QuickStart is tennis format designed in conjunction with changes to the rules of official competition rules for children 10 and under. The QuickStart format uses smaller courts and rackets, foam or low-compression balls and a different scoring system. By "kid-sizing" the court and equipment and slowing the speed of the game, tennis-industry organizations hope to help children develop strokes sooner by letting them play longer rallies with more ball control.
Step 1
Choose an age category for your tournament. QuickStart tournaments have two age categories: 8 and Under and 10 and Under. The 10 and Under division features two formats, based on children's skill levels. Apply for a sanction from the U.S. Tennis Association if you want a more formal tournament with ranking points.
Step 2
Create QuickStart courts. Put temporary markings on an adult tennis court using chalk or tape. Purchase or borrow small nets that meet the QuickStart guidelines. Create courts for 8 and Under tournaments that are 36 feet long and 18 feet wide with a 33-inch-high net. Create the courts independently, or by placing them sideways on one half of an adult court, using the adult court sidelines.
Step 3
Create courts for 10 and Under tournaments that are 60 feet long, and 21 feet wide for singles or 27 feet wide for doubles, with a 36-inch-high net. Create the courts independently or by using an adult court which you shorten by 9 feet on either side. Use tape or chalk to shorten the court by moving in the baselines. Use full tennis courts if you are running a 10 and Under tournament for more advanced children.
Step 4
Purchase or borrow the correct-size rackets and balls for your tournament. Use red and yellow foam or reduced-bounce balls for an 8 and Under tournament, orange and yellow reduced-bounce balls for lower-level 10 and Under tournaments, and green and yellow reduced-bounce balls for advanced 10 and Under tournaments.
Step 5
Use the official scoring system for 8 and Under tournaments, which requires players to play the best of three 7-point tiebreaks. Check the most current rules for USTA 8 and Under tournaments before you run your tournament, since QuickStart is new and the rules might change several times during the first few years.
Step 6
Use the official scoring system for 10 and Under orange-level tournaments. Players play the best of three four-game sets, with the first player winning four games winning the set. Use no-ad scoring if players reach three points each in any game. The receiver picks the side on which he will return the final point of the game. If players split sets, they play a 7-point tiebreak.
Step 7
Use regular tennis rules for advanced 10 and Under tournaments. The USTA recommends modifying the scoring system to reduce match times. This could include fewer games per set, no-ad scoring and a tie-break in lieu of a third set.
Step 8
Require players to check in prior to play. Have the draw sheets posted with estimated times. Distribute rules sheets, complete with scoring procedures. Explain how and when children will change sides of the court during the match, who serves when, and what to do in common, confusing situations for beginners, such as a let or double hit. Check to see that players have a current USTA membership if your tournament is sanctioned.
Step 9
Require both players or teams to report to the tournament desk to report scores, with both players or teams confirming the scores. Assign players their next match time and post the results.
Things You'll Need
- QuickStart rules
- Modified tennis courts
- Foam or low-compression balls
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