Tennis is a great sport for kids of all ages to get involved in. Not only is it a fun way to stay active, but it also helps to develop hand-eye coordination, balance, and concentration skills. In addition, committing to a program teaches both commitment and perseverance.
One way for kids to get started in tennis is by joining a local club or organization. These types of programs often offer lessons and clinics for kids at all levels of play, as well as opportunities to participate in team practices and friendly matches. Be sure that the competitive level and intensity match, especially for new tennis players.
Some clubs may also have junior teams that compete in local tournaments. It is important to be sure that kids understand the nature of tennis competition and that some players may be substantially more skilled. At the upper range of pre-teen youth tennis there can also be an enormous differentiation between players’ development at seemingly the same age. There are 12-year-olds who look like they shave in the morning while there are 12-year-olds that look like they aren’t even out of elementary school.
USTA – United States Tennis Association
Kids who are interested in competitive tennis is the United States Tennis Association (USTA). In addition to certifying and training tennis professionals, the USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. It offers a variety of programs and events for junior players, including local and national tournaments, as well as opportunities to earn rankings within the USTA system.
The USTA system is designed to ensure that tennis players get matched with other tennis people of a similar skill level. This prevents games where one person completely dominates the game and neither player has a favorable experience. One will often see tournaments or leagues for 2.5 players or 3.5 players, or whatever. There is no reason that a 2.5 player cannot play in a 3.5 league or tournament except they are unlikely to win. For players to play down, however, is typically frowned upon.
Youth Tennis Lessons Near Me
For kids who are just starting out, it’s important to find a coach or instructor who is patient and able to help them learn the basics of the game. In many areas, local recreation centers or recreation districts offer tennis instruction classes which can give kids both the instruction they need, and the ability to develop against various levels of competition. Small group lessons can be valuable ways to gain both instruction and experience. Group tennis lessons are usually much cheaper than private lessons.
As children progress, they may also want to consider joining a team or participating in clinics and camps to continue improving their skills. It is important to understand that most teams are not designed to teach someone to play tennis. They are for competing and the instruction will be on the lighter side. Whereas many tennis clinics are designed to teach various tennis skills. Some tennis clinics will focus on a certain part of the game like tennis serves, backhands, court strategy and the like. Again, it is important to match the child’s skill level to the level of the instruction.
Youth Tennis Rackets
Unlike some sports, tennis does not require too much in the way of specialized equipment. A good pair of court shoes should prevent slips and protect ankles. Clothing should be comfortable and not restrict movement. Then, there is the tennis racket, of course.
There are as many different kinds of youth tennis rackets as there are different youth tennis players. Often, a coach or training pro can give you and your youth player ideas for what youth tennis racket will be best for them. Some players do better with heavier, larger rackets and others do best with lightweight rackets. Until your child is playing at a higher level, any decent tennis racket should be usable. Check out your local sporting goods stores, or local tennis equipment shops. There should be many racket choices under $100.
As your youth player gets more advanced, the need for a quality racket increases. Again, follow the lead of coaches and tennis trainers. If your kiddo is going to be serious about tennis, it might be time to develop a relationship with the local tennis shop. They can regrip rackets, or retape grips, string rackets, tighten or loosen strings, and when necessary, replace rackets.
