PERSPECTIVES FROM CRAIG CIGNARELLI – THE TEN AND UNDER MANDATE DEBATE

Written by: Staff on 4th June 2012

PERSPECTIVES FROM CRAIG CIGNARELLI – THE TEN AND UNDER MANDATE DEBATE |

A few months back, I was asked to write PRO and CON articles for the Quickstart/TAUT tennis program. Two months ago, 10sballs.com printed the CON article (https://archive.10sballs.com/?p=43025). This is the PRO argument.

As it continues to rebrand itself in search of the stickiness factor, Play and Stay, 36-60, Progressive tennis, Quickstart, and now Ten and Under Tennis (TAUT) struggles to take hold in the United States. While several respected names in the coaching field have endorsed the mini-tennis – Bollettieri, Macci, and Patrick McEnroe – a large group of player development coaches is becoming more vocal in their opposition to the new format. The two sides are adamant in their views and Wayne Bryan’s recent email – it made its way onto Facebook a while back – has added fuel to the discussion.

To be fair, there are really two discussions relevant to TAUT tennis. First, does it help grow the sport? Frankly, there is little question that more players are experimenting with tennis – via schools, clubs, parks and recs, and even the local playground. Additionally, pros can generate more income by placing up to 16 players on one tennis court. Proponents would argue that getting more kids involved in the game increases the chances of identifying a future champion. All of the above is probably accurate and even TAUT’s opponents tend to agree that it is a good way to get people involved in tennis. The issue though, goes much deeper and that is why I’ve chosen to take the PRO side of the argument for TAUT.

Does TAUT accelerate player development and should the USTA mandate the format? This question provides the basis for much of the back and forth between the opposing parties.

. · The ITF has mandated the 10 and under format and the USTA is simply following international protocols.

· Statistically, tennis is far behind in capturing the interest of young athletes. Research shows this program is bringing a massive increase of young players to tennis.

· Advocates claim TAUT offers appropriate-sized courts and equipment for players’ statures and enables strategic experimentation, while facilitating development for an all-around game.

· Enabling players to succeed earlier in their development increases the pool from which player development managers draw

· With several failed attempts to implement a mini-tennis program, the mandate ensures all coaches and players embrace the format

After a $10 million marketing campaign, the USTA recently imposed a mandate stating all sanctioned U10 tournaments must be played with some form of the low-compression ball. As of January 2012 – the start of the mandate – some sections use the orange ball, some the green ball, and others the green dot ball. Regarding proper tournament format, mass confusion is rampant and the US governing body for tennis is winding its way through an unwieldy labyrinth. To date, coaches, players and administrators are trying to find the best implementation for player development.

Let’s break down the contentions.

The ITF has mandated the 10 and under format and the USTA is simply following international protocols.

Many European countries have been employing the TAUT format for years. Organizations such as the LTA and Belgian federations have national TAUT systems in place. After much research, the ITF has determined that the TAUT format is a more effective means to develop young players and that it will lead to greater participation in the sport. In following the ITF guidelines, the USTA is adhering to the wishes of the international community. Still, U.S. coaches are free to use all types of tennis balls in the developmental process. McEnroe states, “When I was playing, we’d play on a slow clay court one day and then fly to a different city an compete on an indoor carpet the next. Tennis players adapt and using the different balls is a great way to help players learn adaptation.” Opponents suggest young players will bypass the 10’s division and go right to the 12’s. In truth, no one is stopping players from moving up to higher age competition, however, until players have mastered the skills required to dominate the 10’s division, playing up simply doesn’t make sense. Advocates of TAUT believe the 10’s is for learning to develop a complete game, and TAUT’s format provides players ample opportunity to do so.

Statistically, tennis is far behind in capturing the interest of young athletes. Research shows this program is bringing a massive increase of young players to tennis.

With a meager 5% of kids entering the game – soccer has 25% and basketball is in the high teens – research indicates tennis is far behind in young-athlete recruitment. A skill based sport, tennis proves difficult to master without time and effort. The TAUT format means kids can step onto a court and play almost immediately. The lower bouncing balls and more wieldable racquets ensure young children can manage the game without the problems of more adult equipment. Tee-ball uses tees, AYSO uses smaller balls, Basketball offers lower hoops, all in hopes of easing the younger demographic into its sphere of influence. Once captivated, retention is easier. Interestingly, tennis’ retention rates are far greater than those of soccer or basketball. As players develop skills, they tend to stay with the sport – this may also be due to the low quorum requirements necessary to play – and tennis benefits. Currently, red, orange, and green, (ROG) ball sales have skyrocketed, overall youth participation has jumped, and 10 and under tournament participation is astronomic.

Advocates claim TAUT offers appropriate-sized courts and equipment for players’ statures and enables strategic experimentation, while facilitating development for an all-around game.

When Roger Federer moves from the center mark to the singles sideline, it takes him three and a half steps. When an eight-year old covers the same distance, it takes five and a half. By reducing the court size, we create parity between the players. Young players are performing the same movements as the professionals. Consequently, they can copy the professionals’ tactical plays. TAUT makes it easier for players to attack the net, to run down angles, to set up on balls. The lower bouncing ball manes players will hit more shots inside their strike zone and improve technique. They will be able to hug the baseline rather than having to back up against high bouncing balls. In fact, this is exactly what player development coaches are seeing in the TAUT tournaments. While rallies are not necessarily longer, the quality of tennis is much higher on the TAUT courts. Players are staying closer to the baseline, coming to net to end points, and employing such tactics as serve and volley and chip and charge without fear of consequence. Due to the maneuverability of the smaller racquets, they are using more professional technique and developing proper mechanics. Too, with short set scoring and the proximity of courts, players can move quickly from match to match and play against a variety of styles in a short time period.

“Look, there are a lot of people who want to keep the status quo and dip their toe in the water. It’s the wrong approach. Just because you can play on a bigger court doesn’t mean you should. Kids are going to have more fun, and are going to look like miniature pros [if they play] with these shorter, lower-bouncing balls on the small courts.” – Kurt Kamperman USTA Chief Executive of Community Tennis

Enabling players to succeed earlier in their development increases the pool from which player development managers draw.

As an organization with multi-fold purposes, the USTA views TAUT as a game changer (pun intended). Believing the cream rises to the top, the organization wants to increase the base of the pyramid. As TAUT’s number are proving, the 10 and under game is easier. More players are playing. More importantly, according to the powers that be, more players are playing better. With their talent ID scouts dropping in to regional training centers, sectional play days, and even a few TAUT tournaments, USTA player development hopes to spot the rising cream early on. Then, under the tutelage of their coaches, they can impart their professional wisdom to the youngsters before they ever hit a yellow tennis ball. McEnroe and his staff have faith this program provides the seeds for America’s next champions.

With many failed attempts to implement a mini-tennis program, the mandate ensures all coaches and players embrace the format.

For several decades, private coaches have used mini-tennis formats to start young players in the game. Across the world, coaches have cut handles on racquets, started their kids at the service line, and drop-fed balls, all in the quest to help players feel successful early on in their development. The mandate, while questioned by many in the private coaching community, means there is a reliable standard for all players. The USTA can put out player development parameters with the confidence that all coaches understand the difference between yellow ball and ROG tennis. Players can compete earlier, more often, and with greater variation in their game. The mandate means the national organization is caring for its entry-level competitors in a way that previous eras lacked.

The mandate is a sticky issue. When I composed the CON article, it seemed easy to suggest that mandates are against the American way. But like the health care system, there are other considerations. When we entrust the private coaching community to do what’s in the best interest of the players, and the private coaching community struggles to protect the future of these young athletes, it is the responsibility of the national federation to step in and take control. This is the USTA’s premise, and while it may offend the private coaching community, the organization is doing what it feels best for the players and the game as a whole. In the end, what more can we ask?

Based at the renowned Malibu Racquet Club in Southern California, Craig Cignarelli is one of the most prolific and successful developmental coaches in the country. He was asked to write the PRO position to the Ten and Under Tennis mandate debate.