CLUB REGIONAL MEETINGS: Mini/Midi Circuit. Peter Farrell February 2007

CLUB REGIONAL MEETINGS:

Mini/Midi Circuit.

Peter FarrellFebruary 2007.

PARTICIPATIONINITIATIVES ARE NOWAT THE TOP OF THE

TENNIS IRELAND AGENDA..

PROPOSED MINI/MIDICIRCUIT.

PLAYER RETENTION IS A RECOGNISED PROBLEM FOR

TENNIS:

“In the USA, 90 million people have tried tennis, but only 20 million still play….”

(International Tennis Federation).

“In the USA, 5 million people take up the game each year, and 5 million give up the

game each year!”(Joe Dinoffer - Coach)

“Healthy, enjoyable easy to access competition is

arguably the biggest contributor to retaining

players in the game”

(LTA Blueprint 2006).

The French Tennis Federation has a history of producing top players, and they view competition as so important that:

“a French Club cannot be affiliated to the Federation unless it runs at least one open event each year..”

The ten most important reasons I play my best sport:

1. To have fun2. To improve my skills3. To stay in shape4. To do something I`m good at5. For the excitement of competition6. To get exercise7. To play as part of a team8. For the challenge of competition9. To learn new skills10. To win

Drs. Ewing and Seefeldt (sample of 3,900 primary school children)

WHAT CHILDREN WANT PROVIDED BY

COMPETITION?

TO HAVE FUN YesIMPROVE SKILLS Yes tactical/psychological

STAY IN SHAPE YesDO SOMETHING I`M GOOD AT YesEXCITEMENT OF COMPETITION YesTO GET EXERCISE YesPLAY AS PART OF A TEAM YesCHALLENGE OF COMPETITION YesTO LEARN NEW SKILLS Yes “how to compete”

TO WIN Yes sometimes!

A MAJOR KEY TO RETENTION/ENJOYMENT

FOR YOUNG PLAYERS:plentiful opportunities to participate in appropriate

competitive environments…

COMPETITION WHICH FITS THE NEEDS OF THE CHILD TAKES INTO ACCOUNT:

1. Physical attributes of children (short matches)

2. Mental attributes of children (concentration span)

3. Lack of emphasis on results (more short matches)

4. The value of team competition

5. Use of correct equipment (ball, racquet, court).

Possible Formats:

5-7 years old : one tiebreakmulti sport events -FUN DAY - basketball, soccer, hockey, olympic handball, MINI TENNIS, social in

Clubhouse after..

7-9 years old : best of 3 tiebreaks

9-10 years old : 2 sets to 4 games, tiebreak final set