USTA School Tennis in Middle States
More Than Just a Game
Enrich the lives of your students through tennis
As part of its mission to promote and develop the growth of tennis, the United States Tennis Association is dedicated to introducing tennis to children of all ages in schools across the country. Starting in 1985 under the leadership of Arthur Ashe, the USTA School Tennis program has brought the joy of tennis to millions of students in schools across the United States.
With the focus of School Tennis being on in-school and after-school tennis opportunities, we have separated our page into three main parts:
- Physical Education and programming in schools
- After-school/Follow-up programming
- High School No-Cut Tennis Teams and Coaches
...See what best fits your school district or organization.
1. School Tennis: Physical Education and programming in schools
USTA School Tennis is the hot, new sport in P.E. and after-school programs across the country.
One of its aims is to improve kids’ initial tennis experience in physical education classes. Using a very student-friendly (and teacher-friendly!) way to learn to play tennis, teachers can turn their gym or activity space into a fun and safe tennis atmosphere.
Curriculum Kit - The USTA has developed a cutting edge in-school curriculum, the Physical Educators Guide for Teaching Tennis in Schoolsand teacher training program to help educators feel more comfortable offering tennis in school settings.
The newly developed teacher friendly lesson plans (download here), station signs, and instructional DVD’s are available to assist teachers with limited or no previous tennis experience and without requiring access to traditional tennis courts! These lessons can be taught in your school’s cafeteria or gym---with minimal time, effort and expense. Click here for a sample lesson from the eight provided in the Tennis Pocket Guide, Curriculum Supplement. To receive the new Physical Educators Guide for Teaching Tennis in Schools, a school must become an Organization Member of the USTA (one year membership is $35) and the physical educator must have attended a USTA in-service or school tennis training.
Teacher In-Service Workshops - These workshops complement a teacher’s large group management skills and demonstrate how to quickly transform a school gym or playground into a dynamic tennis-playing environment and allow students to experience instant success in a fun and safe manner. Click here for the school district application to apply for an in-service. *Note: the form will be submitted via e-mail.
Equipment Support - After your school district has participated in an in-service teacher training, equipment discounts and/or free start-up equipment are available to qualifying schools. Modified tennis equipment including easy-to-rally tennis balls and portable nets make the game fun and engaging from the moment a child first picks up a racquet. (click herefor more information on school tennis equipment and support opportunities)
For additional information on the new curriculum and scheduling a school training for your school district, please contact the School Tennis section coordinator (connors@ms.usta.com)
2. School Tennis: After-School/Follow-up Programming
Why not strike while the iron’s hot and get students who have learned the basic tennis skills in P.E. to continue playing in a follow-up program? This is the key to keeping kids involved and enjoying the lifetime sport of tennis. This can happen after-school, before school, or even during lunch or recess.
It’s all about the Team Play!
While there is no “one size fits all” program, we strongly recommend team play formats such as intramural or interscholastic leagues. Playing on teams is what school sports is all about and kids will feel proud to be representing their team or school. USTA MS staff can help you organize a follow-up program, or tell you if there is an outside provider that offers one so you can promote it in school.
The USTA is continuing to create resources and tools designed to make starting an after school tennis program easy and enjoyable for organizers. Organized Play Workshops are available to a group of program organizers and staff that would be involved. Equipment support opportunties are available for qualifying follow-up program organizers as well.
Outside program providers (CTA’s, park & recs, after-care orgs., tennis facilities, jr. leagues, etc.) that are interested in offering a follow-up tennis program, click hereto fill out the After-School Program Application and apply for workshop and equipment support opportunities.
Here are some suggested formats and best practices that have been used in successful programs:
After School Tennis Organizers
Information and the resources that are available through the USTA on how to organize school tennis programs available here.
The After School Tennis Organizer Kit is a great way to get started.
For more information on follow-up/after-school tennis programming and for program support grant opportunities, please click here.
3. School Tennis: H.S. No-Cut Tennis Teams
Attention all High School “No-Cut Coaches” or coaches who are interested in running a no-cut tennis program...
Recognition and Resource Program (High School)
For more information on this program and how to register: www.usta.com/no-cut
Top Reasons for School Tennis Programs:
> "Playing tennis is an excellent way to engage kids in regular physical activity to help them live longer, healthier lives." - American Heart Association
>Every child should have the opportunity to engage in healthy, lifelong activities in a safe and supportive environment with their peers.
>Over 20% of children ages 6-18 are overweight, and that number has increased 200% over the past 3 decades. A recent study by the National Association for Sports & Physical Education showed that physically fit children performed better academically. Tennis is one of the few sports that can be played for a lifetime and uniquely benefits children like no other sport. Through tennis kids gain both physical and psychological benefits.
>Tennis players score higher in vigor, optimism, and self-esteem, and lower in depression, anger, confusion, anxiety, and tension than other athletes and non-athletes. (Dr. Joan Finn and colleagues at Southern Connecticut University)
>Tennis outperforms golf, running, weight-lifting, and many other sports in developing positive personality characteristics like sociability, mental focus, competitiveness, adventurousness, spontaneity, creativity, and assertiveness. (Dr. Jim Galvin, author of The Exercise Habit)
>The average person burns more calories playing tennis than doing low impact aerobics, weightlifting, riding a stationary bike, hiking, walking a golf course, or playing softball, baseball, or volleyball. (www.nutristrategy.com)
For more information on USTA Middle States School Tennis, please contact Kasey Connors or (610)-935-5000 x231