Priorities: Athletes, Parents, Coaches? ''The BOND''

Introduction:

The tennis community in the United States has been given an enormous opportunity to receive a new foundation for all young (5-12 years old) tennis players and athletes. The three major organizations that provide education, structure and guidance for our young players today are the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) and United States Tennis Associates (USTA). There are a few things that need to happen so that this opportunity can be maximized and perhaps generate another boom like in the 70's.

In the 70's, tennis was played in the parks with neighborhood friends; parents were only concerned that their kids came home on time; coaches were in the school system; and tennis professionals were focused on quality clinics and individual attention. There was no such thing as RED - Orange - Green - Yellow levels or smaller courts but rather old white tennis balls, backboards, garage doors and middle age tennis players who offered their advice. Top tennis players who were 12 years and older were drawn to a few large well know academies. Most of these players were athletes who played various sports before the age of 12, developing their agility and decision-making ability. There were only a few "Specialized " coaches or programs that encouraged players to start their professional development at age 9 or 10.

Athletes

Young athletes today, and in the past, still are children who require a balanced program in their lives that involves their parents, themselves, and their coaches. Today, we have an extremely high level of injury and burnout before the age of 14. Young players are not adults and should not be subjected to the same training methods. They are mentally, physically, and emotionally less developed and should be given time to mature, grow strong bodies, and learn how to manage their attitudes and actions on the court. Children are being enticed to chase the yellow ball and most parents support it because they are not informed and/or their coach is not willing to change his/her teaching methods. Our industry's top tennis professionals have changed the way they communicate and train young children today. Coaches that encourage athletes to do strive for their personal best, focus on self-improvement, and use the partner concept process which promotes fun, teamwork, and reduces the anxiety of competition will have success. Competition is introduced today through group games, USTA play days, and team tennis activity.

Parents

Parents have a choice whether or not to introduce their child to tennis through the proven 12 and under pathway where proper equipment, balls, nets, and courts are being used or the old school format where "one size fits all" and standing in line is necessary. There is a great probability that your child will play tennis for a lifetime if they begin having fun first and then if needed, move into a more competitive environment after the age of 11 or 12. Parents should be aware that there are many coaches who do not support this change and will lead you to believe it is just a fad. It is so important that parents today become educated about the options they have for their children and not to leave it up to the coach.

There needs to be an asserted effort by all certified coaches who work with young athletes to embrace the 12 and Under program and invest in the proper balls, nets, and equipment. The USTA has done a great job in bringing the pathway and message to all levels of play.

Coaches

Coaches who are certified and participate in continued education will have the latest information to share with parents and their students. There is a big change in the way coaches need to prepare and present lessons to 12 and under students today. It is necessary to set up 18-foot nets, lay down lines, and put out RED felt balls into small buckets or hoppers. Yes, teaching younger players requires the coach to abandon their large teaching cart and move around organizing short 8 – 10 minute skill development stations while being full of energy, smiling, watching out for safety concerns, and making sure everyone is having fun. This is much different than the typical coach who had been accustomed to lining up their students, no matter what level or age, and sending the "Yellow Ball" toward them to hit. Continued education is where the pro will learn today's teaching methods, which is a must if you are going to teach 12 and under tennis today.

Statistics and Feedback

Young players prefer coaches who can:

1. Make a quick assessment that will provide improvement

2. Give clear, simple, and quick explanations

3. Recognize when they do something well

4. Provide positive encouragement

5. Take the time to get to know them

6. Show interest in things outside of tennis

7. Ask questions and their opinion

8. Have fun

9. Leave their ego at home

10. Demonstrate responsibility

Young players do not like coaches who:

1. Shout or yell

2. Give physical punishments

3. Make negative comments

4. Are late for clinics and lesson

5. Are too competitive

6. Are unprepared for class

7. Are unfair

8. Are too busy to listen

9. Are afraid to speak or discuss things when are things are no going well

10. Are too eager to start competition

Parents want to be involved in their child's development, whether it is in their education, performing arts, or sports. By making the bond between the student, parent, and coach solid with mutual agreement and simple short-, mid- and long-term goals, the athlete will have a better chance to be successful. The use of the new methods, structure, pathways, and equipment will get your tennis star started out on the proper path. Ask your coach what they are doing today to stay in tune with the latest junior development techniques, skills, and recommended parent communications.