National

How adaptive tennis programs can celebrate National Tennis Month

USTA Adaptive Tennis Committee | February 01, 2022

There’s no better time to find yourself in the game than during National Tennis Month this May. National Tennis Month is a nationwide grassroots effort driven by the USTA and its industry partners in celebrating the great sport of tennis which challenges one both physically and mentally. For 31 straight days, players, local coaches, facilities, retailers, tennis manufacturers and others will be driving awareness about the sport and its benefits by bringing existing and new players to the game with special events, promotions and play opportunities in their communities–many of them for free or at low-cost.

 

Tennis participation has seen a dramatic increase during the COVID-19 pandemic as it is the perfect activity to stay physically fit and socially distant. According to the latest Physical Activity Council’s participation report, more than 21.6 million people hit the tennis courts in 2020–a 22% increase over 2019 and the highest number of players since the PAC study began in 2007.

Of that number, almost seven million of those players were new or returning players to tennis. Entry-level racquet sales also saw major growth in 2020, up nearly 40%. 


Tennis also provides tremendous health benefits no matter your age.Studies show that playing tennis just 3 hours a week can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by 56%, and that tennis players add an average of 9.7 years to their lives over sedentary individuals. 

 

What can adaptive programs do to promote tennis in the month of May? Here are some suggestions compiled by the USTA National Adaptive Tennis Committee:

 

  • Highlight adaptive program(s) or player(s) on social media.

  • Hold a local all-comers play day, a mix of able-bodied and adaptive athletes.

  • Partner with local pros for an adaptive-themed mixer.

  • Post video testimonials from adaptive players.

  • Post videos of adaptive clinics and/or lessons on social media platforms. Use them to inspire other possible adaptive players to be aware of the possibilities.

  • Promote adaptive tournaments during National Tennis Month.  

  • Host a one-up, one-down tournament and/or exhibition match.

  • Bring a friend to class, win a prize.

  • Host a parent/student play day.

  • Hold a unified doubles event with a local 3.5 USTA team. 

  • Hold free clinics in May. 

  • Reach out to community providers to offer to partner to host a “day of Inclusion” to open up and offer play for all ages/all abilities.

  • Adopt a program: Host a unified doubles event by partnering a local high school or college with an adaptive program.  


As your partners in play for National Tennis Month, the USTA is providing resources, ideas, and support for tennis providers of all types, while investing in promotional activities for local programming. For a one-stop shop of events, resources, assets and ideas to help providers with local promotion of National Tennis Month, visit USTA.com/NationalTennisMonth or search the hashtag #NationalTennisMonth on social media.

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