"...right from the beginning,this is fun! ..."

There's a revolution going on - a quiet revolution, to be sure, but one that will, hopefully, permanently change the way most children are introduced to tennis in the United States.

That revolution is called "QuickStart ," hereinafter: "QS."

Developed by the USTA with the help of many, many experienced tennis pros and coaches, QS is a game-based way to get kids actually playing tennis right from the beginning, so that their first exposure to our great game is fun. Those of us who have worked with beginning kids (and adults, for that matter) know how hard tennis can be at first, so by using, as QS does, smaller racquets on smaller courts and foam or low compression balls, it becomes much easier and faster for kids to be able to rally the ball back and forth, which is the time that tennis really becomes enjoyable.

For far too many years, learning tennis in a group setting has involved standing in line, hitting a couple of balls, and then returning to the end of the line--Boring. Now, through QS, games and activities are designed to develop crucial skills like hand-eye coordination, footwork, balance, etc., so with everyone doing something at the same time, there is very little time spent waiting. Without immediate enjoyment, interest is quickly lost, so every effort is made to make sure fun is had from the outset.

No lesser players than world #1s Roger Federer and Justine Henin grew up in QS-type programs. As a matter of fact, Henin is about to open a major tennis academy in central FL. and has said that QS will be a big part of her approach with beginning and intermediate juniors. The USTA FL. is considering making all 10 and under tournaments in FL. conform to the QS format.

One of the most exciting aspects of QS is its portability. Yes, at formal QS tournaments and events, you will see fancy Wilson and Gamma nets with carefully laid out courts with very specific dimensions, i.e., 36'x18' for the 6-8 yr. olds and 60'x27' for the 9-10s. Everywhere else, such as schools, community centers, playgrounds, etc., all you need to set up a makeshift court is a hard flat surface, a roll of caution tape, two chairs for net posts (masking tape or throw down lines optional), a couple of small racquets and foam balls and you're all set! In terms of ease, convenience, and expense, can you see the possibilities? They're endless! Now, one of the biggest obstacles to getting young people into tennis - namely, no nearby courts - has been removed. With a little support from the local tennis community, I would like to see QS in every elementary school and community center in the Pensacola area. Let me know if you would like to help.

The USTA has put up a terrific website for those who are interested in learning more about QS. It is www.QuickStart tennis.com. There is a wealth of information as well as a number of videos showing how others around the country are making QS work for them.

We at Roger Scott have fully embraced the QS idea in our beginner kids' clinics that we conduct every weekday. Also, the Pensacola Junior Tennis Association is holding a number of junior events at different Pensacola area clubs in coming months that will be using the QS format. Finally, USTA Fall Junior Team Tennis will be utilizing QS this year.

• For more information on clinics, call us at 912-4103.
• For junior team tennis, call Donna Underdonk at 572-0312.
• For infomation on the PJTA events, call PJTA President Paul Einhart at 712-4246.

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Junior tennis has a bright future,
and a big part of that is called QuickStart !