USTA Tennis Advocacy
Advocacy for tennis involves taking our knowledge and passion for tennis and connecting it to the needs of communities, schools, colleges and local governments. Advocacy is the ability to demonstrate to decision-makers how tennis programs can benefit the community.
What is Tennis Advocacy and Why is it Important?
The sport of tennis can be an important part of improving communities, schools, the health of individuals and the quality of life for all. As members of the tennis family, we know how this sport can make a difference in people’s lives. As advocates for tennis, our mission is to convince decision-makers in the public, private and non-profit sectors of this to gain their support.
Your Body
GET FIT
Lose Weight, Burn Calories An hour of singles play can burn 580–870 calories.
According to Oja, et al, Brit J Sports Med, 201
LIVE LONGER
Playing just 3 hours/week will reduce your risk of heart disease 56%.
According to a 2016 Harvard University study
STRENGTHEN HEART, MUSCLES, AND BONES
Compared to other sports, tennis players have the lowest incidence of cardiovascular disease.
40-year study conducted by Johns Hopkins University
DEVELOP HAND-EYE COORDINATION
Playing tennis involves several skills that all contribute to good hand-eye coordination. You can improve your agility, balance, coordination, reaction time and more.
Your Life
ENJOY FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Great for the whole family no matter what your age. With minimal equipment needed and plenty of courts nearby, it’s easy to bring a friend or find one on the courts.
DEVELOP TEAMWORK AND SPORTSMANSHIP
From doubles play to team and league play, tennis develops your ability to communicate and work together.
IMPROVE SOCIAL SKILLS
Tennis outperforms all other sports in developing positive personality characteristics.
According to a study by Dr. Jim Gavin at Concordia University
Your Brain
REDUCE STRESS
Tennis helps you deal with physical, mental, social, and emotional challenges which increases your capacity to deal with stress.
INCREASE BRAIN POWER
From alertness to tactical thinking, tennis enhances the neural connections in your brain. Kids who play tennis regularly get better grades.
According to a 2013 USTA study
LEARN TO SOLVE PROBLEMS
Tennis is a sport that is based on evaluating angles, geometry and physics to get best result, which translates into better problem-solving off the court.
In the late 1990s, several experts proposed that tennis, since it requires alertness and tactical thinking, may generate new connections between nerves in the brain and promote a lifetime of continuing brain development. This was supported in John Ratey’s book “Spark.” Ratey was quoted in USA Today as saying, “A heart-thumping game of tennis can keep the brain in top shape.”
New to Tennis Advocacy? Start Here
1. Identify a community need
What does your community need most? Who will be impacted by your project?
2. Build a clear, compelling idea
What do you want and why do you want it? What is your desired outcome?
3. Research your local landscape
What local priorities could your project support? Which groups in the community will your project reach?
4. Take action with the right tools
Who will oppose your mission and goals, and why? What are potential obstacles to getting the response you want?
Why Tennis Matters
PHYSICAL HEALTH
Benefits heart and longevity
INCLUSIVE SPORT
Open to all ages and abilities
SOCIAL HEALTH
Builds friendships and teamwork
MENTAL HEALTH
Boosts focus and reduces stress
Advocacy Tools & Downloads
Whether you're building courts, starting programs, or speaking to local officials, these tools will help you take the next step.
Tools to Advocate
Use this if you’re new to advocacy or preparing to take action.
Adaptive & Wheelchair Advocacy
Resources to create inclusive programs and expand access in underserved communities.
Business Development Advocacy
A comprehensive guide to planning, operating, and funding large-scale tennis facilities.
Tennis on Campus Advocacy
Learn how to activate college tennis facilities as community hubs.
Community Tennis Association
An overview of how local, volunteer-driven nonprofit organizations grow and sustain tennis participation.
Tennis Venue Services (TVS)
Learn how TVS funding and experts can help transform your facility.
School Programs & NJTL Advocacy
Helps schools introduce tennis and promote active, healthy lifestyles.
Public Facilities & Parks Advocacy
USTA supports parks in growing tennis programs and expanding community access.
Navigating Pickleball’s Expansion In Your Community
While tennis remains the most popular racquet sport in the United States, pickleball has also experienced a significant increase in participation, ultimately driving the demand for adequate tennis and pickleball courts across the country.
We all can advocate for tennis, and the USTA is equipt with resources, information and tools that can help you reach decision makers in the public, private and non-profit sectors and illustrate how tennis facilities and programs are necessary for a healthy community.
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