USTA Junior Development
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) is the national organization responsible for growing and supporting tennis across the United States. One of the key ways it does this is through the American Development Model (ADM) — a long-term approach designed to make tennis fun, welcoming, and easy to learn for players of all ages. The ADM focuses on building skills at the right pace, encouraging physical activity, and helping players develop confidence, friendships, and a lifelong love for the game.
Through Net Generation, the USTA’s youth initiative, the ADM brings coaches, parents, and organizers together around a shared goal: helping more people start playing tennis and keep playing. Programs use age-appropriate equipment, smaller courts, and simple scoring to make tennis easier to understand and enjoy, while still offering a clear pathway for players who want to compete at higher levels. This approach supports fun, athletic development, and long-term participation — whether players are just starting out or aiming to excel.
Junior Tournament Levels
JR CIRCUIT & MATCHPLAY
USTA Junior Circuit is our entry-level tournament for 13-18 years old. This is a one day, non-elimination format. Players are grouped into flights based on their age and ability. This experience encourages players to develop their skills through level-based play and demonstrate good sportsmanship. Selection is first come first serve.
Jr Circuit events earn WTN and UTR credit.
Likewise, WTN (World Tennis Number) events and Unsanctioned tournaments provide matchplay without ranking points.
LEVEL 7
This is our introductory local ranked event and players begin to earn ranking points. These one-day, non-elimination tournaments are for the junior player with some match play experience. Players are selected by the lowest ranking points. Players must play in their own age group.
12U: Intermediate green ball.
For players age 12U who have finished their "PlayTracker Points" or are still developing on a green ball.
Age groups 14 - 18 will compete with the Yellow Ball.
L7 events affect WTN, Ranking Points, and UTR.
LEVEL 6
L6 Intermediate local tournaments last one to two days. These are traditional advancing tournaments. Many of our high level high school players enter the level 6's in the 14's-18s. Also intermediate 12 year olds. The players should have experienced some success in level 7 tournaments.
Age groups are typically 12s-18s and players are selected by ranking points.
L6 events affect WTN, Ranking Points, and UTR.
LEVEL 5
L5 Intermediate to Advanced Tournaments are traditional advancing tournaments which may last up to 3 days. These are considered “District” tournaments but are open to all players in the USA and include many of the state's high level players. Players are selected by ranking points.
L5 events affect WTN, Ranking Points, and UTR.
LEVEL 4
L4 Intermediate to Advanced Tournaments are "Sectional" tournaments which may last up to 4 days and players are selected by their "ranking points".
These are the top players in the section.
L4 events affect WTN, Ranking Points, and UTR.
LEVEL 3-1
Level 3 Sectional tournaments include tournaments such as ITA Summer Championships in Colorado and ITA Great Pumpkin Championships in Nevada.
Level 2 tournaments consist of Zonal Team Competitions and National Open events.
Level 1 is the highest junior level competition in the U.S. Players must earn enough ranking points to qualify for entry for the 3-1’s.
These events affect WTN, Ranking Points, and UTR.
