Whether your child is just beginning or continuing to grow in the game, there are play opportunities for 10 & Under players throughout Florida. We are here to help point you in the right direction.
Important Update
USTA Florida is encouraging Florida residents to get out and play tennis this June, as part of the full Phase 1 reopening of the state. While encouraging local play throughout communities, USTA Florida has made the decision to suspend all USTA Florida programs and products through June 30.
Please visit ustaflorida.com/coronavirus for more information
Red Ball
Red ball play on smaller 36′ courts, with right-sized equipment, is a great way for young players to hone their skills. There are red ball play opportunities for teams and individuals!
Team Tennis
Play with a team and enjoy a fun, no-pressure experience. Click the link below to find Junior Team Tennis Leagues in your area.
Entry- Level Tournaments
Entry-Level Tournaments (Level 9) are ideal for youth players to get their first individual play experience in a no-pressure environment that is fun and supportive.
Orange Ball
Played on 60′ courts, orange balls have slightly more bounce than the red balls. This is great for players who have honed their skills and those who are working on developing more match play experience – and it’s the first step on our Youth Progression Pathway!
Team Tennis
Teams of similar age and skill levels play together in a fun no-pressure environment and continue on the Youth Progression Pathway. Click the link below to find Junior Team Tennis Leagues in your area.
Junior Tournaments
The first step on ou Youth Progression Pathway, Orange ball tournaments are a great way for players to develop their individual match play skills!
Download The Junior Guidelines
Click the links below to find upcoming Orange Ball events.
Green Ball
Played on a full (78’) court, green balls bounce slightly lower than a yellow tennis balls. Players at this level are more experienced with match play.
Green Ball Championship Update
Due to the suspension of play that began this past March and extended through June, over 50% of our Green Ball Qualifier/EDC Camp events were cancelled. Due to the high number of cancellations ALL Green Ball Section Championship qualifying tournaments will be cancelled for the rest of 2020.
USTA Florida is planning to hold the annual Bobby Curtis Green Ball Section Championship in late fall and are in the process of finalizing plans. Please check back on the Championship event listing in coming weeks for further information.
10 & under Green Ball tournaments will continue to take place and we encourage those of you who play those events to keep playing them. These tournaments will count toward Youth Progression.
Team Tennis
Playing with a team in a fun no-pressure environment is a great way for players to step up their game and complete the Youth Progression Pathway. Click the link below to find Junior Team Tennis Leagues in your area.
Junior Tournaments
Green ball tournaments are ideal for 10u players who are looking to master individual play and take their skills to the next level.
Download The Junior Guidelines
Click the link below to find upcoming Green Ball events.
Youth Progression Pathway
USTA has designed a best-in-class system to track the progress of junior players, ages 10 and Under from Orange Ball to Green Ball and Green Ball to Yellow Ball. The system will track a player’s progress through participation in tournaments and Junior Team Tennis. Players earn participation credits for completing in Tournaments and Junior Team Tennis. Players earn achievement credits for match wins. “Bonus points” are awarded for select tournaments. The mission is to clear each level by collecting a combination of 20 virtual participation stars and/or trophies. Players can track their progress on their Player Profile Page. The more they play, and the more they improve their skills and clear each level, the more stars and trophies they accumulate. Every child develops at their own rate, therefore there is no specific timeline for moving along the pathway.
Does This Apply To Me?
Players must be a minimum age of 7 years old to register for tournaments.
On the first day of their 11th birthday month they will automatically progress out of the system.
Before the age of 7, players can play in unlimited practice matches, Play Days, and Junior Team Tennis.
How Progress Is Tracked
USTA Florida tracks both participation (stars) and achievement (trophies) for players who have a USTA membership.
Players and parents can easily track progress through the pathway by logging on to the Player Profile Page. To access the Player Profile Page please click the button below and then on the “My Tennis” tab. Enter the players USTA number and password to be directed to the players welcome screen. This screen will allow the player to access various items including his or her “Youth Progression Progress Report”.
Progress is displayed as “trophies” for achievement and “stars” for participation. This helps players, parents and coaches track progress and find upcoming play opportunities that fit a players age and skill level.
If desired, the player can upload a photo to his/her player profile page by clicking “Manage Account” directly under the players USTA Account number in the top right corner of the welcome screen.
Sportsmanship
We are committed to providing positive and fun player and parent experiences recognizing players, parents, and coaches routinely at events who demonstrate great examples of our player promise and good sportsmanship.
USTA Junior Player Promise
I recognize that tennis is a sport that places the responsibility for fair play on me.
I promise to abide by the rules of the game, which require me to give the benefit of the doubt to my opponent.
At all times I shall strive to compete with the true spirit of sportsmanship, recognizing that my behavior on the court is a direct reflection of my character.
Whether this match ends with my victory or defeat, I promise to conduct myself in a way that honors my opponents, my team, those who support me, and the game of tennis.
Share your sportsmanship moments
Were you recognized with a USTA Florida Sportmanship pin at an event?
- Share it online
- Tag @ustaflorida
- Include#FLSportsmanship
Or click here to send via email
Early Development Camps
In 2019 Early Development Camps will be included in many of the Orange & Green Ball State Championship Qualifier tournaments. . Early Development camps are the beginning of the TEAM USA Pathway designed to provide additional training opportunities for tennis players’ ages 7-10 in each section. The Camps emphasize fundamentals and overall athletic development. Athletes participating in these camps will have access to fun, educational learning while working on their skills. Players involved with these camps would be participating in Youth Progression Events (Sanctioned Tournaments and JTT).
Get Moving & Stay Active
Get moving on and off the court with GoNoodle & Net Generation! Check out these videos, get up, and get moving with fun for the whole family anytime and anywhere.
Have Questions?
Do you have questions or need additional assistance? We are here to help!
Contact Thad Hawkes for Youth Pathway questions & assistance, Nolan Brewer for Junior Tournaments questions & assistance, and Elizabeth Coates for Junior Team Tennis related questions & assistance.
