Challenge Accepted

A new program from the USTA is providing promising results when it comes to getting youth players on the court in a non-competitive setting.

After a pilot program in 2018, Team Challenges and Team Events are officially part of USTA programs in 2019. 

Mike Saniuk, Director of Tennis at Miracle Hills Tennis Center in Omaha, Nebraska, was on board early with the program and saw the immediate success. 

Team Challenges are an introduction to tennis competition offering a low-pressure team environment for children of all ages to develop their skills through level-based play, without an emphasis on instruction or results.

It is designed to be delivered as a single event or a series of up to six events, with the objective of providing a fun and social environment that highlights character and skill development. Team challenges can be played with red, orange or green tennis balls. 

Too often young players find themselves taking lesson after lesson with little opportunity to go out and just play whether it's in a competitive setting or not, Saniuk said. But that changes with Team Challenges.

"It's more of a social atmosphere," he said. "It's rally based, they can just go out and play the game. Instead of learning proper technique in a clinic setting, it's a play opportunity to use what they've been learning."

Saniuk bought in last year when the USTA was piloting the program, and this year he expects his facility will host over 100 of the one-hour Team Challenge events. Heís found kids are more engaged during the events than they are during lessons and parents couldnít be happier as well.

The USTA is also introducing Team Tournaments this year, which are up to a half day. A team match consists of one singles and one doubles played simultaneously with substitutions. Team scores are tracked and the winning team is recognized at the end of the event.

"The biggest benefit in my eyes is giving them a chance to play," Saniuk said. "A lot of facilities will clinic, clinic, clinic and try to increase revenue. They forget kids want a chance to play and this fits perfectly and really grows the game from a playing standpoint."

Saniuk looks forward to continuing to work with the USTA, and Omaha Tennis Association to grow the popularity of the events within the area and encourages other providers to implement the events into their facilities.

More information on Team Challenges and Team Events