At the US Open, a ball can travel from a player’s hand to a waiting server in seconds, without interrupting the point or drawing attention. That smooth handoff is the work of a trained ball crew. If you’re curious about how to become one—or what the job and its gear are really like—here’s what to know.
What US Open ball kids do
The tournament often calls them ballpersons, a term that reflects the fact that crew members aren’t all children. They keep play moving by collecting balls, returning them to players, managing towels and helping maintain order around the court. Their work is easy to overlook when it goes well; a late or wayward ball return can make it suddenly obvious.
A typical crew has set positions around the court, including stations near the net and corners. Ballpersons learn where to stand, when to move and how to pass balls safely. A ball is generally rolled along the court to a colleague or player rather than tossed high into the playing area. The goal is a controlled delivery that doesn’t distract anyone or create a tripping hazard.
They also have to read the rhythm of a match. A player may need a towel between points, ask for a particular ball, or be preparing to serve. Good crew members stay alert without rushing into a player’s space. On a packed show court, they must do all this while ignoring the crowd and following instructions from the chair umpire and crew supervisors.
How to become a US Open ballperson
Recruitment and training are organized ahead of the tournament, and the exact eligibility rules and dates can change each year. Check the official US Open or USTA ballperson recruitment information for the current application window, age requirements, location rules and tryout details. Don’t rely on an old social post for those specifics.
Applicants should expect more than a casual interview. Tryouts and training may assess movement, ball control, accuracy, concentration and the ability to follow directions. You don’t necessarily need to be a high-level player, but familiarity with tennis scoring and court positions helps. Coaches are looking for people who stay composed, work well in a team and can repeat basic tasks accurately for long stretches.
The tournament is played over many days, with matches scheduled in daytime heat and late-night sessions. The work can involve long periods on your feet, quick changes of direction and constant attention. Being reliable matters as much as being fast: a ballperson has to know when to move, when to hold position and when to let a player finish a routine.
Selected crew members receive instructions about the official uniform and what they’re permitted to bring. Follow those directions rather than buying an outfit in the hope it will match. Personal equipment generally belongs in practice, not on court during an assignment; tournament kit and court rules take priority.
What gear is useful for training?
You don’t need a specialist shopping list to prepare. The best practice kit supports quick movement and comfort on a hard court. The products below are suggestions for training—not a claim that these are US Open issue gear. The tournament’s uniform and equipment requirements may differ.
| Item | Why it may suit practice | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASICS GEL-RESOLUTION X court shoes | A supportive option for repeated lateral movement on hard courts. | Stable feel; built for tennis-specific side-to-side work. | Can feel firm or substantial; fit is personal, so try them on before buying. |
| adidas Barricade 13 court shoes | An alternative for people who prefer a secure, supportive court shoe. | Durable construction and a locked-in feel for many players. | May feel stiff at first and isn’t the lightest choice for every foot. |
| Balega Hidden Comfort socks | Comfortable socks can help reduce rubbing during long practice sessions. | Cushioning in high-contact areas; useful for repeated court movement. | Thicker cushioning may make a close-fitting shoe feel tight. |
| Nike Dri-FIT Miler top | A lightweight practice shirt for warm-weather drills. | Breathable performance fabric; easy to use for tennis or general training. | It is not official US Open uniform, and fit and fabric preference vary. |
| Wilson US Open Extra Duty balls | A hard-court ball for practicing controlled feeds and rolls with a partner. | Designed for hard-court use; a practical choice for outdoor practice. | Not needed for the job itself, and ball feel changes as a can is used. |
For a ballperson tryout, practice the skill rather than just collecting gear. With a partner, work on rolling a ball accurately to a target, retrieving balls without crossing into someone’s path, and moving quickly while keeping your eyes up. Add short intervals of footwork and change-of-direction drills. Stop if you feel pain, and build your training gradually.
Comfort matters, but don’t overlook the basics: shoes that fit, socks that don’t bunch, water breaks during practice and sun protection when training outdoors. At the tournament, follow the organizers’ instructions about what is allowed; personal hats, bottles or other accessories may not be permitted on court.
What makes the job harder than it looks?
Ballpersons have to move quickly without appearing hurried. They’re watching the ball, the players and their teammates at once, then making a decision in a narrow window between points. A player’s familiar routine can help crew members anticipate what comes next, but anticipation must never become interference. If a player changes plans or the umpire gives an instruction, the crew has to adjust immediately.
Conditions add another challenge. Hard courts can be hot underfoot, matches can run late, and the pace of work varies from quiet stretches to bursts of activity. Crew members need concentration throughout, not just speed in the moment. That’s why training emphasizes positioning, communication and consistency alongside ball handling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are US Open ballpersons all children?
No. The tournament uses the term “ballpersons” because crew members can include teenagers and adults. The minimum age and any location requirements depend on the year’s recruitment rules, so check the current official listing.
Do you need to be a tennis player to apply?
Strong competitive experience is not necessarily required, but knowing the rules, scoring and court layout is useful. Applicants should be ready to learn specific movement and ball-handling procedures and work well with a team.
Does the US Open provide the uniform?
Selected crew members receive instructions about official attire and equipment. Check the current recruitment information for what is supplied and what you need to bring; don’t assume personal clothing or accessories will be accepted on court.
What should I practice before a tryout?
Work on accurate, controlled ball rolls, quick retrievals, awareness of other people’s paths and staying focused through repeated drills. Comfortable court shoes help, but follow the tournament’s rules about footwear and gear at the actual tryout.
Final Thoughts
US Open ballpersons do much more than chase loose balls. They help protect the pace and order of a match through good positioning, careful timing and calm teamwork. If you’re interested in joining the crew, check the current official application details, build your court awareness and practice reliable movement. The right gear can make training more comfortable, but attentiveness and consistency are what make the difference.
