Parents. Does tennis bring out the best in you?

This page should be revisited to remind ourselves of the best approach

As a parent of a young player your role is a key part of the chain of developing and nurturing the tennis performer. You are almost like a 'silent' partner. It is key that you reinforce the other individuals in your player's team.

For the team to work effectively all the cogs of the wheel need to move smoothly and in an interconnected fashion. The players' individual coach or key coach will be the lynchpin to ensure that the players programme is co-ordinated and appropriate to the needs of the player.

How do I support my child?

For more about how to be a supportive tennis parent please click the links below:

Lawn Tennis Association - guidance for parents
British Tennis Parents
Herts Tennis
Mini Tennis

In general, we prefer it if parents are not on the court during sessions. This gives the child more space and freedom to learn and improve.

Leading Sports Psychologist Dan Gould writes:

"Unhealthy parental attitudes can have a devastating impact on what should be an enjoyable and educational experience, they add.

Parents can be more tense than the kids, because they aren't able to control anything on the field, and that's their child out there...The most important thing is to remember why you wanted them to participate... Poor Parenting behaviour can overemphasize winning, criticize too frequently and harshly, and fail to control their emotions during a game."

Positive Parenting encourages good sportsmanship, praising effort and respect for the game and opponent.

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