ITF approves trial of slower ball in competition

Written by: Staff on 5th December 2011

ITF approves trial of slower ball in competition |

The ITF Board of Directors has approved a two-year trial under the ITF Rules of Tennis allowing the optional use of a Stage 1 green ball in all competition except at the highest levels. The Stage 1 green ball is around 25 per cent slower than a regular tennis ball. The trial period begins in January 2012, with each national federation able to decide which national events can use the green ball.

“Some nations are already using the green ball as an option for 12-and-under competition,” said Dave Miley, the ITF’s Executive Director of Tennis Development. “Next year, when the ITF launches a new initiative, ‘Tennis Xpress’, aimed at bringing more adults into tennis, we feel the option to use the green ball will encourage more adults into competition.”

The trial, proposed by the ITF Rules of Tennis Committee, allows for the green ball to be used as an optional ball for all levels of competition except professional world-ranking events, Davis Cup and Fed Cup, ITF and Regional Association-sanctioned junior events, ITF Seniors Circuit and ITF Wheelchair Circuit events.

“After the two-year trial is over at the end of 2013, if the feedback is positive on the optional use of the green ball in competition, we’ll work to make the rule change permanent,” Miley added.

Topics: Tennis Balls