Baldwin Kids Win First DOTS Invitational

October 9, 2012 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
DOTS_Pic

Baldwin Tennis Club took first place in the First Annual DOTS Invitational tennis tournament, a new kids tennis program designed to be a first introduction to match play in a less competitive format. Created by HD Tennis, Syosset, the first DOTS event took place at Cantiague Park in Hicksville and brought together teams from HD Tennis, Baldwin Tennis Club and Long Island Tennis and Learning Services, Freeport.

“We created DOTS, or Developmental On-Court Tennis Series, to help children learn the basics of match play and aid them as they move to USTA Level 3 or Junior Team Tennis play, where less coaching is allowed,” said Martin DeVito and Herbert Harris, partners in HD Tennis. “This new format is designed to be fun for players, their parents and guests."

DeVito explained that in the first DOTS Invitational, each team played five games in three matches. The DOTS format is 16 points per game—each player “serves” four or eight times (2/4 on the deuce side, 2/4 on the ad side). A serve can be overhead, bounce and hit or by the court monitor. Coaching, helping and cheering are all allowed and encouraged, according to DeVito, adding that the court size and scoring are modified to accommodate newer tennis players and helpers are available on each court to aid the players. All participants received a goody bag and a USTA Long Island t-shirt and enjoyed a pizza lunch.

“We are planning an indoor event for January, location to be announced,” Harris said. “DOTS events are open to any club, Community Tennis Association (CTA) or youth tennis program.”

Interested groups can contact Martin DeVito by phone at (631) 806-6112 or Herbert Harris at (516) 852-1797 or e-mail hdtennisli@gmail.com.


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Century
Oneononedoubles banner art resize

March/April 2024 Digital Edition