2011 Belton Tennis 10 and Under Program

Why?
To teach young children in our area to play tennis, and more importantly to offer them an opportunity to HAVE FUN! Tennis is a sport for a lifetime. Many people in their 80's and 90's are active tennis players. Most sports (such as baseball, soccer, football, basketball and cheerleading) are played by many children when they are young (under 12), by much fewer during junior high and high school, much less during college and almost none after that. Once someone learns to play tennis they can enjoy it for a lifetime! Tennis is also a very inexpensive sport to play, especially in Belton where the Belton Tennis Center is offered to everyone at no charge.

What is QuickStart?
It is the new way to expose younger children to tennis and teach children under 10 how to play and have fun. Short nets, foam or low compression red felt balls and cross court (36') play are used for children under 8. Beginning instruction involves hand/eye coordination and drills before advancing into actual hitting and eventually matches. Children 9 to 10 play on a short court (60') with a low compression orange felt ball. Appropriate size racquets are important. The QuickStart format is to prepare children for a full size 78' court and yellow balls when they turn 11, although QuickStart short courts or green balls on a 78' court may be used for older children who are just starting.

What ages?
Children must be between 5 and 10. The child must turn 5 before or during the session offered. If they turn 11 during a session, they can participate in that session. Other lessons and clinics are offered for children 11 and older.

When and where will the sessions be held?
One hour sessions will be held on Tuesdays at the Belton Tennis Center. Rain outs will be made up by extending the season. Three seasons plus two fun days will be offered:

What will each session include?
Each child will receive instruction on the basics of tennis which will include drills, games and fun. Children who can serve, rally and keep score will participate in match play. Teams may be formed and matches will be played against other teams. The spring season will include a Tennis Night In America party on March 1 and a pizza party on April 30. The summer season will include a family cookout on July 26. The fall season will include a pizza party on October 25. Two play days will be offered to session participants and will include and hour and a half of supervised match play at no additional cost.

Who will provide the instruction?
Jonathan Rice, the Belton Tennis Director, will supervise each season and be assisted by volunteers and parents to instruct the players, captain teams and assist with matches.

What is the cost and what does it include?

How will the players be divided?
The players will be divided based on skill level and age with a plan for progression. Children will be required to do certain things before advancing to the next level, regardless of their age and other friends are siblings who are in the program. We will offer three levels:

What equipment does my child need?
The proper size racquet is important. Players 8-and-under should use a racquet no longer than 23" long. Younger players should use an even shorter racquet, depending on the child's size. Players 10-and-under should use a racquet no longer than 25" long. Red foam or low compression felt balls are used on the 36' cross court. Orange low compression felt balls are used on the 60' short court. Tennis shoes are required. Shorts and t-shirts are recommended during warmer weather. Jackets and long pants are recommended during colder weather. Short nets and balls will be supplied by Belton Tennis. Three size youth racquets will be available for players to use on loan at no charge if they do not have a racquet or have the correct size.

Can My Child Participate If They Can't Make Every Session?
Yes, but they should attend most sessions if they hope to progress.

What if my child is 11 or older?
When a child turns 11, they begin playing on a regular 78' court with yellow balls, unless they are just beginning, in which case they may be taught on a 60' court with an orange ball or a 78' court with a green ball. Jonathan Rice has lessons and clinics available for children over 10. Contact Jonathan at 328-8097 or jrice.tennis@yahoo.com for further information.

Other Questions?
Call Rex Maynard at 338-7751 or 314-9451, or e-mail rexmaynard@statecom.net.

Sign up using the link to the form below!

2011 Belton 10 and Under Tennis Sign Up Form [PDF file]

Print, Complete the form, and mail to: PO Box 843, Belton, SC 29627