10 and Under JTT
Rating bands are not used for 10U divisions. Below are guidelines to follow when determining the level of a 10U player (applies to both orange and green ball). It is important to follow these guidelines so that all teams within a level are fairly matched. Coaches/Captains are trusted to follow these guidelines.
Orange Ball
BEGINNER: These are players who know how to serve and keep score but still need guidance in both areas. They have difficulty maintaining a rally past one ball. May not be 100% certain about the rules. Have not had any competitive experience and no challenger credits.
INTERMEDIATE: These are players who have some competitive play. and 1-6 Challenger Credits. They have participated in 1-2 Challenger tournaments, DPTA tournaments and other local tournaments.
ADVANCED: These are players who have played in competitive events. 4 or more Challenger credits. They have participated in more than two Challenger tournaments, DPTA and other local tournaments.
Green Ball
BEGINNER: These are players who know how to serve and keep score but still need guidance in both areas. They have difficulty maintaining a rally past one ball. May not be 100% certain about the rules. Have not had any competitive experience and no challenger points. This is a local group and will not advance to sectionals.
INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED: These are player who have some competitive experience and 1 or more Challenger credits. They are participating in Challenger, DPTA and other local tournaments. This group is competing for a sectional bid.
Progression Stars
Per the USTA Texas “Junior Know the Rules -- 10 and Under Tennis”
Three stars are earned by completing a USTA Junior Team Tennis league season* in a 10s division. A player is limited to three stars per Junior Team Tennis league season and a maximum of two league seasons per year. A player will earn stars for the division in which he/she is eligible. For example, if a player participates on a Green Ball Junior Team Tennis team but is classified as an Orange Ball Youth Progression player, then he/she will receive Orange Ball stars. Stars will be posted at the end of the league season.
*league season is defined as playing in at least two separate team matches (matches against different teams)