What is QUICKSTART TENNIS?

QUICKSTART TENNIS is a new format to help kids ten and under learn and play the game. To make it easier for them, we've changed a few things.

The court sizes. The racquet sizes. The balls. The scoring system. Even the net height. The changes work too, because now any child between the ages of five and ten can start playing tennis almost immediately – even if they have never picked up a racquet.

Why is QUICKSTART TENNIS referred to as America's Plan for 10 and under tennis?

The USTA, along with industry partners including USPTA, TIA and PTR, have taken steps to bring tennis to children aged 10 & under in a more fun and dynamic way. This collaborative effort has resulted in the development of a new format that will get more kids playing the game, developing better skills and staying longer.

The key goals are as follows:

• Increase the number of beginning players ages 5 to 10
• Increase the retention of players aged 5 to 10 and beyond
• Improve the technical, tactical and physical development of players ages 5 to 10
• Develop future champions
• Improve the wellness of youth playing tennis

Is QUICKSTART TENNIS is a new USTA program?

No, QUICKSTART TENNIS is a format, not a program. By format, we mean specifications for play based on age, courts dimensions, net height, ball, racquet size and scoring. This format will be used for casual play, in lessons, team competition and tournaments.

Who decided on the specifications for the QUICKSTART TENNIS format?

The specifications for the format were agreed upon by the representatives from the tennis industry - USTA, TIA, USPTA, and PTR,. The specs were agreed upon based on lessons learned from pilot programs that were conducted by tennis professionals that operate some of the largest 10 and under tennis programs in the country.

What programs do you anticipate using the QUICKSTART TENNIS format?

Locally branded programs across the country, in every state, will use the QUICKSTART TENNIS format. Also, nationally branded programs such as the USPTA's Little Tennis program and PTR's Kids Tennis will use the QUICKSTART TENNIS format.

HOW IS QUICKSTART TENNIS different than what people have been doing for years – using smaller balls and smaller racquets?

There are two key differences. Coaches and pros have used foam balls and smaller racquets for years. But there were never standardized specifications for the ball, the racquet, the court, the net and scoring based on age. The QuickStart Tennis format uses all of these elements together, the same way, and that makes a huge difference. The other key is that there were very few competitions using scaled- down equipment and courts. Therefore, it was used primarily as a teaching aid and was not considered real tennis. Since the QuickStart Tennis format will be used in competition, kids and parents both will consider it real.

Getting kids at this age to play on teams is critical to retention. In addition to USTA Jr. Team Tennis and many sanctioned tournaments using the format in 2008, we know that many professionals and clubs will be using the QuickStart Tennis format for their local team events and competition as well.

WHAT Are the QUICKSTART TENNIS specifications?

The QuickStart Tennis format is about fitting tennis to kids based on age and physical size. By modifying the court dimensions, equipment (racquets and balls), net height and scoring system coupled with a play component, kids will develop better technical and tactical skills. When each of these elements is used collaboratively, kids will achieve early success and stay in the game.

To give kids the confidence and ability to cover the entire court, score points and build an all-court game, the court is shorter and narrower for both age groups. The net height is lower, too.

The QuickStart Tennis format divides kids into two age groups: the first is 8 & under; the second is 10 & Under. By putting kids with similar physical and social skills together, they have more fun while learning and developing skills.