Project Tennis Backboard

Mission

To make tennis backboards available at all schools, parks and
public tennis facilities across America.

Introduction

  What do tennis greats Arthur Ashe, Andy Roddick, Pete Sampras, Rod Laver, Martina Navratilova and more than 75 percent of current ATP Tour pros have in common?
      They all grew up learning to play tennis against backboards. Backboards of all kinds (garage doors, pumice walls, wooden backdrops) have been the training grounds of many of the best players ever to pick up a racquet.
     Tennis history clearly shows that all serious, dedicated players started out or honed their skills hitting against a wall. In fact, tennis was originally named “jeu do paume” because the ball was hit on a wall with the hands.
     According to USPTR CEO/Executive Director  Dan Santorum the advantages of backboard usage far outweigh the relatively low initial cost and maintenance involved.
     “Backboards provide an excellent way to perfect biomechanics, rhythm and conditioning,” says Santorum.  “They provide a practice venue for players who can’t afford lessons, and through the use of backboards, we’ll be able to introduce players to the game in towns where no courts exist.”
     “No one coach in the world has ever developed as many dedicated players and champions as the wall. In spite of all the conveniences it offers, the wall can be a demanding master requiring more dedication and determination than any other playing partner,” said Gil de Kermadec and Torbin Ulrich in The Ball and the Wall video.
     In fact, the only person that has recorded a victory over the Wall is Grand Slam winner Don Budge.
     “I used to go out and hit balls against our garage door. But I had a goal, there was a knot in the door and I kept aiming for that knot. Finally, one day I hit the knot a couple of times and the ball went right through. So I think I’m the first person who has ever beaten the wall in a point!” said Budge.
     Backboards are the perfect tool to introduce thousands of new players, specifically youth, to the game of tennis in a way they will enjoy a good level of success and encourage their lifetime participation.

History

• History clearly shows that all serious tennis players have spent hours perfecting their game against a backboard.

• The backboard provides an inexpensive alternative for schools, parks and towns that don’t have tennis courts.

• With the growing popularity of tennis and with many neighborhoods losing their tennis courts, backboards provide a viable and cost-effective alternative.

• There are currently dozens of tennis programs being offered throughout the country such as United States Tennis Association (USTA) Schools Program, Rapid Rally, First Serve, No-Cut High School Tennis—that have no tennis courts or not nearly enough for the numbers of participants. Backboards would provide the perfect alternative and/or added benefit.

• Backboards provide a perfect venue for accelerated learning.

• Tennis Industry Association (TIA) survey shows there were 70 million people who tried the game and had such a bad experience that they wouldn’t try it again. Many complained they picked up more balls than they hit. Backboards would eliminate that problem. Or, how about the individual who picks up the game more rapidly than their co-horts, backboards would provide the avenue to challenge and accelerate their learning process.

• A backboard program would support the growth of tennis and physical activity across America.

• Backboards have a proven to be popular warm-up venue at tournaments and special events.

• Backboards provide a perfect practice and playing venue for all ages and skill levels.

• You can hit more balls in 15-minutes against a backboard than you can in an hour on the tennis court.

• Hitting against a backboard provides a great cardiovascular workout while honing your tennis skills.
• Backboards are fast, fun, friendly, always available and inexpensive!

What is Project Tennis Backboard?

Project Tennis Backboard is a 501 c)(3) not for profit with the goal of getting tennis backboards into every public tennis facility, school and college in America and would provide another system for further introducing new players, both adults and young people, to tennis and, most importantly, keep them playing.

The initial United States Tennis Association (USTA) Play Tennis America Plan For Growth report developed by Judy Levering in 1997 outlined and endorsed a Play Tennis America Backboard concept that was to be part of the Plan For Growth initiative. Teachers were to be trained in how to instruct students on how to use walls and backboards for skill development, exercise and fun. Accessible hitting walls were to be positioned in communities nationwide. The idea was that this would provide new players with expanded learning opportunities as well as a handy practice format for all players. Unfortunately, this plan was never implemented.

With the current emphasis by the USTA on schools programs and no-cut high school tennis, there isn’t a better time to start this program.

The Tennis Industry Tennis Participation Survey confirms that most new players learn the game at public facilities and schools yet schools are woefully inadequate when it comes to having tennis facilities.

In addition, the survey clearly showed the need for participants not only have quick success but also an avenue to play when they don’t have a partner.

Backboards are the easiest and least expensive way for individuals to improve their game and to do so quickly. The cost to put walls at these facilities would be very minimal yet the return on exposure to potential tennis players would be tremendous. In addition, history has repeatedly shown that our top players are often backboard graduates.

Benefits

• Introducing more individuals, particularly kids, to a healthy, lifetime sport.
• Provide much needed tennis infrastructure for further introducing new players, both adults and young people, to the game of tennis.
• Help battle the growing trend of childhood obesity.
• Cutting down on healthcare costs.
• Introduce new players, specifically youth, to the game of tennis in a manner in which they will enjoy a good level of success.
• Provide a playing venue for all ages and skill levels, that any participant may experience.
• Supports the growth of tennis and physical activity.
• Will provide more opportunity for accelerated learning.
• Provides great cardiovascular workout while honing tennis skills.
• Will greatly enhance currently administered programs.
• More venues and more opportunities to hit will get more individuals off the couch and onto the courts in a very cost-effective, successful manner!
• Might prove to be the tool to help the next American champion to not only hone their skills but to accelerate the process.

How Can You Help?

Thank you for your generosity in supporting Project Tennis Backboard!  With your help, we are one step closer to our vision of a getting tennis backboards at every school and public park in America. Every donation counts, no matter how big or small.

Cash Donations
To make a cash contribution, please make your check payable to Project Tennis Backboard! Project Tennis Backboard is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt organization.

Gifts can be mailed to:
Project Tennis Backboard
P.O. Box 4782
Kailua-Kona, HI  96745

Credit Cards
You can make your donation online at Network For Good. Click here to donate online now.