2006 United States Tennis

1
2006 United States Tennis Participation Study
2
Table of Contents Executive Summary 4 Resu
lts at a Glance 4 Player Study 6 1.
Other Sports 7 2. Tennis Families 11
3. Tennis Fandom 16 4. Tennis Favorite Sp
ort 23 5. Taking up the Game / Keeping you in
the game 30 6. Fan First vs. Play First 34
7. Influence of Program When Taking up the
Game 39 8. Amount of Tennis Played 45 9. T
ennis Facilities 59 10. Team Tennis 61
11. Availability of Courts Programs 67
12. Awareness of Programs 69
13. Lessons/Clinics 74 14. Tennis Advertisi
ng 80 15. Motivation for Playing Tennis 8
5 16. Tennis Product Consumption 88 17. Ten
nis Activity 92 18. Rejoiners
101 19. Awareness of USTA
106
3
Table of Contents (cont.) Former Player Study
111 1. Other Sports 112 2. Tennis Fando
m 117 3. Taking up the Game 120 4. La
psed Player Profile 124 5. Tennis during P.E.
/ Team / Lesson 128 6. Sampler Profile 13
3 7. Reasons Stopped Playing 138 8. Playing
Tennis Again 152 9. Tennis Advertising 1
60 10. Likelihood of Watching, Attending, Playin
g 164 11. Awareness of USTA 171 Non-Play
er Study 176 1. Sports Activities Exercis
e 177 2. Tennis Fandom 181 3. Why Nev
er Played Tennis 184 4. Likelihood of Watchin
g, Attending, Playing 189 5. Awareness of Progr
ams 191 6. Awareness of USTA 198
4
Executive Summary Method

• Sample
• A nationally representative sample of 25,500
  households were interviewed over the telephone
  
• The initial screening interview gathered
  participation and profile data for all household
  members
  
• These interviews were also used to recruit
  participants in the extended interviews
  
• 507 Players (age 12 and playing 4 times or
  more)
  
• 736 Former players
• 529 Lapsed players (who at one stage played
  tennis regularly)
  
• 197 Samplers (who played tennis a few times but
  never rally got into it)
  
• 153 Never playeds
• In the following data the profile information
  comes from the 25,500 households interviews
  (representing over 66,000 individuals). The
  attitudinal data comes from the extended
  interviews with players, former players and never
  playeds.

5
Executive Summary New Players

• Profile
• New players are more likely to be
• Female (48 compared to 45 of continuing
  players)
  
• Aged under 25 (75 compared to 45 of continuing
  players)
  
• Black (11 compared to 7 of continuing players)
• Hispanic (17 compared to 11 of continuing
  players)
  
• Less affluent (Average HH income 66,000 compared
  to 85,000 for continuing players)
  
• Less frequent players (43 played less than 4
  times in 2006)
  
• Attitudes/Experience
• New players are LESS likely to
• Be big/casual fans of tennis (35 compared to 74
  of continuing players)
  
• Have played tennis in a PE class (40 compared to
  51 of continuing players)
  
• Have played on a team (14 compared to 40 of
  continuing players)
  
• Be aware of public tennis programs (36 compared
  to 54 of continuing players)
  
• Conclusions
• Tennis continues to reach a broader section of
  the population
  
• New tennis players are not as avid as continuing
  players in terms of play frequency, fandom and
  favorite sport
  

6
Executive Summary Samplers

• Profile
• Samplers are more likely to be
• Less affluent (average HH income 59,000
  compared to 85,000 for continuing players)
  
• Attitudes/Experience
• Samplers are LESS likely to
• Exercise regularly (56 compared to 64 of lapsed
  players)
  
• Have kids who play sports (20 compared to 34
  for continuing players)
  
• Be a big/casual fan of tennis (21 compared to
  46 of lapsed players)
  
• Say watching tennis increases interest in playing
  (22 compared to 40 of lapsed players)
  
• Say they enjoyed tennis at PE class (46 compared
  to 81 of lapsed players)
  
• None of the samplers had ever played on a team
  and only 3 had ever taken a lesson from a pro
  
• Only 21 were aware of public tennis programs
  (compared to 37 of lapsed players)
  
• Conclusions
• This confirms the need to make the first
  experience of tennis a good one, especially in PE
  classes
  
• Only 10 of samplers and 10 of lapsed players
  said they were likely to play tennis again in the
  next 12 months

7
Executive Summary Never Played

• Profile
• Never playeds are more likely to be
• Less affluent (average HH income 44,000
  compared to 59,000 for samplers and 85,000 for
  continuing players)
  
• Attitudes/Experience
• Never playeds are LESS likely to
• Exercise regularly (42 compared to samplers at
  56 and lapsed players at 64)
  
• Have kids who play sports (7 compared to 20 for
  samplers and 34 for continuing players)
  
• Be a big/casual fan of tennis (8 compared to 21
  of samplers and 46 of lapsed players)
  
• Less than half were aware of public tennis
  facilities in their area
  
• Conclusions
• Never playeds are fairly inactive, tennis for
  fitness may be a way to stimulate some activity
  in this group. However, only 4 of the never
  playeds said they were likely to begin playing
  tennis in the next 12 months.

8
Executive Summary Fan first or play first?

• Results
• All groups were more likely to say the played
  first then became a fan. Except those born
  between 1972 and 1981.
  
• Also relevant is the very low level of tennis
  fandom among new players. Only 2 of new players
  said they were a big fan of tennis.
  

9
Executive Summary Influence of lessons and teams
Results Frequent players and continuing players
are much more likely to have lessons and play in
teams.

• Conclusions
• The pro and team tennis are essential for
  creating avid players who stay in the game. 47
  of new players said they would play a lot more
  tennis if they could play on a team with
  friends.

10
Executive Summary Tennis in School PE
Results The percentage of people taking tennis a
s part of PE was consistent among Lapsed and
Samplers However, enjoyment of tennis in PE was m
uch less for Samplers

• Conclusions
• Improving the experience of tennis in school PE
  would convert more Samplers into continuing
  players.

11
Executive Summary Fitness
Results 59 of new players said Exercise was Ver
y/Somewhat important in getting them on a court
for the first time 55 of continuing players and
63 of frequent players said Exercise was
Very/Somewhat important for keeping them playing
59 of rejoiners said Exercise was Very/Somewhat
important in getting them back on a court for
the first time 50 of Lapsed players and 48 of S
amplers said a cardio tennis program would make
them a lot/a little more likely to play tennis
again. Conclusions Fitness is a key component i
n getting people started in tennis and keeping
them on the courts Cardio tennis was well receive
d as a concept by Samplers and Lapsed players.
12
Executive Summary Matchmaking
Results I found someone to play with was the
1 reason for rejoiners who had played more
tennis No-one to play with was the 2 reason (b
ehind Not enough time) for 11-20 times a year
players for not playing as much tennis in the
last 12 months 45 of rejoiners, 41 of 4-10 time
s a year players and 40 of 11-20 times a year
players said ti was very/somewhat difficult to
find people to play with No-one to play with w
as the 3 reason (behind Injury and Not enough
time) for lapsed players leaving the game
Conclusions Having someone to play with is a bas
ic need for tennis. Making it easier to find
people to play with would have major benefits for
the less frequent players and would also help
keep players in the game longer.
13
Results at a Glance
14
Results at a Glance (cont.)
15
PLAYER STUDY
16
Player Interview
1. Other Sports
New players are relatively more likely to play
soccer, football, swimming, and baseball. This
matches the younger player profile.
New players are more likely to say the youth
sports (basketball, football, soccer, baseball).
Re-joiners are more likely to say golf, an
older sport.
As play frequency increases, participation in
exercise/active sport increases. The rejoiners
fit the older profile.
17
Player Interview
New players are relatively more likely to play
soccer, football, swimming, and baseball. This
matches the younger player profile.
18
Player Interview
New players are more likely to say the youth
sports (basketball, football, soccer, baseball).
Re-joiners are more likely to say golf, an
older sport.
19
Player Interview
As play frequency increases, participation in
exercise/active sport increases. The rejoiners
fit the older profile.
20
Player Interview
2. Tennis Families
Overall, those with kids in their household
playing sports do not play as much tennis as
those without kids playing tennis.
Continuing and frequent players are much more
likely to have tennis playing kids.
Those who play less frequently have more of a
team sport bias.
21
Player Interview
Overall, those with kids in their household
playing sports do not play as much tennis as
those without kids playing tennis.
22
Player Interview
What sports do the kids play? Top 5 Sports
Continuing and frequent players are much more
likely to have tennis playing kids.
23
Player Interview
Those who play less frequently have more of a
team sport bias.
24
Player Interview
Profile Tennis Families (kids that play) vs.
Non Tennis Families
25
Player Interview
3. Tennis Fandom
Only 2 of new players are a big fan of tennis.
Football is 1 watched sport on TV for every
group. New players although low, womens tennis
was watched more than mens tennis.
The over 35s are more likely to watch baseball
and tennis on TV. The 50 age group is more like
ly to watch baseball, tennis, and golf on TV.
Pro tennis is low among 12-34s but is better
among those who started tennis early and those
who started tennis late. Black respondents were
much more likely to watch womens tennis.
Continuing players viewership of pro tennis on TV
is flat while viewership among new players is
declining.
26
Player Interview
Only 2 of new players are a big fan of tennis.
27
Player Interview
How often do you watch the following sports on
TV? saying every chance or often (Top 5 Sp
orts) Part I
Football is 1 watched sport on TV for every
group. New players although low, womens tennis
was watched more than mens tennis.
28
Player Interview
How often do you watch the following sports on
TV? saying every chance or often (Top 5 Sp
orts) Part II
The over 35s are more likely to watch baseball
and tennis. The 50 age group is more likely to
watch baseball, tennis, and golf.
Pro tennis is low among 12-34s but is better
among those who started tennis early and those
who started tennis late. Black respondents were
much more likely to watch womens tennis.
29
Player Interview
Continuing players viewership of pro tennis on TV
is flat while viewership among new players is
declining.
30
Player Interview
31
Player Interview
32
Player Interview
4. Tennis Favorite Sport
Less than 20 of players aged 12-24 say tennis is
their favorite sport. Those saying tennis is
their favorite sport increases as age increases.
Continuing players saying Another sport is my
favorite to play continues to decrease.
Those saying Tennis is my favorite to play
continues to increase among those playing 21
times per year. This may indicate tennis is
becoming more of a lifestyle.
New players are less into watching tennis than
the others.
33
Player Interview
Less than 20 of players aged 12-24 say tennis is
their favorite sport. Those saying tennis is
their favorite sport increases as age increases.
34
Player Interview
Profile Tennis Favorite Sport to Play vs.
Another Sport Favorite to Play
35
Player Interview
Continuing players saying Another sport is my
favorite to play continues to decrease.
36
Player Interview
37
Player Interview
Those saying Tennis is my favorite to play
continues to increase among those playing 21
times per year. This may indicate tennis is
becoming more of a lifestyle.
38
Player Interview
New players are less into watching tennis than
the others.
39
Player Interview
5. Taking up the Game / Keeping you in the Game
Those starting tennis at a young age are clearly
most influenced by their parents to start
playing. Late starters are most influenced by
friends and wanting to get some exercise.
Easy access was the most important contributor
for getting players onto the courts for the first
time. Exercise was relatively more important for
new players. Frequent players placed more
importance on local tennis program, watching pro
tennis on TV, and being a fan of pro tennis
Those playing 21 times per year were the most
likely to consider exercise, participating in a
local tennis program, watching pros on TV, and
being a fan of pro tennis very/somewhat important
in keeping them playing tennis. A combination of
tennis programs, a healthy pro game, and exercise
benefits is needed to keep people playing tennis.
40
Player Interview
Those starting tennis at a young age are clearly
most influenced by their parents to start
playing. Late starters are most influenced by
friends and wanting to get some exercise.
41
Player Interview
Profile Early Starters (Began under 10) vs.
Late Starters (Began over 19)
42
Player Interview
Easy access was the most important for all
groups. Exercise was relatively more important
for new players. Frequent players placed more
importance on local tennis program, watching pro
tennis on TV, and being a fan of pro tennis.
43
Player Interview
Those playing 21 times per year were the most
likely to consider exercise, participating in a
local tennis program, watching pros on TV, and
being a fan of pro tennis very/somewhat important
in keeping them playing tennis. A combination of
tennis programs, a healthy pro game, and exercise
benefits is needed to keep people playing tennis.
44
Player Interview
6. Fan First vs. Play First
For all player groups (continuing, new and
rejoiner), the majority of players said they
played first and then became a fan.
However, the majority of those born between 1972
1981 became a fan first and then began playing,
opposite of all other age groups. This is most
likely explained by the numerous star tennis
players of this time Connors/McEnroe/Navratilova
/Evert, etc. Also relevant is the very low level
of tennis fandom among new players. Only 2 of
new players said they were a big fan of tennis.
New players are the most likely to say playing
increases their interest in watching pro tennis
on TV.
45
Player Interview
The majority of those born between 1972 1981
became a fan first and then began playing,
opposite of all other age groups. This is most
likely explained by the numerous star tennis
players of this time Connors/McEnroe/Navratilova
/Evert, etc.
46
Player Interview
Profile Fan first and then played vs. Play
first and then became fan
47
Player Interview
New players are the most likely to say playing
increases their interest in watching pro tennis
on TV.
48
Player Interview
7. Influence of program when taking up the game
Frequent players and women are the most likely to
take part in a local, organized tennis program.
Early starters are a bit more likely than late
starters to participate in a program when the
first start playing.
Infrequent players are the most likely to take
part in a program at a school/college.
Early starters are much more likely than late
starters to have played tennis in P.E. class.
Generally the experience for tennis players at
P.E. classes was good.
49
Player Interview
Frequent players and women are the most likely to
take part in a local, organized tennis program.
Early starters are a bit more likely than late
starters to participate in a program when the
first start playing.
50
Player Interview
Infrequent players are the most likely to take
part in a program at a school/college.
51
Player Interview
Profile Took Commercial/Private Lessons vs.
School/Public Lessons
52
Player Interview
Early starters are much more likely than late
starters to have played tennis in P.E. class.
53
Player Interview
Generally the experience for tennis players at
P.E. classes was good.
54
Player Interview
8. Amount of tennis played
The under 35s were the most likely to have
played more tennis than the previous year.
However, the under 25s were the most likely to
have played less tennis.
Finding someone to play with was the most popular
reason across all groups for playing more tennis
this year. This emphasizes the importance of
matchmaking programs.
The time pressure ages (25-49) are the groups
most often saying they are not playing as much
tennis as they would like.
Early starters are more likely to become a
frequent player.
New players are most likely to say prefer to do
something else. The regular players (11-20
times) are most likely to say no one to play
with.
Younger players are the most likely to be
switching to other sports.
Not having enough time is considered the most
important reason across the board for not playing
as much. New players are most likely to say
prefer to do something else. Frequent and older
players are most likely to have injury/health
problems.
The key family age groups (25-49) are the ones
most likely to say increased family commitments
as being the other activities they are
participating in. The critical age group for
other sports taking over from tennis is the 12-17
year olds.
55
Player Interview
The under 35s were the most likely to have
played more tennis than the previous year.
However, the under 25s were the most likely to
have played less tennis.
56
Player Interview
Finding someone to play with was the most popular
reason across all groups for playing more tennis
this year. This emphasizes the importance of
matchmaking programs.
57
Player Interview
The time pressure ages (25-49) are the groups
most often saying they are not playing as much
tennis as they would like.
58
Player Interview
Early starters are more likely to become a
frequent player.
59
Player Interview
New players are most likely to say prefer to do
something else. The regular players (11-20
times) are most likely to say no one to play
with.
60
Player Interview
Younger players are the most likely to be
switching to other sports.
61
Player Interview
Not having enough time is considered the most
important reason across the board for not playing
as much. New players are most likely to say
prefer to do something else. Frequent and older
players are most likely to have injury/health
problems.
62
Player Interview
63
Player Interview
64
Player Interview
The key family age groups (25-49) are the ones
most likely to say increased family commitments
as being the other activities they are
participating in. The critical age group for
other sports taking over from tennis is the 12-17
year olds.
65
Player Interview
What other sports do you find yourself playing
instead of tennis?
Top 3 Sports
66
Player Interview
67
Player Interview
Would any of the following cause you to play a
lot more tennis?
( saying Yes)
Over half of the 12-17 year olds said they would
play a lot more tennis if they could play on a
team with friends.
68
Player Interview
9. Tennis Facilities
The most likely to play at a private or
commercial club are frequent players (21).
New players are the most likely to play at a
school/college.
69
Player Interview
The most likely to play at a private or
commercial club are frequent players (21). New
players are the most likely to play at a
school/college.
70
Player Interview
10. Team Tennis
The number of those playing on an organized team
increases as play frequency increases.
Females are more likely than males to ever have
played on an organized team.
Frequent players are the most likely to have
played on a club team.
71
Player Interview
The number of those playing on an organized team
increases as play frequency increases.
72
Player Interview
73
Player Interview
Females are more likely than males to ever have
played on an organized team.
74
Player Interview
75
Player Interview
Frequent players are the most likely to have
played on a club team.
76
Player Interview
11. Availability of Courts Programs
Rejoiners have the most difficulty finding people
to play tennis with and open tennis courts to
play on. Less frequent players have more
difficulty finding a tennis program than frequent
players.
77
Player Interview
Rejoiners have the most difficulty finding people
to play tennis with and open tennis courts to
play on. Less frequent players have more
difficulty finding a tennis program than frequent
players.
78
Player Interview
12. Awareness of Programs
Less than half of new tennis players are aware of
local organized tennis programs.
The older players are much more aware of programs
designed to give a good workout.
New players are most aware of new player programs
at schools/colleges.
Younger players are most aware of new player
programs at schools/colleges.
79
Player Interview
Less than half of new tennis players are aware of
local organized tennis programs.
80
Player Interview
The older players are much more aware of programs
designed to give a good workout.
81
Player Interview
New players are most aware of new player programs
at schools/colleges.
82
Player Interview
Younger players are most aware of new player
programs at schools/colleges.
83
Player Interview
13. Lessons/Clinics
Only 36 of new players are aware of programs at
public facilities and only 17 there are tennis
pros at those public courts.
Over half of all groups say the public courts in
their areas are very good or excellent.
84
Player Interview
85
Player Interview
86
Player Interview
87
Player Interview
Are you aware of any public courts in your
area? Do the public tennis courts in your area o
ffer any kind of tennis program, which could
include tennis lessons, clinics, leagues, or
tournaments? Are there any tennis pros working a
t the public courts in your area?
Only 36 of new players are aware of programs at
public facilities and only 17 there are tennis
pros at those public courts.
88
Player Interview
Over half of all groups say the public courts in
their areas are very good or excellent.
89
Player Interview
14. Tennis Advertising
The frequent and older players are more aware of
advertising for playing tennis. Only 26 of new
tennis players are aware of advertising for
playing tennis. Only 16 of 18-24 year olds had
seen advertising.
New tennis players led the way in seeing
advertising from these sources TV,
school/college, and mailings.
Just over half of infrequent players said seeing
ads increased their interest in playing tennis.
90
Player Interview
The frequent and older players are more aware of
advertising for playing tennis. Only 26 of new
tennis players are aware of advertising for
playing tennis. Only 16 of 18-24 year olds had
seen advertising.
91
Player Interview
New tennis players led the way in seeing
advertising from these sources TV,
school/college, and mailings.
92
Player Interview
Just over half of infrequent players said seeing
ads increased their interest in playing tennis.
93
Player Interview
94
Player Interview
15. Motivation for Playing Tennis
Fun and exercise are the most important
motivations for all groups. Late starters placed
more importance on exercise, stress relief, and
sense of accomplishment as reasons for starting
tennis than the other groups.
Females placed more importance on exercise and
stress relief as reasons for starting tennis than
the other groups.
95
Player Interview
Fun and exercise are the most important
motivations for all groups. Late starters placed
more importance on exercise, stress relief, and
sense of accomplishment as reasons for starting
tennis than the other groups.
96
Player Interview
Females placed more importance on exercise and
stress relief as reasons for starting tennis than
the other groups.
97
Player Interview
16. Tennis Product Consumption
As play frequency increases so do equipment and
clothing purchases.
98
Player Interview
As play frequency increases so do equipment and
clothing purchases.
99
Player Interview
100
Player Interview
101
Player Interview
17. Tennis Activity
New players are not as into tennis as the other
groups. They are especially less likely to watch
pro tennis on TV, go to the internet for tennis
info, and read a tennis magazine regularly. 3 of
new players say they participated in a USTA
program and only 11 played in a league.
Younger age groups are much less likely than
older age groups to watch pro tennis on TV.
Younger players spend more time playing casual
tennis than the older players.
New players are less enthusiastic about watching
tennis on TV and less than half feel they dont
get a better workout from tennis compared to
other sports.
Enjoyment of watching pro tennis on TV increases
with age.
102
Player Interview
New players are not as into tennis as the other
groups. They are especially less likely to watch
pro tennis on TV, go to the internet for tennis
info, and read a tennis magazine regularly. 3 of
new players say they participated in a USTA
program and only 11 played in a league.
103
Player Interview
Younger age groups are much less likely than
older age groups to watch pro tennis on TV.
104
Player Interview
105
Player Interview
106
Player Interview
107
Player Interview
Younger players spend more time playing casual
tennis than the older players.
108
Player Interview
New players are less enthusiastic about watching
tennis on TV and less than half feel they dont
get a better workout from tennis compared to
other sports.
109
Player Interview
Enjoyment of watching pro tennis on TV increases
with age.
110
Player Interview
18. Rejoiners
Not enough time remains the most common reason
for stopping tennis playing.
Convenient tennis courts and exercise are the two
most important reasons for bringing individuals
back into the game.
111
Player Interview
Rejoiners What age did you stop playing tennis?

What age did you start playing tennis again?
112
Player Interview
Not enough time remains the most common reason
for stopping tennis playing.
113
Player Interview
114
Player Interview
Convenient tennis courts and exercise are the two
most important reasons for bringing individuals
back into the game.
115
Player Interview
19. Awareness of USTA
Unprompted, only 7 of new players had heard of
the USTA.
When prompted, 36 of new players had heard of
the USTA.
New players are the most interested in becoming a
USTA member.
116
Player Interview
Unprompted, only 7 of new players had heard of
the USTA.
117
Player Interview
Have you ever heard of the USTA?
Are you aware of anything the USTA does in your
local area to promote the game of tennis?
Are you currently a member of the USTA?
Have you ever been a member of the USTA?
Have you ever visited the USTAs website?
When prompted, 36 of new players had heard of
the USTA.
118
Player Interview
119
Player Interview
New players are the most interested in becoming a
USTA member.
120
FORMER PLAYER STUDY
121
Former Player Interview
1. Other Sports
Lapsed players were more active in individual
sports such as golf, swimming, and cycling.
Samplers were more active in team sports such as
soccer, football, and baseball.
Lapsed players spent the most time on golf while
samplers spent the most time on walking.
Samplers are a bit more likely than lapsed
players to exercise or take part in an active
sport on a regular basis.
122
Former Player Interview
Lapsed players were more active in individual
sports such as golf, swimming, and cycling.
Samplers were more active in team sports such as
soccer, football, and baseball.
123
Former Player Interview
Lapsed players spent the most time on golf while
samplers spent the most time on walking.
124
Former Player Interview
Samplers are a bit more likely than lapsed
players to exercise or take part in an active
sport on a regular basis.
125
Former Player Interview
126
Former Player Interview
2. Tennis Fandom
Nearly half of samplers are not interested in
tennis compared to only 23 of lapsed players.
Watching tennis on TV has a notably bigger effect
on lapsed players in terms of increasing their
interest in playing tennis.
127
Former Player Interview
Nearly half of samplers are not interested in
tennis compared to only 23 of lapsed players.
128
Former Player Interview
Watching tennis on TV has a notably bigger effect
on lapsed players in terms of increasing their
interest in playing tennis.
129
Former Player Interview
3. Taking up the Game
School and friends were the biggest influences
for trying tennis for both samplers and lapsed
players.
The majority of samplers and lapsed players
played tennis first and then became a fan.
A little over half of lapsed players feel having
easy access to a tennis court was very or
somewhat important in causing them to first try
tennis. A bit under 3 in 10 samplers feel the
same way.
130
Former Player Interview
School and friends were the biggest influences
for trying tennis for both samplers and lapsed
players.
131
Former Player Interview
The majority of samplers and lapsed players
played tennis first and then became a fan.
132
Former Player Interview
A little over half of lapsed players feel having
easy access to a tennis court was very or
somewhat important in causing them to first try
tennis. A bit under 3 in 10 samplers feel the
same way.
133
Former Player Interview
4. Lapsed Player Profile
Having fun is clearly the most important reason
for lapsed players for playing tennis. Also, 6
out of 10 lapsed players feel exercise is very or
somewhat important.
7 out of 10 lapsed players play tennis at either
a public park or a school.
134
Former Player Interview
Lapsed Players
135
Former Player Interview
Having fun is clearly the most important reason
for lapsed players for playing tennis. Also, 6
out of 10 lapsed players feel exercise is very or
somewhat important.
136
Former Player Interview
7 out of 10 lapsed players play tennis at either
a public park or a school.
137
Former Player Interview
5. Tennis during P.E. / Team / Lesson
45 of lapsed players have taken tennis lessons
compared to only 16 for samplers.
This confirms the need to get samplers to have
proper lessons when they try the game.
Lapsed players are much more likely than samplers
to say they enjoyed playing tennis in P.E. class.
Again this confirms the need to improve the first
time experience by teaching tennis properly.
138
Former Player Interview
Have you ever played tennis as part of gym or
P.E. class? Have you ever played tennis on any ty
pe of organized team? Have you ever taken tennis
lessons? Have you ever taken tennis lessons from
a pro in your area?
45 of lapsed players have taken tennis lessons
compared to only 16 for samplers.
This confirms the need to get samplers to have
proper lessons when they try the game.
139
Former Player Interview
140
Former Player Interview
Lapsed players are much more likely than samplers
to say they enjoyed playing tennis in P.E. class.
Again this confirms the need to improve the first
time experience by teaching tennis properly.
141
Former Player Interview
142
Former Player Interview
6. Sampler Profile
8 out of 10 samplers tried playing tennis at a
school or public park.
Hitting balls back and forth with family/friends
was by far the most common way in which samplers
tried playing tennis.
Of those samplers who have taken tennis lessons,
6 out of 10 took group lessons.
143
Former Player Interview
Samplers
144
Former Player Interview
8 out of 10 samplers tried playing tennis at a
school or public park.
145
Former Player Interview
Hitting balls back and forth with family/friends
was by far the most common way in which samplers
tried playing tennis.
146
Former Player Interview
Of those samplers who have taken tennis lessons,
6 out of 10 took group lessons.
147
Former Player Interview
7. Reasons Stopped Playing
Lapsed players were most likely to say they
stopped playing because of physical or logistical
circumstances (injury, not enough time, no one to
play with, etc.). Conversely, samplers mainly
stopped playing because of not liking tennis
(didnt enjoy it, not interested, wasnt good at
it.)
The most important reason for lapsed players not
playing tennis anymore was injury/health
problems. The samplers most important reason was
they just werent interested in tennis.
Over half (55) of samplers were playing other
sports/fitness activities compared to only 33 of
lapsed players.
Soft court use among lapsed players has increased
slightly since 2004.
Nearly half of lapsed players felt family and
work commitments were very or somewhat important
as to why they stopped playing tennis.
6 out of 10 samplers felt participating in other
sports/activities was very or somewhat important
as to why they stopped playing tennis.
148
Former Player Interview
Lapsed players were most likely to say they
stopped playing because of physical or logistical
circumstances (injury, not enough time, no one to
play with, etc.). Conversely, samplers mainly
stopped playing because of not liking tennis
(didnt enjoy it, not interested, wasnt good at
it.)
149
Former Player Interview
The most important reason for lapsed players not
playing tennis anymore was injury/health
problems. The samplers most important reason was
they just werent interested in tennis.
150
Former Player Interview
Over half (55) of samplers were playing other
sports/fitness activities compared to only 33 of
lapsed players.
151
Former Player Interview
152
Former Player Interview
153
Former Player Interview
154
Former Player Interview
155
Former Player Interview
156
Former Player Interview
157
Former Player Interview
Soft court use among lapsed players has increased
slightly since 2004.
158
Former Player Interview
159
Former Player Interview
Nearly half of lapsed players felt family and
work commitments were very or somewhat important
as to why they stopped playing tennis.
160
Former Player Interview
6 out of 10 samplers felt participating in other
sports/activities was very or somewhat important
as to why they stopped playing tennis.
161
Former Player Interview
8. Playing Tennis Again
Three-fourths of samplers and lapsed players feel
it would be very or somewhat easy to find an open
tennis court to play on if they wanted to play
tennis again. However, under half of samplers
and lapsed players feel it would be very or
somewhat easy to find someone to play with.
Overall, lapsed players are more aware than
samplers about local tennis programs. However,
only 43 of lapsed players are aware of any
programs.
Lapsed players are more aware of private and
commercial programs.
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Former Player Interview
Three-fourths of samplers and lapsed players feel
it would be very or somewhat easy to find an open
tennis court to play on if they wanted to play
tennis again. However, under half of samplers
and lapsed players feel it would be very or
somewhat easy to find someone to play with.
163
Former Player Interview
Overall, lapsed players are more aware than
samplers about local tennis programs. However,
only 43 of lapsed players are aware of any
programs.
164
Former Player Interview
Lapsed players are more aware of private and
commercial programs.
165
Former Player Interview
166
Former Player Interview
167
Former Player Interview
168
Former Player Interview
169
Former Player Interview
9. Tennis Advertising
Samplers are much more likely than lapsed players
to see ads on TV than Lapsed players are more
likely than samplers to see ads in the newspaper.
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Former Player Interview
171
Former Player Interview
Samplers are much more likely than lapsed players
to see ads on TV than Lapsed players are more
likely than samplers to see ads in the newspaper.
172
Former Player Interview
173
Former Player Interview
10. Likelihood of Watching, Attending, Playing
Only one out of 10 samplers and lapsed players
are very or somewhat likely to begin playing
tennis again in the next 12 months.
The most likely places for both samplers and
lapsed players to look for info on tennis are the
internet and their recreational department.
10 of samplers said they would get back into
tennis if they could find someone to play with.
15 of lapsed players said they would play tennis
again if their friends played.
Team tennis, cardio tennis, and park programs are
the top 3 motivations for getting lapsed
samplers back to tennis. Half of samplers and
lapsed players said they would be a lot or a
little more likely to play tennis again if they
could participate in a Cardio Tennis class.
9 out of 10 lapsed players agree strongly or
somewhat that playing tennis is a great way to
get a good workout.
Almost 9 out of 10 samplers agree strongly or
somewhat that playing tennis is a great way to
get a good workout.
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Former Player Interview
Only one out of 10 samplers and lapsed players
are very or somewhat likely to begin playing
tennis again in the next 12 months.
175
Former Player Interview
The most likely places for both samplers and
lapsed players to look for info on tennis are the
internet and their recreational department.
176
Former Player Interview
10 of samplers said they would get back into
tennis if they could find someone to play with.
15 of lapsed players said they would play tennis
again if their friends played.
177
Former Player Interview
Team tennis, cardio tennis, and park programs are
the top 3 motivations for getting lapsed
samplers back to tennis. Half of samplers and
lapsed players said they would be a lot or a
little more likely to play tennis again if they
could participate in a Cardio Tennis class.
178
Former Player Interview
9 out of 10 lapsed players agree strongly or
somewhat that playing tennis is a great way to
get a good workout.
179
Former Player Interview
Almost 9 out of 10 samplers agree strongly or
somewhat that playing tennis is a great way to
get a good workout.
180
Former Player Interview
11. Awareness of USTA
86 of samplers and 71 of lapsed players failed
to name an organization that governs the game of
tennis.
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Former Player Interview
86 of samplers and 71 of lapsed players failed
to name an organization that governs the game of
tennis.
182
Former Player Interview
Have you ever heard of the USTA?
Are you aware of anything the USTA does in your
local area to promote the game of tennis?
Were you ever a member or are you currently a
member of the USTA? Have you ever visited the UST
As website?
183
Former Player Interview
184
Former Player Interview
185
NON-PLAYER STUDY
186
Non-Player Interview
1. Sports Activities Exercise
Less than half of non-players take part in an
active sport on a regular basis.
187
Non-Player Interview
188
Non-Player Interview
189
Non-Player Interview
Less than half of non-players take part in an
active sport on a regular basis.
190
Non-Player Interview
2. Tennis Fandom
Big and casual fans have declined from 18 to 8
since 2004.
Overall levels of watching tennis remain very low.
191
Non-Player Interview
Big and casual fans have declined from 18 to 8
since 2004.
192
Non-Player Interview
Overall levels of watching tennis remain very low.
193
Non-Player Interview
3. Why Never Played Tennis
The 1 reason for non tennis players to never
have tried tennis is that they just are not
interested in it. Only 10 said it was because
they didnt have enough time.
The most important reason for non players never
trying tennis is that they prefer other sports.
About 3 out of 10 cited tennis as boring as a
reason why they arent interested in it.
194
Non-Player Interview
The 1 reason for non tennis players to never
have tried tennis is that they just are not
interested in it. Only 10 said it was because
they didnt have enough time.
195
Non-Player Interview
The most important reason for non players never
trying tennis is that they prefer other sports.
196
Non-Player Interview
About 3 out of 10 cited tennis as boring as a
reason why they arent interested in it.
197
Non-Player Interview
198
Non-Player Interview
4. Likelihood of Watching, Attending, Playing
The likelihood of non tennis players watching a
tennis match on TV continues to decline.
199
Non-Player Interview
The likelihood of non tennis players watching a
tennis match on TV continues to decline.
200
Non-Player Interview
5. Awareness of Programs
Only 2 out of 10 non tennis players are aware of
any organized tennis programs in their area.
Only 4 are aware of workout tennis programs.
Tennis lessons, playing on a team with friends,
and cardio tennis are the top 3 things that have
the best chance of getting non players to play.
81 of non players agree strongly or somewhat
that tennis a great way to get a good workout.
2 out of 10 players saw or heard ads for playing
tennis. 93 of those people saw the ads on TV.
20 of those people increased their interest in
playing tennis and 10 increased their interest
in watching tennis after seeing those ads.
201
Non-Player Interview
Only 2 out of 10 non tennis players are aware of
any organized tennis programs in their area.
Only 4 are aware of workout tennis programs.
202
Non-Player Interview
Are you aware of any public tennis courts in
your area? Do the public tennis courts in your a
rea offer any kind of tennis programs?
Are there any tennis pros working at the public
courts in your area?
saying Yes
203
Non-Player Interview
204
Non-Player Interview
Tennis lessons, playing on a team with friends,
and cardio tennis are the top 3 things that have
the best chance of getting non players to play.
205
Non-Player Interview
81 of non players agree strongly or somewhat
that tennis a great way to get a good workout.
206
Non-Player Interview
Have you seen or heard any advertising for
playing tennis? Did seeing these advertisements i
ncrease your interest in playing tennis?
Did seeing these advertisements increase your
interest in watching tennis?
Where did you see advertising for playing tennis?
2 out of 10 players saw or heard ads for playing
tennis. 93 of those people saw the ads on TV.
20 of those people increased their interest in
playing tennis and 10 increased their interest
in watching tennis after seeing those ads.
207
Non-Player Interview
6. Awareness of USTA
9 out of 10 non players failed to name an
organization that governs the game of tennis.
208
Non-Player Interview
9 out of 10 non players failed to name an
organization that governs the game of tennis.
209
Non-Player Interview
Prior to this interview, had you ever heard of
the USTA? Are you aware of anything the USTA doe
s in your local area to promote the game of
tennis? Have you ever visited the USTAs website
?
saying Yes
210
Non-Player Interview
211
Non-Player Interview