Junior Parents
Junior Parents
We’re Here to Support You!
We’re here to support you and your child throughout your family’s tennis journey, whether your child is just starting out or on the path to becoming a competitive player. Tennis is not just a sport—it’s a way to build resilience, teamwork, and a strong sense of discipline.
As a parent, you play a crucial role in guiding your child both on and off the court. Join our community, where you’ll find valuable information, helpful insights, and educational resources designed to empower you with the tools to raise not only great athletes but also confident, respectful, and well-rounded individuals. Here, you’ll learn how to support your child’s development, understand the game better, and connect with other like-minded parents.
Parent Webinars
USTA Southern California offers a wide range of live and on-demand webinars designed to help tennis parents navigate the sport’s competitive world. These sessions cover key topics such as building mental toughness and finding the best strategies for supporting young athletes. Each webinar features top experts, active players, and world-class coaches.
USTA Safe Play
The USTA is committed to making every tennis experience safe and memorable. The USTA has developed the Safe Play program to ensure all athletes can play and compete in a secure and supportive environment. Safeguard your child’s well-being by learning to recognize the subtle signs of abuse in sport, and arm yourself with the tools to ensure their safety and security both on and off the court. All parents and legal guardians are strongly encouraged to complete the ‘Parents Guide to Misconduct in Sport’—a free, 30-minute online course.
Recruiting may begin as early as the summer between sophomore and junior year of high school. There are strict limitations placed on both coaches and prospective student-athletes related to interactions during a player’s junior and senior years. This information is crucial to maintaining athletic eligibility.
Tennis Etiquette & Sportsmanship
Sportsmanship is an essential part of tennis, teaching your child to play with respect, integrity, and positivity. On the court, it means honoring the rules, respecting opponents, and staying gracious whether they win or lose.
Off the court, good sportsmanship extends to respecting coaches, officials, and teammates, while modeling positive behavior for others. By fostering sportsmanship, you’re helping your child build resilience, form strong relationships, and develop a lifelong love for the game.
Helpful Parent Resources
Browse the articles below to find helpful resources for tennis parents.
Parent Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to our most commonly asked junior parent questions by exploring the various toggles listed below!
Tennis is a great sport for all ages, promoting physical fitness, discipline, and social skills. USTA Southern California offers introductory programs and trial sessions, so your child can try tennis before committing.
Children as young as 3 years old can begin with programs like Net Generation, which use smaller courts, softer balls, and age-appropriate equipment to make learning fun and accessible.
For beginners, all that’s needed is a junior tennis racquet, comfortable athletic clothing, and non-marking tennis shoes. Many programs provide equipment for new players.
Yes, we offer beginner clinics, after-school programs, and introductory lessons through our Net Generation initiative. These are designed to help kids learn the basics of tennis in a fun and supportive environment.
Junior Team Tennis (JTT) is an excellent way for your child to enjoy the team experience. Visit the page to locate a team in your area.
The time commitment varies by program. Beginner classes may be once a week, while competitive players might practice multiple times per week and play in weekend tournaments.
If your child enjoys competition and has a grasp of basic skills and match play, they may be ready for entry-level tournaments. Speak with their coach for personalized guidance.
Players with some competitive match play experience may be interested in exploring USTA Junior Tournaments. The variety of formats available allows you to compete in a way that suits your level and helps you experience success.
Yes, USTA SoCal offers tournaments grouped by age divisions, such as 10-and-under, 12-and-under, and so on, ensuring fair competition.
USTA Junior Tournaments range from Level 7 (intermediate) to Level 1 (National Championships). All players who are new to tournaments should start with a Level 7 tournament. Learn more on our tournaments page.
– Bottom-up selection process: Players with no USTA ranking will be selected first.
– Minimal time commitment: Tournaments are no more than one day. Participants get match play without a large time commitment.
– More play: Non-elimination format means more match play experience for players.
– Earn ranking points: Play a Level 7 and start earning USTA ranking points. Points are earned for each match win.
Visit the Tournament Calendar on our website to find events that match your child’s skill level and age. Registration is easy and can be completed online.
We follow strict safety protocols, including background checks for coaches and staff, adherence to SafeSport guidelines, and maintaining a positive, inclusive environment. Learn more on our Safe Play page.
Yes, we offer adaptive tennis programs and wheelchair tennis options for children of all abilities.
Costs vary depending on the program, but we strive to keep tennis affordable. Scholarships and financial assistance may be available for qualifying families.
Yes, we host free community play days, exhibitions, and introductory sessions throughout the year. Check our Events Calendar for upcoming opportunities.
Encourage their participation, attend matches and practices, and foster a positive attitude toward learning and competition. You can also volunteer or join parent committees through the Sportsmanship Committee and/or the Grievance Committee.
Yes, our Parent Resources section above provides guides, tips, and advice for supporting your child, understanding tennis rules, and navigating their development in the sport.
USTA Southern California also offers Parent Webinars which aim to help tennis parents gain a deeper understanding of the developmental process mandatory to inspire players to thrive.
