Youth tennis · Ages 4–11
GRIPS Challenge
A tennis player development program for children. Players earn a new colored racket over-grip for every level they master.
The program
A belt system for tennis.
GRIPS combines on-court skill tests with online knowledge tests. Players move up through the levels, and each level has its own grip color, just like the belts in martial arts.
- Ages
- 4 to 11
- Tests
- On court and online
- Reward
- A colored over-grip for every level
How it works
Master the level. Earn the grip.
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Skills on court
Players take an on-court skills test for their level.
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Knowledge online
Players take an online test of their tennis knowledge.
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Promotion
Players who meet the requirements move up a level.
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A new grip
Players earn the colored racket over-grip for their new level.
Why GRIPS?
The structure to enjoy and master tennis.
Each level has specific testing requirements, designed by children’s tennis instructors.
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Structure
A clear path through the game, one level at a time.
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Measurable progress
Every level is tested, so progress is easy to see.
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Motivation
There’s always a next grip to work toward.
Achieve. Reward. Repeat.
It’s hard to keep kids motivated in any activity. Colored grips give them something to strive for: a reward they earn and can see on their own racket.
When a child moves up a level, their new grip is sent out to them.