pro-motion
(Presented by James Newman, ITF)

What is a Pro-Motion?

Pro-motion is a rotation format that aims to teach young players about the pros, and develop tactics - playing to their strengths and opponent’s weaknesses. This format works well as part of a lesson.

Organiser tips

COURTS AND PLAYERS: Use with smaller groups, eg 8-16 players. Play on Red courts or half-court on Orange or Green courts (see page 3). Each player plays as a pro (eg Federer or Henin) and they are given a Player Card (see next page), which tells them about their player.

SCORING: Players ask each other 3 questions from their Player Card (see next page), they get 1 point for each correct answer. They take these points into the start of their match (eg Player A starts 3-1 up as A answered 3 questions correct and B only 1). Players play 3 minute matches using counting scoring (eg 1, 2, 3 etc). Players also get an extra point for each point they win by using their killer shot (see player card).

SCORESHEETS: Players (or adult helpers) record their scores in each round on their Player Card.

Activity

ORDER OF PLAY: Take time to explain to all players how the format works and ensure they can read the information on their cards. Then:

1. Put 2 players on each court. Each player tells their opponent what their killer shot is (see player card)
2. They ask each other 3 questions from their card and they get 1 point for each correct answer. However many points is the amount they start their tennis match with
3. You then tell all players to start their matches and they play for 3 minutes.
4. After each match rotate players so that they all move one court space clockwise (see page 3).

AT THE END: The player with the most points is the winner. Also give awards for best effort, best tactics (in trying to use killer shot and preventing other player using their killer shot) and more.

Adapt the Format

Many formats can easily be adapted to suit players aged under 10, mixed ages, teams and to be a more or less competitive event.

Download ‘ADAPTING COMPETITION’ for a quick and easy guide to adapting this format to suit your needs.

Themes

Many competitions are more fun and easier to promote if they have a theme such as Davis Cup, Olympics or Family Day attached.

Download ‘ADDING THEMES’ for ideas.

Sample Scorecards

Create a different pro player for every competitor you have. It can be more basic than this. Write questions to suit the age and experience of your players. Players ask their opponent 3 of the questions and what their killer shot is. Try to encourage players to use their killer shot and to learn how to stop their opponent from playing theirs. See page 4 for blank copies you can print out and fill in.

Court Layout

Below are options of court sizes. The Red can work best as it is easier to rotate players. All players move clockwise after each round, see Red court for rotation diagram.

For clear guidelines on the Red, Orange and Green balls and courts, please visit www.tennisplayandstay.com

Red Courts (11m / 36ft) – This court is for players aged 4-8 or very starter adults. Use a slower Red ball on this court. 4 Red courts can be placed across 1 full-size tennis court. See below how all players rotate one place clockwise.

Blank Scorecard