Starting Your Journey in USTA Tennis
If you're a young tennis player (10 and under) just starting to compete in tournaments, congratulations! You're about to begin one of the most exciting parts of your tennis journey. As both a coach and a parent who's been through this process, I know how confusing it can feel at first — but I promise, it's easier than it looks once you understand the steps.
Let's break it down together.
Step 1: Get Your USTA Membership
Before you can enter tournaments, you need to be a USTA member (United States Tennis Association).
Here's how to do it:
- Go to www.usta.com.
- Click on "Join USTA" and create an account for your player.
- Choose the junior membership.
- Once registered, you'll receive a USTA ID number — this is your "player ID" for all tournaments.
You'll use this number every time you sign up for a competition.
Step 2: Start with the Right Level
If you're 10 and under, you'll begin in the USTA 10U pathway, which helps young players learn the game the right way before jumping into full-size tennis.
There are two main stages:
Green Dot Ball
- Slightly softer and slower than yellow balls
- Played on a full-size court
- Perfect for learning how to rally, serve, and play points consistently
- Most 10U players begin here
Yellow Ball
- The same ball used in older divisions and high school tennis
- Faster, heavier, and requires stronger timing and control
- Players "graduate" to yellow ball once they meet USTA's play and skill requirements
Step 3: How to Advance from Green Dot to Yellow Ball
USTA uses something called "Net Generation PlayTracker Points."
Here's what you need to know:
- You earn points every time you play in an official green ball tournament or event.
- Once you reach a certain number of points (usually around 1,000 competitive points), you advance to yellow ball level.
- Parents can track progress by logging into the USTA account and checking the player's profile.
So — play, learn, and keep having fun. Every match counts toward your next level!
Step 4: Signing Up for Tournaments
To register for your first tournament:
- Go to playtennis.usta.com/tournaments
- Type in your ZIP code to find events near you
- Filter by "10U Green Ball" to start
- Look for tournaments labeled "Level 7" or "Level 6" — these are perfect entry levels for beginners
Once you get more experience, you can move up to Level 5 or Level 4 events.
Step 5: Use the Match Tennis App
Managing tournaments can be overwhelming at first — that's where the Match Tennis App comes in.
This app helps families:
- Find tournaments based on your level and location
- Manage your schedule and deadlines
- Receive email and text updates
- Check weather alerts and match times
- Connect with coaches (like me!) for tournament planning
I encourage every parent and player I work with to download the app. It keeps everything organized in one place — no more missed deadlines or confusion!
Final Advice from Coach Jimmy
Starting tournament play is an exciting milestone. But remember:
- It's not about winning right away — it's about learning how to compete, stay positive, and build confidence.
- Parents: support your kids with encouragement and patience. Let them take ownership of their journey.
- Players: give your best effort, respect your opponents, and have fun. Every match teaches you something.
Tennis is a lifetime sport — and your USTA journey is just the beginning of something amazing.