There are so many ways to get your children involved in tennis this summer, and the best part about it is that it’s a sport the whole family can enjoy.

Youngsters can find themselves in the game regardless of their age or skill level with play opportunities and equipment sized just right. And the fun doesn’t stop when the kids get back home – it’s easy to practice skills with them and enjoy the sport for a lifetime together, whether you’re in the basement, on the driveway or at your local park.

 

"Tennis can give kids the sort of solid foundation on which they can build their futures," said USTA Chairman of the Board, CEO and President Katrina Adams. "It’s a sport that helps to teach kids self-discipline, self-respect and respect for others. It shows them that playing by the rules is important in succeeding at anything. ADVERTISEMENT When you get your kids involved in tennis, you’re giving them a vehicle that can take them anywhere they want to go."

 

There’s more tennis scheduling during the summer than at any other time of the year, so there’s sure to be something that fits their schedule and level and play.

Youth tennis events let your children play matches with other youngsters their own age, while Junior Team Tennis gives them the chance to test their skills in a match-play environment on either a competitive or non-competitve track. If you’re looking to introduce them to practice and instruction, tennis camps are a perfect way to get them on the court this summer.

 

Try contacting your local National Parks and Recreaction Association to learn about events close to home or click here to find your nearest Community Tennis Association representative who can point you in the direction of exciting play opportunities where you live.

 

Many classes and camps do not require a USTA membership, and there are plenty of volunteer-based, local tennis associations that partner with the community to offer programs at the grass-roots level.

Click here to find a place to play near you, or click here or search for an event where you live.

 

If you’d rather keep your game in your neighborhood, try hitting a ball against the house wall with them or setting up a pop-up net in your driveway so they can invite their friends over to play anywhere, any time.

 

"Tennis is a family activity which helps keeps kids active, and that's important because inactivity is a pandemic in America," said Todd Carlson, USTA National Manager of Community Tennis Associations, Parks & Tennis Facility Development. "You can play tennis over a line in the street or over a crack on tour driveway. If you have a racquet and a ball of any kind, you can play with friends and bring the whole community together."

 

This summer, the USTA will launch its new youth tennis brand, Net Generation, to parents and players. This new initiative makes it easier and more fun to get kids and teens into tennis, and it will offer a one-stop shop to fins play opportunities, coaches and programing where you live. 

 

The objective of Net Generation is to have millions of kids connected to the sport. It puts more emphasis on learning through play and building character on and off the court, not just drills and competition. the only background screening company endorsed by the National Council of Youth Sport.

 

In addition, if you live in one of the markets served by a US Open Series tournament, there are even more opportunities to get involved. Each of the five American events, which run between July 22 and Aug. 26, will host a Net Generation Kids' Day. Many will also hold a Net Generation High School Day and/or a National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) clinic. 

 

Click here to see the full list of Kids' Days and other Net Generation events being held during the US Open Series this summer.