Bringing Tennis to Schools

For a physical educator or coach, nothing can be more satisfying than to give a student a sport that can positively impact a young life. That’s exactly what you’ll be doing when you bring the sport of tennis to your school. Now it is easier than ever with resources and training available from the USTA.

We’ve also made it easy for your school to get tennis equipment that is appropriate for your students’ sizes and ages. The modified equipment makes the game fun, safe, and engaging for kids. You can run tennis programs in any school setting (in a gym, parking lot, etc.) and get kids playing immediately. Substantially discounted equipment is available from Gamma Sports, Head/Penn Racquet Sports and Prince Sports for qualifying school programs.

Check out this video that highlights PE tennis in action.

Curriculum Kit-  The USTA has developed a cutting edge in-school curriculum, the Physical Educators Guide for Teaching Tennis in Schools and teacher training program to help educators feel more comfortable offering tennis in school settings.

The newest tennis curriculum has eight easy-to-follow lesson plans (download here) created for teachers, by teachers that can be used in any school environment. Written in conjunction with renowned physical education expert, Dr. Robert Pangrazi, the lessons are:

• Based on NASPE standards.
• Designed to fit unique time and scheduling needs.
• Flexible enough to accommodate small and large groups.
• Fun and challenging for all kids and adaptable for students with special needs.
• Targeted towards grades 3-6 and can be adapted to higher and lower grade levels.
• Able to be taught on any flat surface - No courts required!

Click here for a sample lesson from the eight provided in the Tennis Pocket Guide which is part of the curriculum kit. The Curriculum Kit is also available through your USTA sections by purchasing an Organization Membership and attending a USTA teacher in-service.

"I work with the Tennis curriculum at Garden Grove Elementary in Winter Haven, FL.  I find it extraordinary!!!  Even with the large number of students I handle (from 60 to 110 per class) I have been able to teach basic tennis skills.  I bought the Kit from Gopher through a prize we won last year (Governor's Fitness Challenge)
When I first read the curriculum I thought it must be a master teacher who designed it.  Later I saw it was Robert Pangrazi.  I then thought:  no wonder!", said Luisa, Garden Grove Elementary School, Winter Haven, Fla.

Physical Educators Guide

The Physical Educators Guide for Teaching Tennis in Schools (Curriculum Kit) can be purchased from Gopher Sport Catalog for $49.95. It is also available through your USTA Section by purchasing an Organization Membership & attending a USTA teacher in-service. For more information contact your Section.