When a child first joins a junior tennis camp or begins taking tennis lessons, their initial experience can shape their love of the game. If a kid has a lot of fun when they first give tennis a try, the sport may become an important hobby or activity for them. However, if they have a bad experience during their first time on the court, then they can easily become discouraged from playing. This is true with any sport or activity. With tennis, children may not be initially familiar with the rules, the required skill set, or other parts of the game, such as handling a tennis racquet. Most kids can pick up the game very quickly, but it’s important that they are given the right guidance and attention to help them in those beginning stages.
Parental involvement in junior tennis can be a big help for kids, particularly when they’re first learning the game.
Tennis Parents and Their Role in Developing Junior Tennis Players
If you’re trying to teach your kid tennis or are helping with their weekend practices, you may want to know how you can best support their learning and skills development. Here are some of the steps you can take as a parent to help your soon-to-be tennis star.
Share Goals
Make sure that you and your child are on the same page and have the same goals in mind; otherwise, the guidance you give your kid may conflict with their goals and enjoyment of the game. For instance, if your kid wants to play tennis for fun and the social aspects, they can become frustrated if you force them to do excessive training. However, a child who wishes to be a professional or compete at a higher level may feel unsupported if you take a carefree approach to their practice. Share goals with your child and support their needs.
Learn the Game Too
It can be hard to help your child learn and practice tennis if you have no knowledge of the game yourself. You don’t have to be an expert tennis player or coach, but understanding the rules of the game, researching the sport, and being able to offer constructive criticism will help your child develop their tennis skills faster.
Focus on Fun and Skill Building
If you want your kid to take up tennis, then make sure that they have fun playing the game. Tennis is a competitive sport, but if too much focus is placed on competing, children can become frustrated. When children play sports, it’s important they have a positive attitude and enjoy the game. Help them focus on improving rather than winning. Losses are good learning opportunities. Have them work with teammates and learn how to work together, as well as both win and lose graciously.
Support Your Child
Learning tennis requires practice, which means that kids need the opportunity to play the sport regularly. Get your child the right equipment and gear, bring him or her to and from practices, and take them to public tennis courts to practice their game. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with other parents whose kids are also playing tennis.
Consider Tennis Camps or Lessons
If you don’t play tennis, it can be a little hard to teach your child the game. Consider either a tennis camp for kids or private tennis lessons to help support their learning. Tennis coaches are not only experienced with the game but also know the best ways to encourage children, make them have fun, and develop their skills in a non-intimidating environment. With a tennis camp in North York or Toronto, your kid can also meet with other local children around their age, making the experience all the more fun.
Can your child benefit from tennis? Bayview Village Tennis Camp is the top tennis camp in the GTA. Its Tennis Canada-certified instructors work to teach kids not only how to have fun with tennis, but also how to play smart and safe. More information about the junior and advanced summer tennis programs can be found by calling us at (905)-889-7293 or emailing pnielsen889@rogers.com.