Bringing Up Children Playing in Tennis Tournaments

By Davis Pete


If you child is good at tennis, do not be overly anxious over his performance. Let time and his own physical and mental development take care and form his tennis playing career. If he is good, some how things will fall into place.

Tip #1: Playing throwing and catching with foam balls will also you to review your child's ability in ball games. If he shows the ability to be able to hit and catch at a young age, you may try him out at tennis. Moreover, tennis will also further develop his motor skills.

Tip#2: Your child has a natural athletic ability i.e. he is able to move with good agility, without tripping over himself. Swiftness in feet is a plus when it comes to tennis as the game is played with much more power and speed these days. In tennis, it is the quickness over short distances which is crucial as opposed to long distance running.

Tip#3: A good hand to eye cor-ordination is crucial to all good tennis players. The natural ability to hit the ball with power and control is only found in the few, You can always try to train your child by throwing and rolling balls at him. Letting him hit the ball with a racket or a bat may be a good way to practice at the toddler age.

Tip#4: As the old saying goes, its 80% mental and 20% skill. This always holds true for tennis at the competitive level. A child who has been through the rigors of competitive tennis will have a stronger mind as he has been able to withstand and experience the onslaught and pressure of tennis matchplay.

Tip#5: It is in fact a strong body that will beget a strong mind. When one is physically strong, your mind will be at ease and will allow you to focus better on the match. Proper physical fitness is key to a tennis player's ability to win.

Tip#6: The choice of a sound tennis coaching facility and coach are equally important. A good start to the game will ensure the child gets the proper technical and tactical guidance at an early age. This is important as he is able to develop faster than the rest. Do ask around the tennis fraternity as to where good coaching is. There is a certain to chart for your child should you wish to use tennis as a means of getting to Secondary One in Singapore via the DSA route.

Tip#7: Be a friend to your tennis playing kid. Do not punish and berate him on his tennis. There is enough pressure on the poor kid coming from the matches. He does not need more from his parents. Be a parent, not a coach.




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