News

The ITF has launched 'Tennis 10s', a new program designed to increase participation among the 10-and-under age group.

The ITF Annual General Meeting today overwhelmingly approved an amendment to the Rules of Tennis for 10-and-under competition designed to make tennis easier and more fun for children and to ensure that competition at this age is appropriate.  

The rule, which will come into effect in January 2012, will mandate modified courts and the use of slower balls.  The use of regular balls and a full-sized court will no longer be permitted in 10-and-under competition, and instead a slower red, orange or green ball must be used on one of three court sizes.

'Tennis 10s' has the support of the top tennis federations, including the four Grand Slam nations. Full details of the exact rule change can be found in the accompanied attachment.

"This is a great step forward for tennis, and I thank the ITF AGM for their support of this important initiative," said ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti.  "'Tennis 10s' will improve the way we introduce tennis to young players and follows similar changes made in other sports, such as ‘mini soccer’ and ‘Little League Baseball'."

"As well as providing a more positive and dynamic experience for players, the slower balls and scaled-down courts are excellent for developing high performance juniors," said ITF Executive Director of Development Dave Miley.  "They give players more time and control, allowing them to develop and use advanced tactics and technique that would be impossible on a full court with a regular ball."