The USTA's American Development Model

The USTA's American Development Model

What is the American Development Model?

The American Development Model (ADM) applies long-term athletic development principles to guide parents and coaches as their players develop and mature. 

 

Core to the ADM is highlighting the dangers of early sport specialization and the need to develop multi-sport athletes, as well as a focus on increasing physical activity and fun.

 

Learn more about the ADM core athlete development principles 

LEARN MORE

The USTA's 5 C's

Under the ADM, players develop their athletic abilities across the 5 “C’s” that are influenced by sports science and youth development practices.

COMPETENCE

Technical, tactical and performance skills

CONFIDENCE

Self-belief, resilience, mental fortitude and a sense of positive self-worth

CHARACTER

Respect for the sport and others, integrity, self-discipline, and ethical and moral well-being

CONNECTION

Interpersonal skills and the ability to build and sustain meaningful and positive relationships

CREATIVITY

Providing a unique and imaginative environment that promotes engagement and a positive athlete experience

The USTA's 5 C's

Under the ADM, players develop their athletic abilities across the 5 “C’s” that are influenced by sports science and youth development practices.

COMPETENCE

Technical, tactical and performance skills

CONFIDENCE

Self-belief, resilience, mental fortitude and a sense of positive self-worth

CHARACTER

Respect for the sport and others, integrity, self-discipline, and ethical and moral well-being

CONNECTION

Interpersonal skills and the ability to build and sustain meaningful and positive relationships

CREATIVITY

Providing a unique and imaginative environment that promotes engagement and a positive athlete experience

Key Tennis Development Stages

For a proper tennis experience, these development stages support learning and advancement based on physical, social, mental and emotional levels of the athlete.

DISCOVER & LEARN 

 

Athlete

Age: Entry-11 

 

Athlete with Disability: 

0-3 years of athletic experience* 

DEVELOP & CHALLENGE

 

Athlete

Age: 12-18 

 

Athlete with Disability: 

3-6 years of athletic experience* 

PLAY FOR LIFE

 

Athlete

Age: 18+

 

Athlete with Disability: 

6+ years of athletic experience* 

DISCOVER & LEARN

 

Athlete

Age: Entry-11 

 

Athlete with Disability

0-3 years of athletic experience*

DEVELOP & CHALLENGE

 
Athlete

Age: 12-18

 

Athlete with Disability

3-6 years of athletic experience*

PLAY FOR LIFE

 
Athlete

Age: 18+

 

Athlete with Disability

6+ years of athletic experience*

*Number of years of athletic experience for an athlete before and after acquiring a permanent disability per US Paralympic guidelines

*Number of years of athletic experience for an athlete before and after acquiring a permanent disability per US Paralympic guidelines

For further reading:

Parent Guidebook

USTA's ADM Framework in Detail

Net Generation Report

USTA's ADM Brochure

USTA's ADM Brochure

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