Tennis is often called an individual sport, and that’s especially true for competitive youth tennis players. If you’re the parent of a youth tennis player, you’ve probably been supporting your child at various tournaments, private lessons and camps this summer, where they’ve had the opportunity to develop their individual tennis game. As the school year approaches however, many junior players will be trying out for middle or high school teams, and making a big shift from individual play to team play. As a parent, there’s several things you can do to help prepare your child for team tennis:
Tell them to respect teammates in challenge matches
In the USTA junior circuit, there’s certainly a friendly (or not, which is fine) rivalry among players who often compete in the same regional tournaments. But getting too competitive with a player on the same team can create a hostile environment. When school coaches are determining the lineup, your child will likely have to play challenge matches against teammates, and it’s important for them to keep a level head. Losing their cool, questioning calls or having a visibly bad attitude during a challenge match can cause a rift between them and a teammate. Remind your child their teammates are not competitors — these are the people they will be practicing with, traveling with and hopefully developing great friendships with over the next few years.
Let them know there are a variety of ways to contribute
If your child is entering middle or high school, they may not make the top 6 lineup since they’ll be playing alongside older players. Reiterate that just because they aren’t playing in matches, it doesn’t mean they don’t have an important role on the team. Some of the best teammates are not those who win every match, but rather those who bring charisma from the sidelines because it makes others play better. Not being in the lineup is also an opportunity for your child to practice with and learn from better players. With hard work, it will soon be their turn at the top of the lineup.
Give them some independence
At junior tournaments, parents are often the only “coach” present. You’re the van driver, the warm-up partner, the cheerleader, and the one to offer advice before a match, so your child is used to having you around. When your child joins a team, it’s important to take a step back and let the team coach do their job. Just because the coach isn’t critiquing your child courtside during their match, it doesn’t mean they don’t care; remember that they have other players to watch as well. Do your child a favor and don’t hang on the fence; you can still support them from the bleachers. You should also know that the coach has the team’s needs in mind over your child’s. Asking why your child isn’t playing in matches or demanding the coach work with your child on certain aspects of their game won’t benefit your child’s team tennis experience at all. It’s difficult not to be as involved in your child’s tennis game as you’re used to, but giving them some independence will make them a better team player.
Ask their private coach to work on doubles strategy
While most junior tournaments include a doubles draw, doubles isn’t typically emphasized in youth tennis. This is problematic at the team level because doubles matches are often the deciding factor between a win or loss. If your child isn’t as comfortable with important doubles tactics, like volleys, or isn’t familiar with doubles strategy, talk to their private coach about dedicating part of each lesson to doubles work. Most kids don’t realize how fun and competitive doubles can be — and making them confident in their doubles game will help them understand that.
Need a coach with expertise in doubles strategy? Check out these instructors in Sarasota, Florida; San Diego, California; Portland, Oregon; and Boston, Massachusetts.
Help them find a mentor
Whether it’s their private coach or a local college player, introduce your child to someone who can share with them their experiences with team tennis. Instructors or hitting partners can teach your child more than what happens on the court — they can teach attitude, share information about college programs and even write college recommendations. If your child is serious about high school tennis, they’re probably thinking about playing at the college level as well. A mentor with experience playing or coaching college tennis can help guide them through that process.
What else should junior players know about college tennis? Check out this advice from highly successful male and female college players.
Tell them to put the success of the team over their own
At the individual level, when children lose it’s natural for them to be unhappy. Maybe they mope or agonize over their mistakes, and that’s okay because they’re not affecting anyone else. As the member of a team however, when they lose, it doesn’t mean the match is over. There could still be another teammate playing a close set for the win, and your child needs to be able to forget their own loss to support them. Teaching your child how to have a positive attitude after a loss is challenging, but it’s an essential characteristic to have in team tennis. Continuously emphasize that in team tennis it’s the team’s success that matters most. One negative attitude can bring everyone else down.
Joining a team is an exciting part of playing tennis. While there are many differences in team and individual competitions, making the transition will allow your child to discover new reasons to love the sport. Playing for their school team will be among their best memories and encourage them to continue enjoying the sport for a lifetime.
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