JUNIOR INFORMATION & programming

Tennis is one of the most popular sports worldwide, with millions playing every year. One of the advantages of playing tennis is that it can be played for a lifetime. 

From junior tennis players who are just getting the hang of it to those competing at the highest levels, the USTA provides play formats and programs to give kids the best opportunities to succeed and keep playing tennis. 

Through the USTA’s American Development Model framework, junior tennis players can learn to compete according to their age and ability to be on the path to self-confidence and having fun. 

The USTA has created a youth brand called Net Generation - a celebration of a game where no one sits on the sidelines. Tennis is easy to learn and tailored for all ages and abilities, giving kids a game that will help them build friendships and learn skills they will use for life. 

Net Generation aims to connect tennis providers with players in a safe environment that focuses on engaging more kids in sports in order to get them playing for a lifetime. 

To achieve this, all providers are required to complete a Safe Play background screening that the USTA subsidizes. Coaches, organizers, and teachers can gain access to the expertise of the USTA as they work with leading experts worldwide to develop new play formats, curricula, and digital tools. 

Players must be at least 5 years old to play in a USTA competitive program and will graduate from  the Net Generation PlayTracker at the age of 11, on the first day of their birthday month.  Ball color recommendations:

RED: Players aged 5-7 

ORANGE:  Players aged 7-9 

GREEN: Players aged 9-11

Players aged 7-8 with 1,000 play points in ORANGE ball are eligible for GREEN ball.  A coach assessment is available for players who have the skills to advance to green early.

All GREEN ball players will be required to meet 1,500 points in order to play in YELLOW ball events. At least 1,000 of these must come from win points. At age 11 players will age out of the PlayTracker/Youth Progression model.