Little Tennis Olympics is an event designed to create team competition for a large group of participants. The ability level may vary and can be adapted to almost any skill classification.

The format is a series of fun team activities using a variety of stations. Depending on group size, skill level and age, modifications can be made for birthday parties, carnivals, holiday theme events (such as Fourth of July family days), preschool or school class outings, scout groups, boys' and girls' clubs and even adult mixers.

Little Tennis Olympics is fun for everyone. Each participant has an opportunity to contribute to their team score. The contests are of short duration and involve a minimum of explanation and demonstration time.

Another plus is that the format is flexible. Teams need not be exactly the same size, and participants can be added after the event has begun. Even if some individuals cannot participate the entire time, it should not totally disrupt the flow of the event.

The games selected dictate what equipment and facilities will be needed.

• Basic setup:

• More elaborate setup:

Consider several things before setting up the actual competition -- the total number of courts, ability level of participants, duration of the event, supply of racquets and balls and available leadership.

Teams should be divided as equally as possible and include three to 15 players. The ideal team would include four to six individuals. Each team should have an adult leader who is designated as the captain or coach.

For identification purposes, names should be selected for each team. This can be done as the teams are being drawn, or teams can choose names before the actual contests begin. Children like to be part of the latest fad. For example, they may choose Power Rangers, Mickey Mouse, etc., as names. Animal names are always good as well.

A schedule of activities should be arranged with time allotted for explanation and/or demonstration, practice, the actual contest and scoring. Ideally, the contest will be easy to explain and last a short time.

A scoring system must be established to allow points for every team in the competition. For example, if there are six teams, the scoring might be as follows: 10 points for first place, 8 for second, 6 for third, 4 for fourth and 2 for fifth. Each team must complete the event in order to score. To keep scoring close, make sure all teams score some points for each contest.

After the teams, leaders and names have been identified, the actual games can begin. It may be helpful to select contests after considering the space available and the ability level of participants. Using the Little Tennis Olympics format, the event should last around an hour. Birthday parties may last from 30 minutes to an hour, and carnivals may last up to four hours.

Each contest must be described and demonstrated by the overall leader (the commissioner) and team captains should be trained to demonstrate each activity. This will give everyone an opportunity to view how the activity will be contested. Teams are given a limited amount of practice time. Captains should report the scores to a central location and the next activity should be introduced.

Many contests have a time limit, so some method of timing is essential. Playing lively and upbeat music during each event provides the participants with both energy and inspiration. Music generates excitement. It also serves as an excellent timing method to have the activity begin and end with the music.

Periodic scoring updates may be given to build excitement. Double points may be awarded for the last few events to make the teams more competitive.

Simple prizes should be given to members of the winning teams. Computer-generated certificates with gold, silver and bronze stickers make excellent awards.

Almost any game, contest relay or drill can be used for a Little Tennis Olympics event. However, you must be able to score the event. Using targets and counting consecutive hits or total hits within a designated time are all methods that can be used.

The following chart serves as a model of a score card and list of possible activities. This is only a model, since your activities will depend on your facility and group.

The Little Tennis Olympics model works very well for parties, though parties may be more likely to have individual contestants rather than teams. It is important to have well-organized games and activities at each station, along with adequate supervision. Children can rotate from station to station and scores can be recorded for each child. These scores could be used as the basis for prizes or favors.

Like a birthday party, stations will have to be well-designed with a definite flow pattern and supervision. Large groups can participate by going from one station to the next. It is always a good idea to have prizes or stickers at each station.

Carnivals may be conducted at shopping malls, recreation centers, parks or clubs; or for groups, such as schools or scout troops. Carnival activities are ideal for family or holiday theme days.