5 Tips for Tennis Parents
Looking back at my time on court as a junior and with what I have learned as coach over the years, here are 5 tips for tennis parents:
#1. Leave kids wanting more
Most kids have a short attention span, especially under the age of 10. If they are just starting to play tennis, try starting them out playing 30-45 min. Let them be the one to ask to keep playing.
One other thing, when you hit with your kids at any level, keep an eye on their body language. If they are walking around, dragging racket head by their feet, and their shoulders slumped, STOP! Pick up the balls. Hopefully you can stop before they get to that point.
#2. If you can, avoid teaching them.
We all want to help our kids but taking a lesson from your parent is not much fun. Now I am not saying this goes for everyone! I have plenty of friends who were coached by their parents and they were great players, but I think its best if parents allow the coach to do their job. Wait for your child to ask for your help before you try to teach them how to play the game of tennis. If they never ask, don’t teach them. If your kids are in a group or a private lesson, then that the place for them to learn and become excited about the game of tennis. When parents try and teach their kids, friction can be caused.
#3. Avoid post-match criticism
Critiquing your child after a match is one of the leading causes of stress. Every time they play, they will know that you are watching every move they make. They will not retain any criticism until they have settled down after a match. When they come off the court make the effort to let them know that they are your child first and athlete second. Charting a match helps. You can chart it and put it on their desk to look at later.
#4. Keep your distance
The USTA recommends that you stay a min of two courts away. Some kids can handle their parents breathing through the fence, bout most kids can’t and won’t say anything until it is too late. Wear sunglasses so they can’t see you roll your eyes. If your child is look at you after every point you are too close. I also believe as a competitor, you have to get over things like that. It should not matter who is watching, but if it clearly bothers your child create some distance between you and the court.
#5. Avoid talking about money
Avoid talking about money. Another ingredient for pressure is hearing “ we are spending hundreds of dollars on your tennis and you. “ . Talking about money does not work. Never has. Never will.