Mini Tennis - School Tennis Initiative (STI)

Free Mount Sports, School of Tennis ( a unit of CAT) is introducing School Tennis initiative (STI) Mini Tennis program in India. This program is a fun way of introducing Tennis to kids of 4 years and above. It uses smaller racquets, a smaller court, softer tennis balls and a games based approach to introduce young children to tennis. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) feels strongly that Mini Tennis is the most effective method of spreading the game worldwide at the grass roots level. STI Mini Tennis also provides an excellent method of talent identification for follow up to junior development programmes.

Features:

  • It is one of the most effective ways to introduce Tennis to young children in a fun and active way using a games based approach.
  • Utilises scaled down equipment and playing surfaces, to help children learn to enjoy the game quickly.
  • Any flat surface such as a school patio or a playground can be used.
  • Has very simple rules and the small amount of technique taught is very basic and easy.

Objectives of STI Mini Tennis

          • To offer an opportunity to children to be introduced toTennis through Mini Tennis and to keep them in the sport of Tennis for a lifetime.
          • To increase participation in Tennis Nationwide.
          • To contribute to the harmonious and integral educational development of children at school by building motor skills and self-confidence.
          • To identify talented youngsters for follow up programmes.

“Sport has a natural and universal power to Engage and Motivate, to Move and Educate and Create Positive change.”

Why STI Mini Tennis?

  • Children want to play in an environment complete with their physical abilities.
  • Mini Tennis can create the basis for good technical development in the future.
  • Mini Tennis provides an excellent source of talent identification for follow-up junior development programmes.
  • Mini Tennis offers a unique opportunity for tennis to attract innumerable new participants.
  • Mini Tennis is easy and fun. Success makes playing tennis fun and helps build self confidence. By quickly mastering ball control skills, children are being prepared for an introduction to the ‘Realort’.
  • Mini Tennis can be organized almost anywhere.

Children’s Benefits

          • To attend more varied and fun physical education classes.
          • To be introduced to tennis at virtually zero cost.
          • To learn a sport for life.
          • To improve co-ordination at early ages.






Benefits from STI Mini Tennis Practice at School

Following are the benefits in the development of children

  • Physical (Motor)
  • Moral
  • Mental
  • Intellectual
  • Emotional
  • Health - Social