A new tennis concept developed by Merimbula tennis coach James Poso, and shunned by Tennis Australia, is about to hit America after the United States Tennis Association (USTA) decided to take up James’ program called TEN15.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
James is heading to Florida where USTA marketing manager Laura Bowen was quick to see how TEN15 could be an attraction for both players and spectators.
The impetus for developing TEN15 came after James lost his sister to breast cancer and he decided to do something that raised money for the cause.
“It slowly evolved. It was about people getting bored watching long tennis matches, kids wanting something shorter and being able to see all the players in a family friendly timeframe,” James said.
TEN15 is also a leveller because it allows young and older, men and women to all play against one another. With eight players there are 15 matches each with 10 points hence the name ‘TEN15’ which James has now trademarked in the USA.
“The biggest rule change is there is only one serve and that enables ladies to play against men and it’s the first to 10 points, it’s not that far away.”
The psychology of risk taking comes into play and skill is brought back into the game rather than endurance, James explained.
“It’s also a bit more fun to watch and play. Everyone comes onto the court to their own song and there is music playing throughout the matches; there’s no need to stay quiet during points,” he said.
James contacted Laura Bowen after reading an article that she wrote about making tennis fun again. Subsequently they met up at the Australian Open in January and the result is a pilot series of TEN15 in Florida.
Partnering with Relay for Life, using pink tennis balls and with a DJ playing music throughout, there will be five TEN15 tournaments in Florida starting April 15. James said umpires with attitude were part of the deal along with prize money, half of which would go to the winner’s nominated cancer charity.
To add to the crazy atmosphere some of the tournaments will be in partnership with XGlosive where play is under special back lighting with luminous balls, racquets and tennis wear. It’s set to continue after James returns to Australia and is a partnership he believes fits really well with his concept.
“The USTA are keen to license it over there so other providers can run this and I’ll go over and do workshops,” James said.
He will be returning to Florida, which is the headquarters of the USTA in September and plans to organise a pro tennis event. He also hopes to see TEN15 spread to other states.
“My dream is to see it happening during the US Open. The organic momentum I hoped for is starting to happen. I thought I would build it from the top down but in fact it has been easier to go the other way,” James said.