Simple Quick Guide to Tennis Parenting

It’s extremely difficult to emerge today as a top young player without the support of a parent. It usually starts with parents awesomely watching on TV the top tennis players of today such as the likes of Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, or Sharapova. Seeing them play makes most parents say "How I wish someday my child will be like them".



If you are one of these parents, and you decided to introduce your child to tennis game, or more, you want to be the primer tennis tutor of your child, this one’s for you.

(Each pointer is bulleted so as to make it more comprehensible)



• First and foremost, the key to positive tennis parenting is learning to give unconditionally to children. Expecting something in return, especially from your financial investment, or amount of time and effort spent, then you’re just giving conditionally. Children feel pressure when expectations become too great, causing "burn-out" and drop out of the sport.



• Children are not supposed to be pushed to play the game farther than they do. That’s why self-motivation has to be developed at their very early age. Let them determine what their goals in tennis will be, as this can help develop their appetite for playing the game more.



• Communication is key to understanding to your child. Use positive advice to get positive feedback. Avoid criticism, and if you can’t, make it constructive, not destructive. Always let them hear you when you praise them because it boosts their morale.



• Misbehaving kids during play on the tennis court, such as smashing the racquets is not a pretty sight. Make them realize that emotional control is one of the most important elements that top players possess.



• Let your tennis kids know that it’s OK to lose to make them not feeling discouraged during sub par performances. Offer positive advice and listen to what they have to say. This will take off pressure and will let them go on enjoyably competing in the sport.



• Confidence is developed among players in the practice court, along with match experience gained over time. Make them understand that they have control over their thoughts and actions during game. Teaching self-discipline and self-control will enable them to perform to their best level consistently.



• For a capable tennis parent who believes he or she can perform the primer tutoring to their child, kindly consider the following attributes you should possess to gain success.



a. Athletic abilities.

b. Understand basic strokes, fundamentals, strategies and tactics.

c. Patience and understanding.

d. Can motivate, inspire and gain respect of the child.

e. Instill belief, confidence and good sportsmanship.

f. Enthusiastic in their approach to make the game fun in the process.



• When a time comes that the parent has realized their child deserves more because of obvious potentials, it would be a sound decision to look for a more capable professional tennis tutor to tap and enhance it.



So to speak, tennis is such a lifetime sport and a great character builder to offer youngsters. Playing the game is a rewarding experience and will help them prepare for the successes of everyday life.



By Juanito Sanz

The author is a recreational tennis player for the past thirty years who enjoy sharing his tennis knowledge and experience compassionately to enthusiastic beginners .