QuickStart Takes Off on the Intrepid
As a part of the Intrepid Air and Space Museum’s Kid’s Week during the President’s Week vacation, local sports organizations, such as the New York Rangers, Knicks and Mets, USTA Eastern hosted a QuickStart 10 & Under Tennis clinic for kids wanting to learn the sport as part of its festivities. Kid’s Week features dynamic, interactive exhibits and a host of fun-filled, hands-on activities. As part of the event, several QuickStart (QST) courts were set up in Exploreum Hall among large flying aircrafts.
USTA brought along Patrick McEnroe, general manager of USTA Player Development, to assist with the activities. McEnroe took to the QST court to challenge the young tennis players and offer them pointers on their game.
“Any time we can get the word out about 10 & Under tennis, the better,” said McEnroe. “Everyone in the industry is aware of QST, but we still need to inform non-tennis players about the rule changes that the USTA have devised. Step One is getting the kids to come out and play with the right-sized equipment. The more they enjoy playing tennis, the longer they will want to play tennis.”
When asked what Step Two entailed, McEnroe said, “Step Two is getting them playing more consistently. Of course, we want the kids to enjoy playing tennis, but we also want them to have the desire to improve. With QST, they get a taste of the game, and hopefully, they continue playing their entire lives.”
When asked about what QST offers to the future of tennis, McEnroe said, "QST is on the path of creating more higher-level players. Each step in tennis proposes new challenges. Without the first step of QST, the other steps are not possible or attainable. In order for them to want to continue on their path, they need to have fun which is exactly what QST offers."
After the kids were finished with their lessons, McEnroe took part in photo opportunities and signed some tennis balls for the young players.
