By Jonathan Whitbourne,
USTA Magazine
Step 1: Just Play!
Think about some of the most popular sports among kids, such as baseball and soccer. In many cases, kids learn the basics in their backyard, whether it’s playing catch with dad or kicking the ball back and forth with mom. This fun, family experience gets them excited about the sport and helps get them interested in playing on a team.
But can you play tennis in the backyard? Yes you can. Thanks to modified equipment that’s tailored specifically to children, parents and their kids can start rallying in their backyard (or driveway, local park, etc.) in a matter of minutes.
That’s the beauty of the QuickStart Tennis play format, which employs smaller courts, lighter racquets and slower-moving balls. Little Leaguers don’t start playing on the same-sized diamond as Major Leaguers, and a 7-year-old doesn’t play with the same ball and the same hoop as an NBA player. So would we expect an 8-year-old to use the same tennis equipment and play on the same court as Venus Williams?
With the right equipment and a little help from a parent or a friend, kids can start playing—and enjoying—tennis right away. No court required.
“Let’s be honest: Young kids aren’t interested in learning stroke technique and how to keep score,” says Kurt Kamperman, USTA Chief Executive of Community Tennis. “They just want to hit the ball and start playing.”
Step 2 – Play Opportunities
The QuickStart Tennis play format uses equipment that is scaled to the size of children so they can play real tennis with equipment that fits their needs and abilities. Racquets are shorter, lighter and have smaller handles. Balls are softer, lighter and move slower through the air. Courts are smaller and the net is lower. All of this makes it possible for kids to learn by playing rather than having to learn all the strokes before they ever play the game—in essence, play to learn rather than learn to play.
Children can enjoy the fun of rallying a ball back and forth over a net or off a garage door or wall for hours. Previously this was difficult because kids only had the option of playing on the same-size court and with the same ball as the pros. Smaller courts can be set up on driveways, parking lots, playgrounds, activity rooms, gymnasiums and even on tennis courts, and softer balls and shorter racquets make hitting off a wall an enjoyable and active experience.
Step 3 – Finding a Program
As children develop an interest for the game, finding an organized program is a way to improve their skills and provide them with additional play opportunities. Look for a program that uses the QuickStart Tennis play format in its instruction. Check to see if the program is using courts and equipment that is scaled down to the size and ability of the child. Ask if the instructors have received special training in working with young children. And finally, make sure the program includes more than just lessons. Kids have fun when they actually play the game, so the program should have interactive play opportunities that are non-elimination and allow children plenty of chances to play with and against a large number of players.
Many children enjoy the camaraderie of a team atmosphere. Starting at 6 years old, USTA Jr. Team Tennis provides kids the opportunity to learn and compete on a team and be with their friends. Matches and practices are team-based and are fun because kids have the support of their teammates and coaches.
Parents can play a valuable role and be involved at many levels. Like other youth sports, parents can carpool kids to matches, take kids to professional or college matches, provide drinks and refreshments, serve as scorekeepers during matches and organize an end-of-season pizza party. Some parents might want to coach or assist on court, and the USTA provides workshops designed for new coaches who plan to teach teams of young players.
Tennis—and the QuickStart Tennis play format in particular—is a great way to spend time with your children, providing them with valuable experiences and lifelong memories.
“There’s nothing more fun for a kid than going outside and playing with mom and dad,” says Kirk Anderson, the USTA’s Director of Recreational Coaches and Programs. “I remember playing catch with my dad for hours; it was addictive and I just wanted to keep playing. We want to bring that same spirit and same positive experience to tennis.”