Stephan Simann – Little Tennis”/>Stephan Simann, 38 years old, plays for TC Hilden-Ost.Image: private
With his “Little Tennis” project, Stephan Simann aimed to contest a match against every performance class. The 38-year-old has now done this.
“This is very big tennis”. This phrase is not only heard in tennis when Carlos Alcaraz plays a ball again that does not seem to be from this planet. It is also an expression outside the tennis court that something great has just happened.
But in addition to the “big tennis” that the tennis professionals celebrate week after week, there is also the “little tennis” that you can see in the numerous places worldwide in amateur tennis. Stephan Simann, 38 years old from Hilden (North Rhine-Westphalia), launched his “Little Tennis” project in 2020 to appreciate the amateur tennis.
“Small tennis”: a match against all 25 performance classes
Table of Contents
The goal: to record a podcast with every player of a performance class (then from 1 to 23) and to hear from the stories of numerous amateur players. When this project was completed, he went to the next project: a match against all 25 performance classes, which he records on video and uploads to his Instagram channel (approx. 3400 followers).
In March 2024, Simann started with his first match against an LK, in August 2025 he now completed his project with his 25th match. The age range of his opponents: 15 to 59 years. “Emphasizing the matches against the very strong opponents and opponents with low LKS who disassembled me. The way of playing on the other side of the square was impressive. My announcement was that they should play in such a way,” says Simann, who currently has LK 16:1 and opened for TC Hilden-Ost near Düsseldorf.
Stephan Simann: “You know that”
His videos always start with a saying that quickly becomes his trademark: “You know that”. “I did this saying a few times at the beginning without having a ulterior motive. When I then started the next video without ‘you know it’, there was feedback that the ‘You know that’. Then I thought that this was a saying that you can bring again and again,” says Simann.
In order to refine his own way of playing, the numerous videos were very instructive. “Through the videos I could see what I can do well and with which my opponents are difficult. These are my consistency and security in the beats that always have a good length and my backhand slice, which looks unusual, but is obviously sculious to play. Through the many match routine, I also learned to set myself up again and again with different play styles. People changed when he had time, ”he says.
“Little tennis” and the fascination of amateur tennis
After completing his second LK project, it shouldn’t have been. “There will continue to be community matches with people who want to play against me. I currently have two other things in my head. On the one hand, these are matches against all LKs with every decimal place. On the other hand, these are matches against every age group for women and men. I continue to do this on a voluntary basis. I have no income with my videos. As long as I have fun with it,” I look ahead.
His project “Little Tennis” is and remains a tribute to the amateur tennis. “The fascination with amateur tennis is that you live through exactly the same dramas as the professionals, just more extreme. In the amateur tennis, you will learn the range of the unfiltered emotions in an amateur tennis: from ‘I am the hottest of all time’ to ‘I listen to tennis’. You can see that in amateur tennis so much. That is so much fun. This runs through all ages, ”says Simann.
“Little Tennis” Project: Key Data and Insights
To further appreciate Stephan Simann’s “Little Tennis” project, let’s break down the key aspects with a quick, easy-to-digest table. This will provide a snapshot of his journey and highlight the passion for amateur tennis.
| Feature | Details | Significance |
|——————————|——————————————————————————————————–|——————————————————————————————————————————————–|
| Project Start | 2020 (Podcast); March 2024 (LK Matches) | Initial focus on community, later evolving into a challenge-based video series. |
| Project Goal | Matches against all 25 performance classes (LK) and Community Matches | Showcase the range of amateur tennis and celebrate its diversity. |
| Opponent Age Range | 15 to 59 years | Represents a broad spectrum, highlighting the inclusivity of the sport. |
| Distinctive element | “You know that” catchphrase | Creates a unique brand identity and reinforces connection with the audience. |
| Impact on Simann | Improved game through video analysis; Adaptation of game Style | Demonstrates the learning and refinement opportunities enabled through self-assessment and match play experience. |
| Future Endeavors | Matches against all LKs with every decimal place, matches against every age group.. | Continues to expand and challenge amateur game’s definition while embracing his personal goals |
| Project Philosophy | Tribute to Amateur Tennis | Reflects a deep appreciation of the sport at all levels, emphasizing the shared experiences and passion. |
| Instagram Followers | Roughly 3400 Followers | Demonstrates community engagement and project reach.|
FAQ: Your Top questions About “Little Tennis” Answered
To ensure clarity and address potential reader inquiries, here’s a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section:
Q: What is “Little Tennis”?
A: “Little Tennis” is a project created by Stephan Simann to celebrate and document amateur tennis. It involves playing matches against players of all performance classes (LK levels) and creating engaging video content to share the experience and promote enthusiasm for the sport.
Q: What are the goals of “Little Tennis”?
A: The primary goals are to appreciate and showcase amateur tennis-reflecting its diversity, passion, and the relatable dramas experienced by players of all levels, and to create a community around the sport.
Q: How did the project begin?
A: The project started in 2020 with a podcast and then evolved into a video series tracking matches against various LK levels.
Q: What is an LK?
A: LK stands for “Leistungsklasse,” which translates to “performance class”. This is a ranking system used in German amateur tennis to categorize players based on their skill level. There are 25 possible LK levels
Q: How can I follow Stephan Simann’s progress?
A: You can follow his matches and updates primarily through his Instagram channel, where he posts videos.
