School tennis in Florida starts here
From a first swing in PE class to a spot on the middle school team, tennis has a place in every Florida school. USTA Florida helps students in elementary and middle school pick up a racquet, have fun, and stay in the game. No courts, no experience, and no pressure required. Just kid-sized racquets, low-bounce balls, and plenty of ways to play. Explore how school tennis works, why it is so good for kids, and how to bring it to your school.
Why school tennis is a win for kids
Tennis does more than get kids moving. It helps them in the classroom, keeps them healthy, and builds character that lasts.
48%
of youth tennis players carry an A average. Tennis rewards the same focus and patience that pay off in the classroom.
20%
less likely to be overweight. Regular play is linked to up to 9.7 more years of life expectancy.
82%
of youth players volunteer in their communities. Tennis builds respect, fair play, and teamwork.
Find your role in school tennis
A student’s love for the sport usually begins at school, where teachers and coaches share tennis in all kinds of ways: in PE class, in after-school programs, and on school teams. Pick the path that fits you and see how USTA Florida can help.
Physical Education Teachers
After-School Providers
High School Coaches
In the Classroom and the Gym
Tennis fits any Florida school
Most kids encounter tennis for the first time at school. With kid-sized racquets and foam or low-bounce balls, a teacher can run a lesson in the gym, on a blacktop, or in any open space. USTA Florida gives educators turnkey lesson plans built with SHAPE America, plus the Net Generation app, so teaching tennis is simple from day one.
Middle School and Beyond
From learning to competing
Once kids have the basics, tennis gives them somewhere to go. Junior Team Tennis lets school age kids play on a team with friends in a fun, no-pressure format, with singles, doubles, and mixed matches for every level. It is a natural next step from the schoolyard to the school team, and a great way to build friendships and confidence that last well past graduation.
Growing the Game
School tennis is thriving across all 67 counties
Around 1.9 million Floridians played tennis last year, making USTA Florida one of the fastest-growing tennis sections in the country. A lot of that starts in schools. Through the USTA Florida Section Foundation, we help put racquets in kids’ hands with equipment grants for schools, PE classes, and after-school programs, part of more than $2.5 million in community support to date. Wherever your school is, from Pensacola to the Keys, there is a way to get kids playing.
Introduce Tennis in PE Classes
Bringing tennis into PE class is a simple way to get kids active, sharpen hand-eye coordination and teamwork, and introduce them to a sport they can play for life.
Physical Education Teachers
Bringing tennis into your PE program is easier than ever. We offer turnkey lesson plans, created with SHAPE America (the Society of Health and Physical Educators), that give every teacher the tools to teach tennis. With the Net Generation mobile app, those tools go wherever you do. Lesson plans for grades K-12 are ready to use now, with more on the way.
High School Coaches
Established coach, tennis professional, or a teacher and tennis fan putting together a team for the first time? We have the resources and tips to help you build a successful squad, whether it is a traditional team or a no-cut program that welcomes everyone.
School Providers
The After-School Tennis Program
Our after-school program is a Learn to Play program for elementary students, designed to bring more kids into the game of tennis. It uses modified equipment so players feel successful early, with a focus on fun, challenge, and skills that build a lasting love for the sport.
Program Requirements
You can run your program practically anywhere: tennis courts, the schoolyard, a blacktop, a basketball court, a gymnasium, or other open space.
For a great experience with our drills and games, we suggest at least 12 participants. If you have more or fewer than 12, we can help you tailor the program so everyone has a great time.
The curriculum maps out drills and games for 6 weeks of tennis fun. On the 7th week, participants put their skills to work and team up for a fun, no-pressure Team Challenge (more below).
Each practice is structured with the following:
Warm up
Pledge and character development
Athletic skills
Tennis skills
Games
Free play
Play at home
A Team Challenge is an introduction to competition in a low-pressure team setting. It gives players a chance to test their new skills in a fun, friendly environment.
Providers register their Team Challenge with USTA and receive a Team Challenge starter pack (one per year).
We help make sure you and your volunteers have the tools to deliver your program in a safe environment for everyone. Safe Play is the USTA’s comprehensive athlete-safety program, with education, screening, reporting tools, and policies for appropriate conduct in tennis. The USTA works with the U.S. Center for SafeSport and the United States Olympic Committee to develop these policies, procedures, and resources.
Provider Requirements
| Requirement | New Provider | Returning Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Must meet all school and/or county requirements to deliver the after-school program on school property once a week for 7 weeks. | x | x |
| Must be Safe Play approved and enter their after-school program on Net Generation as a community program in the program management center. | x | x |
| Must attend a USTA Florida after-school training before the program starts. | x | Optional |
| Must become a USTA independent contractor to receive the stipend. | x | |
| Must follow all USTA Florida guidelines for delivering the programs and submit all required documentation. | x | x |
| Must complete the Team Challenge application. | x | x |
We also take the hassle out of getting your program funded and equipped: approved providers can earn a program-delivery stipend in their first two seasons, plus a free Net Generation equipment pack loaded with gear and curriculum. See the full equipment list further down the page.*
Stipend Program
*If a school chooses to introduce a low-cost participant registration fee during its second season, USTA Florida will adjust the teacher stipend accordingly.
Season #1
WE PROVIDE
- Teacher stipend of $250
- Any additional equipment or marketing material
- Training in person or online
PROGRAM FEE: Must be FREE for registrants.
Season #2
WE PROVIDE
- Teacher stipend of $250
- Any additional equipment or marketing material
PROGRAM FEE: Preferably free or low-cost*
Season #3
WE PROVIDE
- Equipment replenishment
- Any additional equipment or marketing material
PROGRAM FEE: Low-cost registration.
Featured Content
Equipment Pack
| New Provider Pack | Returning Provider Pack |
|---|---|
| $250 program-delivery stipend (1st & 2nd season) | $250 program-delivery stipend (1st & 2nd season) |
| Net Generation Community Kit (printed Community Red, Orange & Green Ball curricula | 20 youth racquets | 18 red felt tennis balls | 18 orange tennis balls | barrier tape | clipboard | pennant flag | clothespins for scoring) | After-School Coaches Marketing Toolkit (flyer template | participation certificates | team challenge flyer | registration/sign-up form | “What to expect” letter | USTA Florida publicity release document) |
| Team Challenge Kit (printed Red & Orange Ball curricula | clipboard | hat | clothespins for scoring | barrier tape | chalk | name tags | participant giveaways | facility banner) | Participant gifts |
| After-School Coaches Marketing Toolkit (flyer template | participation certificates | team challenge flyer | registration/sign-up form | “What to expect” letter | USTA Florida publicity release document) | Opportunity to refurbish equipment in the 3rd season |
| Pop-up tennis net | |
| Additional red tennis balls | |
| After-School Coach shirt | |
| FREE Net Generation tablet | |
| Participant gifts |
Latest School Tennis (Elementary / Middle) News
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About School Tennis
How tennis fits into elementary and middle schools.
USTA Florida helps bring tennis into elementary and middle schools, from PE lesson plans to after-school programs and Junior Team Tennis. It’s a fun way for kids to get moving and build skills that carry into the classroom.
We offer lesson plans, equipment, and training to make it easy, even if you’ve never coached tennis. Reach out to us and we’ll help you get a program started.
No. School tennis meets kids exactly where they are, and programs are designed for total beginners. Equipment support is available to help schools get going.
Tennis gets kids active, builds coordination and character, and gives them a sport they can play for life. It’s also tied to real focus and wellness benefits that help in school.
Yes. Players can move on to high school teams, junior tournaments, and community programs. School tennis is just the first step in a long journey.
Connect With Us
Have a question, need some guidance, or want to learn more?
Reach out anytime, and our team will be happy to point you in the right direction.