March 2008 -- This spring begins the unveiling and marketing of what the USTA describes as a new plan for 10-and-under tennis, the QuickStart Tennis Play Format. The goal of QuickStart is to help young juniors start playing games sooner, which will in turn aid in increasing and retaining the number of players between the ages of 5 and 10.
QuickStart is not a teaching program, but rather a play format that can be incorporated into any existing program. It provides young players with additional opportunities to participate in games, team practices and beginner competition. It shares the same philosophy on the use of graduated courts, equipment and low compression balls as USPTA's Little Tennis program.
Since 1994, Little Tennis has been an incredible teaching program used by many professionals to attract young players. The 10-and-under junior is a highly important segment for professionals to focus on and embrace. We need to have a renewed interest in the teaching and retaining of young players before they choose one of the many alternate sports that are available to them. Junior participation in older age groups and adult programs are often fueled by strong teaching programs for this young age group.
In the September issue of
ADDvantage magazine, USPTA CEO Tim Heckler wrote an article on how USPTA has expanded Little Tennis to include the QuickStart Play Format. There is a tremendous amount of information for professionals and parents concerning drills, lesson plans, and activities on the Little Tennis Web site, www.littletennis.com.
The Little Tennis Skills Challenge is a new activity that will soon be added to the Web site. This idea in its original form was presented several years ago by Kim Dillard, a fellow Southern Division Professional. I've tweaked and made slight changes to the Skills Challenge and now use it for my 5- to 6-, 7- to 8-, and 9- to 10-year-old club championships.
Because of the Little Tennis Skills Challenge, we have had the opportunity to keep these juniors involved and make them feel part of the overall program since the older juniors and adults participate in the season- ending club championships. The Little Tennis Skills Challenge would also work well as an income-producing event as well as a city- and statewide contest.
I have adapted the Little Tennis Skills Challenge using the QuickStart Tennis Play Format using the following age divisions, format and point system.
Age Divisions and Format
The
5- to 6-year-old division uses a T.I.P. 1 ball on a 36-by-18-foot court. Participants will hit eight forehands, eight backhands, four forehand volleys, and four backhand volleys. (This division does not serve.)
The
7- to 8-year-old division uses a T.I.P. 1 ball on a 36-by-18-foot court. Participants will hit eight forehands, eight backhands, four forehand volleys, four backhand volleys, and eight serves (four from each side).
The
9- to 10-year-old division uses a T.I.P. 2 ball on a 60-by-21-foot court. Participants will hit eight forehands, eight backhands, four forehand volleys, four backhand volleys, and eight serves (four from each side).
Point SystemGroundstrokes and volleys
Participants will receive 2 points for hitting the ball into the service boxes and 7 points for hitting into the back court. Players get 10 points if they hit the targets that will be placed in the corners of the back court. Target areas should be approximately 2 feet by 2 feet.
ServesParticipants will receive 7 points if the serve is in the proper service box, and 10 points will be awarded if the participant hits the targets that will be placed in the corners of the service boxes. Target areas should be approximately 2 feet by 2 feet.
I'm excited and look forward to the upcoming season and incorporating the QuickStart Play Format into my Little Tennis program. The Little Tennis Skills Challenge has many possibilities and I encourage you to schedule an event at your club. By implementing both QuickStart and a Skills Challenge event you will revitalize your Little Tennis program as well as your staff. The 5- to 10-year-old player and their parents will enjoy the new ideas and you will enjoy them supporting your program week after week.
