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How the USTA School Tennis Program Works
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 Schools Program has brought the joy of
tennis to millions of students in schools across the United States.
The USTA provides the training and resources necessary to implement the
program and relies on dedicated teachers, administrators, program leaders
and volunteers like yourself to put the program into action.
Physical Education Resources
The United States Tennis Association has developed a cutting edge in-school
curriculum and teacher training program to help educators feel more
comfortable offering tennis in school settings. Additionally, the USTA
has partnered with tennis equipment suppliers and manufactures to assist
schools in obtaining equipment.
Qualifying schools are eligible to receive the
following resources:
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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.
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In-School Curriculum
Materials. Newly developed teacher friendly lesson plans, 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.
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Equipment Support.
No cost and discounted equipment is available to qualifying schools that
are linked with an after school tennis program. 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.
Intramural and Interscholastic Program Resources
(Middle School & Elementary School)
Providing an opportunity for students to play tennis for their schools with
friends is a priority of the USTA School Tennis Program. Intramural and
interscholastic programs can be sponsored by schools, parks, tennis
facilities, youth organizations, community tennis associations, or
independent organizers.
The following types of assistance are available to
qualifying programs:
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Funding for development
or expansion of intramural and/or interscholastic tennis leagues
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Support in forming
student tennis clubs to foster playing opportunities year round
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Program formats, best
practices and tips for coaches and organizers
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Assistance in acquiring
needed equipment and supplies to start and develop programs
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Recreational Coach Workshops
– Training for new coaches and program
organizers interested in working with school teams
Why Tennis in School?
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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)
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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)
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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.
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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.
For help getting started here in Georgia please contact:
Robin Dawson
Junior Programs Coordinator
USTA Georgia
404-256-9543, Ext. 18
dawson@ustageorgia.com |
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