Level 9 Tournament Hosted at Tops'L Beach Manor
20 Entry Level Players Experience Tournament Style Match at Tops'L
The excitement of playing in a tennis match is irreplaceable
and recently a Florida resort provided an opportunity for young tennis players
to experience it! Held in Miramar Beach at Tops'L Beach Manor, this entry level
tournament provided the chance for twenty youths to try out their tactical,
technical and physical skills on the court.
Geared for players at the beginning level, this was a Level
9 event (once referred to as ROGY, which is a system that ensures that
appropriate rackets, balls, court size are provided for children so they can be
successful). Florida’s United States Tennis Association or USTA have created
various tournament levels which are based on an individual’s skill. For example
Level 1-6 are for those who are experienced, while Level 7 are suited for
players of intermediate skills and Levels 8 and 9 focuses on new players The
Level 9 (L9) tournament events are a wonderful way for children to be there on
the court and gain experience in a tournament environment, but without the
intense pressure. This can be the greatest feeling they can get! For these L9
competitions, balls are used which have dots on them in colors of green, orange
or red, according to the skill and age of the child playing in the entry level
event.
Normally the tournaments comprised of L9 Levels last one day
to half a day. These events consist of timed matches just like the
professionals and held in front of a crowd of fans. Besides the skill and
knowledge the child gains, the environment is reassuring, fun and they are
meeting other children who share their passion for tennis. The criteria are
that the players are knowledgeable regarding how to rally, serve and determine
scores.
While participation certificates are given, the entire event
offers a format consisting of “no elimination,” so no points are awarded that
indicate ranking, plus court monitors are placed to help children. However
prizes such as wristbands and hats were presented to those children who
displayed an exceptional Best Serve, Fastest Feet and Sportsmanship, a trait
important for youngsters. The Director of Tennis for Tops'L Beach Manor, Joe
D’Aleo is impressed with these tournaments and hopes to see Florida organizers
plan more of them in the future.
Tops'L will be hosting the Level 9 Fall Classic on Saturday, May 7, 2016.