Tennis macht Schule

“Tennis Goes to School” – The German Tennis Movement

“Tennis macht Schule” (“Tennis Goes to School” or “Tennis Catches on”) is an initiative by mattress manufacturer bett1.de, created to promote and support tennis at every level. Former Berlin Davis Cup player Markus Zoecke leads the program at primary schools across Berlin and Brandenburg. The Berlin Senate and the Berlin-Brandenburg Tennis Association welcome the initiative and support the project.

Introductory Video for the Initiative "Tennis Goes to School" (in German)

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Tennis Equipment for Primary Schools

Photo: A child hits a tennis ball over a net to another child.

What Is “Tennis macht Schule”?

“Tennis macht Schule” is an initiative by bett1.de and the former Davis Cup player Markus Zoecke. It launched in April 2021 at an initial 200 primary schools in Berlin and Brandenburg that had applied to take part. All primary schools in Berlin and Brandenburg can apply for “Tennis macht Schule”. Participating schools receive a basic set of tennis equipment, including mini tennis nets, tennis rackets, tennis balls and court markers. This gives pupils an easy way to discover tennis at school. The equipment is portable and can also be set up quickly in the playground during breaks.

What Is the Aim of “Tennis macht Schule”?

Initially focused on Berlin and Brandenburg, the initiative aims to introduce all pupils to tennis and inspire them to take up the sport alongside other activities taught in PE lessons, such as football, basketball, handball and volleyball. Tennis offers many benefits that are particularly valuable for children. It exercises the entire musculoskeletal system and improves hand–eye coordination, while also encouraging fairness and respectful behaviour. Compared with contact sports, it also carries a relatively low risk of injury.

Photo: A row of red bett1 barrels on a red indoor tennis court.

Photo: On the left, former professional tennis player and Davis Cup player Markus Zoecke; on the right, Adam Szpyt, managing director of bett1.de

Who Is Behind “Tennis macht Schule”?

The initiative was created by Adam Szpyt, founder of bett1.de, and former professional tennis player and Davis Cup competitor Markus Zoecke. bett1.de sponsors Germany’s largest women’s tennis tournament and also supports Tentaja Soziale gGmbH, which gives everyone the opportunity to learn and play tennis free of charge in Hangar 1 on the site of the former Tempelhof Airport, alongside many other sports. A tennis court was installed in the hangar specifically for this purpose. Born in Berlin, former professional player Markus Zoecke is the project’s tennis expert, originator and initiator, and will oversee its successful implementation.

What Does the Practical Side of “Tennis macht Schule” Look Like?

The programmes are tailored to the children’s ages. The tennis courts and rackets are adapted to their size, while the tennis balls have reduced pressure to make learning easier. After a short introduction, children can quickly start rallying with one another. Teachers can also attend training courses offered by the Berlin-Brandenburg Tennis Association to acquire the necessary specialist knowledge. Markus Zoecke, the Berlin-Brandenburg Tennis Association and local clubs will support the teachers. All parties are encouraged to take a proactive approach and work together. There are no costs involved. bett1.de provides the schools with the tennis equipment free of charge.