New Tennis 10 and Under Rules

With the upcoming U.S. Open tennis tournament right around the corner I thought it would be appropriate to write an article about a significant change in the rules of the sport: 10 and under tennis.

Tennis has been in decline for a number of years and it is a shame because it is wonderful sport that takes great skill, keeps you physically fit, and allows you to make life-long friends. I have always felt that one of the reasons that tennis has been in decline is because the game is too difficult for children to play. When using a regulation court, with a regulation racquet and balls, there are very few children that can rally during lessons or practice: the racquet and balls are just too heavy for most to handle. If a child cannot get the ball over the net one or two times they quickly lose interestâ”â’¬it’s just not fun.

Enter the USTA’s 10 and under tennis rules. These rules basically fall in line with other scaled down sports for youngsters such as basketball, soccer, and little league baseball. Basically what you have are smaller courts, lower bouncing balls, and smaller racquets, which make it easier for children to keep the ball in play. Tournaments for those of the age of 9-10 play on 60-foot courts using orange low compression balls and regulation nets (3 feet). Those who are 8-years of age or under play on a 36-foot court using red foam balls and a net a 2-feet, 9-inches.This change in the game will allow children to compete and have fun without being so frustrated that they quit completely.

The change has been endorsed by the USTA and the ITF (International Tennis Federation) after multiple studies indicated that enjoyment of the game with the new rules increased significantly.

The new rules, which are called Quickstart Tennis, will allow children to play in tournaments and learn how to be competitive. By being able to keep the ball in play they could begin to learn strategies and techniques. More importantly, it will allow to children to have fun. Isn’t that what it really about anyway?


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