Tennis Anyone? USTA Youth Tennis in Marin

Of the many different sports activities out there that kids can participate in, tennis is fulfilling, fun, and something you can play your whole life. If your child is interested in playing tennis, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) junior team tennis league could be just the thing you're looking for!

For players from 6 to 14 years of age (depending on program), the junior team tennis leagues are a great introduction to the sport and take place through the fall. The leagues incorporate elements of the USTA's QuickStart format, which involves the use of specialized equipment like foam and low-compression balls, smaller court sizes, and a modified scoring system, all of which maximize fun and learning while minimizing pressure.

In Marin this fall, leagues take place in:

• Novato: registration: September 11, 10 am, Novato High School Tennis Courts; season: September 18–October 23, Novato High School Tennis
  Courts; cost: $60; ages 6–14
• Larkspur: registration: Saturday, September 11, 12:30–2:30 pm, Piper Park; season: September 14–October 19, Piper Park; Cost $139; ages 6–10
• Tiburon: registration: www.higginstennis.com; season: September 19–November 7, Tamalpais High School; Cost $175–$192; ages 8–15

The Novato program in particular is both extremely affordable and successful, usually drawing between 50 and 70 children for its fall program. The Novato program was also recently awarded a $2,500 grant from the USTA.

Elsewhere in the North Bay, you can find leagues in Petaluma, Sonoma, Santa Rosa, and Windsor. For more information on the program and the individual leages, visit the USTA Northern California's website at www.norcal.usta.com.