Many in the tennis world – fans, recreational players and professionals – have been interested in helping children ages 10 and under get into the game and have a positive experience right from the beginning. QuickStart Tennis offers exactly that.
The pathway to success on the courts for the youngest players
QuickStart Tennis is the equivalent of Little League baseball, AYSO soccer or youth basketball. Designed by the United States Tennis Association (USTA), the governing body of tennis in the United States, this innovative program was launched in 2008.
All QuickStart programs, including ours at Advantage, include lessons and playing opportunities that aim to make tennis more accessible to children ages 3-10. Young players move quickly through a series of transitional stages.
Customization makes the game accessible right away
Graduated sizes of racquets, lower-bouncing balls and scaled-down court sizes create a game that is customized to each child’s age and ability
The result? Players learn to rally faster and enjoy the game sooner. Children eventually move to full-court tennis and a lifelong love of the game.
QuickStart is the world’s fastest-growing children’s tennis program, with more than 400 participating professionals and sites around the NYC Metro area alone!
Why QuickStart Tennis works
The format overcomes the factors that intimidate young players: full-sized courts, and full-sized racquets. These hurdles put the game out of reach for many, making tennis instruction more like a lesson in frustration!
QuickStart is the polar opposite. It offers “real tennis,” scaled down for children in every way – from equipment to court size. Youngsters can start playing during their first lesson, making the game available, accessible and enjoyable.
What better way to introduce boys and girls to the game!
Stages of play – and accessibility
The first QuickStart stage is for beginners ages 3-6. Customized for the smallest players, it features a 36’ x 18’ court, large red foam/felt balls and 19” racquets. The balls bounce lower and travel less distance. This means children can control the ball and racquet, develop proper swing technique and get a real sense of playing the game.
This stage is for players ages 5 to 8 who can consistently hit the ball over the net with the instructor. Still using the smaller courts and 21” racquets, players now work with large red felt balls and learn basic technique for forehand, backhand, volley and serve.
When children ages 6 to 9 can maintain an extended rally with the instructor and use basic tennis techniques, they move to the orange stage — generally for 6 to 18 months. Now they play on larger courts, 60’ x 21’, with racquets that range from 23” to 25.” They also use a low-compression ball that travels a little faster and farther than in previous stages. Students are taught intermediate technique for footwork, net play, and serves as well as basic strategy, how to play points and keep score.
This stage is for students ages 8 to 12 who can rally, place the ball with intention, place the volley for winners when necessary and are beginning to understand strategy and tactics. Players move to regulation size courts and use green felt balls to continue learning the game for 6 to 18 months.