The USTA put out a press release today, along with this ad (click image above to see video) detailing the changes in the youth game, particularly with kids 10 and under. Along with its new teaching system, QuickStart, the USTA is pushing a more accessible and ready-to-use kit for tennis teaches and enthusiasts to get youngsters out on the court called 10 & Under Tennis.

This ad focuses on the fact that tennis – separate from most other sports – has its young players play the game from the get-go on big-time courts, just like the ones the pros play on. Now, coupled with QuickStart, the USTA will implement that 10-and-under sanctioned tournaments (beginning in 2012) will be on smaller courts, and different teaching techniques, systems and equipment will be available to get kids on the court.

Along with the change in court size, balls will be lighter and not as bouncy (so as to develop hand-eye coordination) and racquets will be lighter and shorter (a better fit to the youngsters’ body sizes).

And if you aren’t interested in this issue whatsoever, just watch the ad… we love the cinematography. Kudos!

For artistic sake, a couple more screen grabs of the commercial after the jump, along with the full text of the press release from the USTA. [Read more...]