Originally developed to bring kids into the game by utilizing specialized equipment, shorter court dimensions and modified scoring tailored to age and size, the QuickStart Tennis play format is also ideal for individuals with disabilities or with differing abilities and circumstances. For seniors, it's a perfect alternative to the game of Pickleball.

 

10 and Under Tennis is divided into two different levels -- ages 8 and under and ages 10 and under. It's the fast, fun way to get kids into tennis -- and keep them playing. Here are a few terrific articles on 10 and Under Tennis:

The USTA's 10 and Under Tennis recreational on-court training videos showcase the QuickStart Play Format Practice Plans for age groups 5-6, 7-8 and 9-10. Increase your knowledge and personal skills/drills library by engaging with these informative videos that showcase activities to get kids having fun and playing tennis right away. Ideal for coaches and parents, the videos may be viewed here.

 

QuickStart Tennis Play Format on Grass (no audio)

 

Adding 36' & 60' Lines for 10 & Under Tennis: Video documenting the process of striping 36' & 60' lines on a 78' court with interviews from the tennis director at the facility and the contractors who striped them.

 

Click here to view more videos on 10 and Under Tennis, ranging from growing your business and easy court set-up to the tournament rule change.

"Why QuickStart?" is a PowerPoint presentation that will help you convince local Park and Recreation staff about the importance of getting kids to play 10 and Under Tennis and customize it for your own community.

 

Painting permanent QuickStart Tennis lines at your facility is a big step toward building and supporting a format that will change the face of youth tennis in America. These lines do not affect play for players using the whole court.

 

Click here to explore generic 10 and Under Tennis design concepts, ranging from shared lines and permanent courts to playground stripes, as well as tips for professionals when painting permanent lines on courts.

 

For accurate specifications to share with your contractor or painter, click here.

 

A video of the USTA North Carolina Inaugural 8U QuickStart State Championships held at Cary Tennis Park may be viewed by clicking here. The video demonstrates the potential economic impact that 10 and Under Tennis tournaments can bring to communities and shows why the building/conversion of permanent 10 and Under Tennis courts and painting of permanent lines is so important to address now.

 

This video, coupled with the "Why QuickStart?" PowerPoint presentation, makes a powerful educational package, especially for promoting to park and recreation departments.

 

Converting existing courts into 10 and Under Tennis courts also creates demand for more adult courts as kids are moved onto the down-sized courts.

In a decision that will fundamentally change the future landscape of tennis in the United States, the USTA has passed new rules governing competition for 10-and-under tennis tournaments. The new rules require that 10-and-under tournaments be played using slower-moving and lower-bouncing balls on smaller courts and utilizing shorter, lighter racquets.

 

This move follows the International Tennis Federation’s proposed rule change and took effect on Jan. 1, 2012.

 

The specifications for the revised system hold that all tournaments for those ages 9-10 be played on 60-foot courts using orange low-compression tennis balls and regulation nets (3 feet at the center) or, for those more experienced and more skilled players, on 78-foot courts with green lower-compression balls. Tournaments for those 8 and under are to be played on 36-foot courts using red foam balls and nets at a height of 2 feet, 9 inches.

Click Here to read business cases and testimonials.

Funding is available through the following USTA grant opportunities:

In addition, most USTA Sections offer additional assistance to their communities for painting lines. If your Section does not offer a 10 and Under Tennis Line Grant, contact your Section or District office and ask how you can make this happen.