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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — The USTA today announced the launch of its new physical education curriculum, “The Physical Educator’s Guide for Teaching Tennis in Schools,” developed by renowned physical education and tennis experts including noted author, Dr. Robert Pangrazi, Professor Emeritus at Arizona State University. The new USTA curriculum is designed to provide both elementary educators and students with a fun, interactive means to develop motor skills while engaging students in physical activity.

The USTA curriculum, which does not require an actual tennis court, is extremely versatile and can be used in any school setting for both large and small groups. Each 30 to 45 minute session meets the National Association for Sport & Physical Education standards and is flexible enough to meet the scheduling needs of any school. In addition to teaching students skills they can use throughout their lifespan, each lesson includes group management techniques to ensure a dynamic and engaged class.

“Forty to fifty percent of kids today are overweight and if we don’t provide them with a fun way to engage in physical activity during school, they will never learn the life-skills needed to change their habits,” said Dr. Pangrazi. “There are few, if any other sports, that translate to a curriculum like this, one that promotes the right combination of physical fitness, fun and easy to present lessons.”

Dr. Robert Pangrazi is one of the world’s leading experts in the field of physical education and his textbook, Dynamic Physical Education for Elementary School Children, is considered an industry standard. Pangrazi is a recipient of the National Distinguished Service Award presented by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. His insight and decades of research enabled him to use a traditional sport like tennis to provide the foundation for one of the most unique approaches to physical fitness and activity in years.

USTA’s QuickStart tennis program, which promotes age and size appropriate equipment for children learning to play tennis, is the founding principal behind this new curriculum. It is easier for young people to learn the sport if the equipment they use is the right size for them. One of the key benefits of this curriculum is the ability to transform any flat surface into a tennis environment with commonly used equipment like tumbling mats, chairs, tape, chalk and other ordinary items.

“We are very pleased to be able to offer educators an in-school program that can have such a significant impact on kids,” said Kurt Kamperman, USTA Chief Executive, Community Tennis. “Students will now have the opportunity to be introduced to an economical sport they can play their entire life, while building their self confidence, learning sportsmanship, enjoying the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, and most importantly, having fun.”

Each curriculum kit includes the Physical Educators guide for Teaching Tennis in Schools, Tennis Curriculum Pocket Guide, Instructional DVD and CD with Teachers Handbook, reproducible lesson materials, and station signs. Curriculum kits can be obtained through USTA Teacher In-Services or by ordering direct to Gophersport.com.

With endorsements from the American Heart Association and the Cleveland Clinic, the United States Tennis Association works with schools and after school providers to offer training, curriculum materials, equipment assistance, and staff support to ensure all students have the opportunity to learn the lifetime sport of tennis. Principals, superintendents and educators can visit USTA.com/schooltennis to learn more about the program.