Western Wake Tennis JTT – Frequently Asked Questions

How old does my child need to be?  Players must be at least 5 years old.  We offer five age divisions:  8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, 18U.  Within these age divisions, players are grouped by skill level to provide appropriate competition.

Does my child need previous tennis experience?  Our 8U Recreational (Rally Ball) division is designed to introduce young players to tennis matches through simplified games that don’t require traditional serving or rallying skills.  For older players, some basic serving and rallying ability is needed. If you’re unsure whether your child is ready, contact a participating facility and ask for an evaluation or recommendation.

How do I get my child on a team?  Start by contacting a participating JTT facility. Teams are organized through local clubs, tennis programs, and parks and recreation departments.  If you’re not currently involved with a tennis facility, contact one of our league coordinators. We’re happy to help you find a team that fits your child’s age, skill level, and location.

Does my child need a USTA membership?  Yes, but it’s FREE!  All JTT players need a USTA membership and must register for their team through TennisLink.  USTA junior memberships are free for players ages 17 and under. Visit USTA.com for membership information.

What skill levels are offered?  Teams are created by coaches who assign them to a level.  JTT offers Recreational/Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, depending on the age division. Our priority is to help every player find matches that are fun, competitive, and appropriate for their current abilities.

What is 8U Recreational (Rally Ball)?  Rally Ball is our introductory match-play division for 8u players. Instead of expecting children to serve and rally immediately, we use modified games, including rolling and simplified hitting activities, to help them learn how to compete.

When is my child ready for 8U Intermediate?  Players should be able to consistently sustain a 2-3 ball rally with other children, not just with a parent or coach.

What skills are needed for 8U Advanced and older age divisions?  Players should be able to serve and sustain a 3–4 ball rally with other players most of the time.

How are players placed into levels, and when do they move up?  In 8U, placement is primarily based on the skills players can demonstrate within each match format. We take particular care to keep our Recreational division welcoming and competitive for newer players.  Coaches and JTT coordinators will work to get players in appropriate, competitive levels.  Players cannot move levels/teams in the middle of the season.

How much does JTT cost?  Each participating facility sets its own program fees, which may include practices, coaching, and other services.  All players also register through USTA TennisLink. The listed TennisLink league registration fee is currently $21.15, subject to change.

Are practices included?  This varies by facility. Some programs include organized team practices, while others offer practices or lessons separately.  Contact your facility to learn what is included with its JTT program.

When can I register?  Visit our JTT Schedules webpage for tentative registration and match season dates.  Registration dates and deadlines vary by facility, so we recommend contacting your preferred facility early.

When are JTT matches played? Matches are scheduled on Friday evenings at either 5:30 PM or 7:00 PM during all four seasons.  During Winter, matches may also be scheduled on Saturdays between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Where are matches played?  During Spring, Summer and Fall, matches are hosted by participating public and private tennis facilities throughout the Western Wake area.  Winter league matches are hosted at Cary Tennis Park’s JTT program.  Your team schedule will identify where each match is played.

How long does a team match take?  For Intermediate and Advanced divisions and ages 10–18, team matches consist of two rounds, each scheduled for approximately 45 minutes.  Each round includes one singles match and one doubles match.  8U Recreational uses a modified singles format designed for younger players.  The 8U matches last about an hour.

What scoring formats are used and how many players are needed for a team?  Visit our JTT Format webpage for this information.   Teams may have more players on their rosters than the minimum required for a match.

Will my child get to play every week?  Playing time depends on your team’s roster size and facility policies.  Players may participate in one or both rounds on a match day. Families should contact their home facility for their practice/policy on match time.  Players should expect to play singles and doubles throughout the season.

When are the JTT seasons?  Visit our JTT Schedule webpage for this general information and deadlines Exact dates and registration deadlines may vary by facility and season.

What happens if it rains?  Each facility communicates weather cancellations according to its own policies and make-ups for rained out matches are typically added to the end of the season.

Is Winter JTT different from the other seasons?  Winter JTT takes place at Cary Tennis Park, with indoor match opportunities and additional Saturday scheduling.

What is expected of parents during matches?  Cheer, encourage, and have fun watching your child play!  Parents are encouraged to support all players, model good sportsmanship, and let children make their own decisions during matches. Parents are not allowed to coach players during matches.

Are coaches allowed to help during matches?  Yes. Safe Play-certified coaches may coach players during changeovers. Some divisions may also use court monitors to help younger or less experienced players.  The best outcome isn’t always winning the match. It’s seeing a player become more confident, capable, and independent each time they compete!

Still Have Questions?  We’re happy to help you find the right team or answer questions about schedules, formats, and player placement.

Come play, make friends, improve your tennis, and have fun with us!