Mythbusters: The Current 10-and Under Format is Brutal and the Silence Speaks Volumes!
July 28, 2016 | By Ricky Becker
Although well-intentioned, are short courts, deflated balls, round-robins and short sets pulling kids into tennis on Long Island?
Through five years, the answer is: “No!”
| Age Group/Level | 2010 Players Per Long Island Tournament (Average) | 2016 Players Per Long Island Tournament (Average) |
|---|---|---|
| Boys 10’s Level 1B | 16.3 | 10.0 |
| Boys 10’s Level 2 | 15.6 | 1.4 |
| Boys 10’s Level 3 | 6.2 | 3.2 |
| Girls 10’s Level 1B | 10.7 | 5.4 |
| Girls 10’s Level 2 | 8.8 | 1.1 |
| Girls 10’s Level 3 | 3.6 | 2.3 |
| Boys 12’s L1+ | 72.6 | 42.0 |
| Boys 12’s L1/L1A | 31.3 | 5.0 |
| Boys 12’s L1B | 26.0 | 6.0 |
| Boys 12’s L2 | 14.1 | 8.9 |
| Boys 12’s L3 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Girls 12’s L1+ | 41.5 | 41.0 |
| Girls 12’s L1/L1A | 15.5 | 9.5 |
| Girls 12’s L1B | 11.8 | 5.1 |
| Girls 12’s L2 | 5.0 | 4.1 |
| Girls 12’s L3 | 1.7 |
1.2 |
*Tournament averages taken from January-April
The numbers speak for themselves, but anecdotes, theories and solutions will be presented in the next issue of Long Island Tennis Magazine.
