The purpose of the Welcome Back to Tennis™ party and programs for players age 50+ is to encourage people to make a commitment to a healthier lifestyle by providing them with an exciting social tennis event and offering them opportunities to join a specifically designed continuing tennis program. The target audience is people, ages 50 to 70, who used to play tennis but stopped playing or who would like to get started. These events are not intended for individuals who are currently involved in a local tennis program or league.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has combined its resources and efforts to offer these events in the hope of improving lifestyle options for people as they age. Medical research abounds with encouraging results that support the benefit of continuing activity through sports—and, specifically, tennis—to enhance health, slow the aging process, and contribute to a positive outlook on life. Although life expectancies continue to increase with each new medical breakthrough, prescriptions to ensure that living more years will be enjoyable, challenging, and invigorating have not kept pace.
Here's a snapshot of a Welcome Back to Tennis™ party:
USTA Florida will be assisting facilities and organizations that will be hosting Welcome Back to Tennis events this year so please check back for information on these events in your area. If you would like to host a Welcome Back to Tennis™ event, please contact Susie Bessire via email at bessire@florida.usta.com or by telephone at 941-629-4733 for more information.
A Coaches’ Guide & Curriculum for 50+ Tennis Players
More than 70 million people in the United States are over the age of 50 making this a ripe audience for recruitment to tennis, provided it is done in a way that fits their needs and interests. A Coaches' Guide and Curriculum for 50+ Tennis Players is for coaches and instructors of new or returning tennis players 50 years old and over who want to learn the game, meet new people, and get a great workout.
Developed by the USTA Community Tennis Development Division, this easy-to-use, 58-page, spiral-bound guide includes:
• Three curriculum sets. Each curriculum targets a different audience ranging from those who have never played or have not played in a number of years to those who played regularly in the past. Stroke sequences are illustrated.
• Illustrated stretching and exercise routines that keep the older player flexible and help reduce injuries.
• Eight handouts that cover topics of health and safety for the older player.
• Suggestions for social activities to increase the fun aspect of the game and keep players playing!
If you would like a copy of the Welcome Back to Tennis™ kit you may download it by clicking HERE [5 MB].
A Coaches' Guide and Curriculum for 50+ Tennis Players is available through your local USTA Florida Community Coordinator or the USTA Florida Section office.