The document discusses the importance of competitive formats for developing tennis skills in younger players. It provides examples of progressive competitive formats from skills festivals with no scoring to singles and doubles matches with sets. These formats become longer and more formal over time as players gain experience. The key is providing appropriate competition that is fun, fair, and allows players to compete against others at a similar level to build confidence without fear of failure.

1. Competitive Formats Mike Barrell evolve9

2. Running programs that are only instructional is like teaching a language that no one will ever use! Ultimately without using this language your skills diminish and you will lose the motivation to continue to develop

5. Flap Before Flying or it could be fly or die! Getting it Wrong!!

6. “ One of my students, a 6-year old, was sure he was going to win the 8 and under. It was cool to see his reaction when he finished 6 matches without a win. He wanted a lesson to get ready for the next tournament.” Butch Staples, Head Professional Midtown Tennis Club, Chicago Getting it Right!!

7. Teach The Game

9. Understanding Kids

12. “ Round Robin? Great More Opportunities to Lose!” Mark aged 8 Getting it Wrong!!

13. “ It’s not fair , he was too good!” Jamie aged 7 Getting it Wrong!!

15. Progressive Orientation Stage Process Format Establishing 1 Skills festival No competitive measurement Environment 2 Skill Circuits Team based measurable tasks Improve through skills 3 Team based singles Short tiebreak, Best of 3 tie-break Compete with team, short scoring 4 Team based singles & doubles Best of 3 tie-breaks Longer and best of 3 5 Singles and Doubles Short sets to best of 3 sets Longer and set scoring

22. “ Why play? We all know is going to win anyway!” Joe Aged 8 Getting it Wrong!!

23. “ When can I play again?” Hannah aged 7 Played 6 lost 5 Getting it Right!!

24. Don’t start by skiing the black run! Getting it Wrong!!