Michael-Ray Pallares and Ron Tankel, experts in tennis and therapeutic recreation, teamed up to pilot a Tennis for Behavioural Health programme in North Kansas City. Their goal was to support at-risk youth by giving them a sense of community and structure, the USTA reported. 

During the two-week programme, participants met daily to devote time to playing tennis, and they were also taught how to properly use the public tennis infrastructure of the sport, particularly concourses in local parks as well as indoor tennis courts. 

Surveys showed that the youth were doing much better after the program was over. While physical activity increased by 33%, social and emotional well-being improved much more dramatically. 

For example, participants reported a 60% increase in self-motivation, a 40% increase in positive self-esteem, a 40% increase in the number of friends, and a 36% increase in willingness to cooperate with others. In addition, it is important to note that adolescents were 33% more aware and proud of their achievements. 

In addition, gains were noted in terms of increased better control over their emotions, as well as the ability to structure their leisure time in a more constructive way.