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Thursday, May 1, 2008
Little League For Tennis
Greater Louisville, KY
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New program aims to give kids early success in playing tennis
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For more information, go to:
USTA Kentucky: www.kentuckytennis.com 491-1290
QuickStart Programs: www.partners.quickstarttennis.com
Junior Team Tennis Leagues & QuickStart Programs:
Louisville Tennis Association 526-6770
Unity Athletics Association 548-6228
Newburg Tennis Association 291-1163
Advantage Tennis and Fitness
897-7185
Blairwood Tennis & Fitness 426-8820
Louisville Indoor Racquet Club
426-2454
Louisville Tennis Club
426-4923
The Tennis Club at Springhurst
412-2950
University of Louisville/Bass Rudd 852-1682
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As any parent or former junior tennis instructor would testify, it is a bit challenging to go out and actually play tennis with a 5-year-old. It seems like the only thing going on is ball chasing.
Thanks to the United States Tennis Association (USTA), times have changed. A new playing format, called QuickStart Tennis has been developed to help kids ages 10 and under to learn while playing the game. “We are really emphasizing the ‘Play to Learn’ catch phrase,” says Sharon Rahman, the executive director for the USTA Kentucky.
Larry Kline, the director of tennis for the Louisville Tennis Club and Blairwood Tennis & Fitness, agrees. "We are implementing this program into our summer clinics. It's a great program. It allows kids to get up and play earlier by hitting balls and enjoying the game so that they can be successful sooner and at a younger age."
According to the USTA, there are 6 million new tennis players per year, of which 2 million are under age 11. The format has set new variables for ease of play, such as court and net size, racquet size, ball make-up and scoring system. These variables for the different age groups give kids the confidence and ability to cover the entire court, score points and build an all-court game. In addition, since they are with other children on similar physical and social levels, the kids have fun while learning and developing skills.
Traditional tennis is played on a 75’ court. QuickStart sets up four 36’ courts within the one traditional court for ages 8 and under with a 2’9 net height. The 10 and under group will use a 60’ court with the standard net height.
The only equipment needed to play is a racquet. The club or parks program will provide the balls and the court set up. Children 8 and under should use a 19”, 21” or 23” racquet. Children 10 and under should use a 23” or 25” racquet. The balls used are foam or very low-compression, which makes them move slower, bounce lower and travel less distance.
The scoring system also is different from traditional tennis. There are 7 points in a game; the first to score seven points wins the game. The first to win 2 out of 3 games wins the match. Matches generally last about 20 minutes.
In addition, the QuickStart play-to-learn format has been incorporated by the USTA into Junior Team Tennis, which is available to boys and girls ages 6 to 18 of all abilities and experience.
Leagues are offered through the parks as well as private tennis clubs. All leagues include one practice and one match each week, a team shirt and USTA Junior Membership. The emphasis is on skill development, fun, teamwork and friendly competition, all with the possibility of advancing to state, section and national championships.
Rahman is excited about the new format. “All private clubs, parks and USTA Kentucky have come on board for full support of the idea, which will add success to the program,” she says. “In the near future, national chain stores will carry a driveway version of this court which will promote QuickStart principles even further. It’s all really coming together to get kids in a ‘tennis little league’ mind frame.”
Beth Bush is a representative for Reebok International and works as a freelance journalist covering sports and entertainment.
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