"To ensure children's first exposure to the game is both positive and developmentally appropriate and to increase continued participation in tennis during adolescence, 10 & Under Tennis (10u) was created. Designed to be developmentally appropriate for the physical and cognitive levels of children, 10u tennis was proposed to increase skill development and maximize fun, two predictors of sport continued sport participation. However, no research has examined whether the 10u tennis promotes continued engagement and whether the transition out of 10u tennis and into traditional tennis influences the decision to continue or dropout of tennis. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors children cite as reasons for continued participation and dropping out of tennis after participation in 10u tennis and the role the transition from 10u tennis to traditional tennis has on the decision. Interviews were conducted with 12 parent-child dyads (24 participants overall) who either specialized in tennis, continued recreationally, or dropped out of tennis after transitioning to traditional tennis. Results showed that perceived competence, enjoyment, interpersonal relationships and achievement motivation were all sources of motivation to continue participation in tennis. A dislike of competition, performance anxiety, and other sport interests were cited as reasons for dropping out. An imbalance between the challenges associated with the transition to traditional tennis and the strategies and resources used to cope with them was related to the transition outcome of participants, with children who dropped out lacking the strategies and resources to cope with the challenges of transitioning to traditional tennis. Parent involvement and coach support were critical factors of successful transitions. Overall the transition from 10u tennis to traditional tennis influenced the participants decision to either continue or dropout through the impact on perceived competence, enjoyment, and peer relationships. Results are discussed relative to current research and theory on motivation for youth sports participation and withdrawal."--Pages ii-iii.
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