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Spring and summer sports camps are a great way to keep kids active while they are away from school, and tennis for beginners is one of the best options. Tennis provides multiple benefits to kids, such as improving their confidence and social skills, and giving them a safe and positive environment to get stronger and healthier. There are many tennis programs available to choose from, so before you get started, here are some things to consider first.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Tennis Program for Your Child
Age
Be sure to check the age limits of the tennis camp you are interested in. If your child is bigger or more advanced than other players, they may be able to join a higher-level class. Most tennis camps for youth accept children aged eight to 18, but some camps offer classes for players who are younger or older.
Child’s Health
One of the first things you should consider is the health of your child. If your child often gets sick, has severe allergies, or other health concerns, tennis camps may not be the best place for them. If you have any concerns as to whether your child can play a sport like this, speak with your doctor to get a professional opinion.
Low Student-to-Instructor Ratio
A lower student-to-instructor ratio is the best option for beginning players. This allows instructors to spend more time on each player and help them develop skills and techniques, so they get the most out of each class. These smaller classes are more engaging for students as they can get feedback and more attention from the coach. Smaller classes may also help shy students to feel less overwhelmed.
The Right Tennis Coach
Once you have chosen a tennis program for beginners, discern which coach is the right fit for your child. You can even ask your child what they think of the coach after your first meeting together. As a parent, you can evaluate a coach by looking at their history of work, credentials, resume, and other important information to see how much education they have and if they have national or international certifications. Check references from other parents, and see how invested the coach is in his or her role.
Tennis Camp Facilities
If you are able, check out the facilities and court of the tennis camp you are interested in before signing your child up for lessons. Ask for a tour and bring your child along to see how they respond to the camp and other children. If they are comfortable in the surroundings, and if the facilities have the accommodations, supervision, and safety you expect, it may be a good place to work with. You can ask the staff members about other activities available to the campers, such as recreational sports, games, and quiet or independent activities.
Cost of Tennis Programs
The cost of a children’s tennis camp depends on the time of year that the camp is held, the length of time your child remains in lessons, the location of the camp, and the level of prestige/quality of instruction. Sit down with a staff member and ask about what options are available before making any decisions.
Breaks, Downtime, Non-Sport Activities
Too much time focused on sports instruction, five days a week, can be overwhelming for children. The game should still be fun, so it’s important to allow kids to have some downtime. Group games like tag or capture the flag can help kids let off some steam in a way that is fun, and doesn’t require too much structure.
How Can You Be a Good Tennis Parent?
- Avoid emotional reactions in the stands, as players are highly influenced by the things their parents do or say during games. Be calm, supportive, and composed so you don’t distract the players or embarrass your child.
- Avoid letting your nerves stress out your child during the game. This puts unnecessary tension on the player, preventing them from feeling confident, relaxed, and sure of their game plan. If you have anything you want to say, be sure it is encouraging, and say it to your child before they play. If you feel that your child is unprepared, speak with the instructor or help your child check off all they will need before the day of the game.
- Avoid comparing your child to other players.
- Do not give your child false hopes in saying they are guaranteed to win. Instead, tell them they will play well, and explain why. Acknowledge your child’s hard work and perseverance, and speak in a positive and encouraging way. Discouraging or making uncertain promises to your child will do them no good during the game.
- Avoid getting involved in on-court disputes, if possible. It may be your instinct to defend your child, but instead of doing this, have a conversation with your child after the game and show them a good example of how to deal with conflicting situations, for example if a referee made a bad call.
Why Should You Choose Our Junior Tennis Programs in Toronto?
Camp environments produce growth in children in terms of physical activity, self-respect, social comfort, independence, leadership, environmental awareness, friendship skills, decision making, sharing, and more. At our tennis camps in North York and Toronto, your child can make new friends and learn from our certified and trained instructors while developing into talented and skilled tennis players. Bayview Village Tennis Camp provides the best tennis lessons for beginners 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. More information about the junior, intermediate, and advanced summer tennis programs can be found by calling us at (905) 889-7293 or e-mailing pnielsen889@rogers.com.