Contrary to what you might think, after you enroll you child in a kids tennis camp in Toronto, pay the fees, and get them the right gear, it might not be smooth sailing. There is the chance you might hear, “I don’t like tennis camp. Not for me. Not going back. Sorry!”
While it doesn’t happen often, there is the possibility that your child might not see the value of a kids summer tennis camp right away. Kids are kids. They like what they like and are often susceptible to first impressions. Some kids are naturally driven, and some aren’t. But the last thing you want is for your child to unknowingly give up on something challenging and fun, and then regret it later on.
If your child has an interest in tennis but it struggling to stay motivated at their kids tennis camp, here are a few ways the right tennis instructors can inspire your child and help them discover their passion for tennis.
Set a Deadline
Organization and motivation go hand-in-hand. If you want younger tennis players to get interested in the game, it’s great to establish deadlines right off the bat. Akin to the school syllabus, it helps to show them what they are going to learn, when all lessons will be covered, and what they ought to be versed in at a set date. The instructors at our kids summer tennis camp will outline all of this within the first few lessons.
The other added bonus to setting a deadline is that kids can set goals for themselves mentally and get in the habit of asking questions or getting extra practice as they progress through the tennis camp program.
Over Communicate
Every child learns differently. Hence, it’s important for a tennis instructor to be patient and also be ready to over communicate the tennis skills they want their students to master. The more your child’s instructor is able to verbalize and demonstrate, for instance, a particular swing or footing technique, the more your child will understand the value of the skill and how it can benefit them.
For a great tennis instructor, the ability to over communicate is a valued skill, and can keep kids on track and enthused.
Be Accountable
A great leader often defines a great group. Your child’s tennis instructor is responsible for all members of the group and what they are expected to learn in the tennis summer camp. It’s a great privilege to instruct youth and help them build up a skill that could help them physically, socially, and athletically.
When tennis instructors are accountable for their actions and leadership, it also teaches kids to be accountable. It gives them a benchmark of integrity that they can strive for in their own lives.
Mistakes, failed swings, or even losses happen on the court happen. When children learn to be accountable for their actions, it motivates them to try harder and do better next time.
Plan Ahead
It’s the old cliché, “If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail”, but it’s a cliché for a reason at a kids tennis camp. This works both ways: kids will know when an instructor has or hasn’t done their own homework, especially if it feels like the lessons are being improvised. Instructors need to come with a game plan of instruction and review old skills while building on new ones.
For kids, being prepared is equally important. If they come to their tennis lessons without the right equipment or clothing, they will be less likely to enjoy the sport. When they come prepared, they have a structure and can work to improve, learn, and get assistance.
Teach the Mental Game
Chess, javelin, tennis…they all involve an intellectual side along with physical technique. Don’t neglect this. As kids at a tennis summer camp build their playing skills, it’s good to add some conceptual teaching to help them become masters at dealing with an opponent’s playing strategy. During each lesson, your child’s tennis instructor can relate it to a mental game, so each young player begins to develop his or her own strategy.
Mix It Up
You’ve likely had teachers in school or sports that are too “by-the-book”. They may be knowledgeable, but they stick to strict rules of instruction and never vary from it. This invariably leads to learning sessions that get dull and uninspired.
Creativity is not just for art or music camps. Tennis instructors can use unusual or uncommon activities to help push young players to perform better on the court. Great tennis instructors aren’t afraid to mix things up to make lessons, especially later ones in the camp, more interesting. Random skills practice, impromptu one-on-one plays, some comedic lessons…these are all fair game to keep tennis teaching from becoming boring.
Young people often respond well to “different” and will be engaged to try new things if a leader has enthusiasm for it.
Track Your Progress
It’s important that your child’s tennis instructor keep notes and tracks how well your child is progressing. They should note how their swings are going, how well they move on the court, how they incorporate new techniques for each match, and then present you and your child with the information in a kind manner. As they grow, most tennis players will want to improve, and tracking each young player’s progress can help with that development.
Bayview Village Tennis Camp is one of the top kids tennis camps in the GTA. Our Tennis Canada-certified instructors work to teach kids not only how to have fun with tennis but also how to play smart and safe. For more information about our beginner, intermediate, and advanced tennis programs, call us at (905) 889-7293 or email pnielsen889@rogers.com.