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The USTA's American Development Model provides a holistic approach to tennis development that focuses on creating a positive and enjoyable experience for young players. By emphasizing player development over winning at all costs, the ADM is helping to create a generation of tennis players who are not only skilled and competitive but who also love the sport and remain engaged in it for a lifetime.

USTA’s Junior Playbook

The USTA Junior Playbook is an example of how the ADM can be applied in practice. The USTA Junior Playbook is a guide for coaches, parents and players that provides a detailed overview of how the USTA is supporting play and that transition into competition when ready. By using the USTA Junior Playbook, coaches can develop a clear plan for the long-term development of their players, while also ensuring that the training environment is enjoyable, engaging and inclusive.

The USTA's American Development Model, with its emphasis on philosophy, play and play into competition, provides a valuable framework for coaches and players alike. By following the principles of the ADM and using resources such as the USTA Junior Playbook, coaches can help their players to develop their skills, love of the game and confidence, while also preparing them for success in competition.

ITF World Tennis Number

The ITF developed the WTN for singles and doubles play, providing a free global standard for players. Using a 40-1 scale, with 40 being a beginner and 1 being an elite professional, this scale is for all players, regardless of age, gender or ability. Updated weekly, the WTN is one of the most advanced and accurate rating systems in the world, designed to make playing and competing more fun.

More than 160 countries adopt the WTN. Launched in the United States in June 2022, it is the only rating permitted for use in USTA junior tournaments and it is the second acceptance criteria for ITF junior and masters tournaments. The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) recently adopted the WTN as the official rating of college tennis.

The ITF and USTA have a shared mission to grow the sport of tennis. USTA is leveraging the WTN and digital solutions to help connect the player pathway including junior competition, collegiate tennis and ITF events worldwide.

In the U.S., players who compete in college tennis, ITF events, USTA tournaments and USTA leagues will automatically have a WTN. This rating can be used as a seeding, selection and grouping tool for ITA-, ITF- and USTA-sanctioned competition. USTA’s digital platform, Serve Tennis, also offers free tools for providers to host flexible WTN tournaments and match play. To learn more about WTN, visit usta.com/wtn.