart Tennis format will be used in competition,
kids and parents both will consider it real.
Getting kids at this age to play on teams is critical to
retention. In addition to USTA Jr. Team Tennis and many sanctioned
tournaments using the format in 2008, we know that many
professionals and clubs will be using the QuickStart Tennis format
for their local team events and competition as well.
WHAT Are the QUICKSTART TENNIS
specifications?
The QuickStart Tennis format is about fitting tennis to kids
based on age and physical size. By modifying the court dimensions,
equipment (racquets and balls), net height and scoring system
coupled with a play component, kids will develop better technical
and tactical skills. When each of these elements is used
collaboratively, kids will achieve early success and stay in the
game.
To give kids the confidence and ability to cover the entire
court, score points and build an all-court game, the court is
shorter and narrower for both age groups. The net height is lower,
too.
The QuickStart Tennis format divides kids into two age groups:
the first is 8 & under; the second is 10 & Under. By
putting kids with similar physical and social skills together, they
have more fun while learning and developing skills.
