What Is The Biggest Challenge Tennis Coaches Face These Days When Working with Kids?
The post by Allistair McCaw
What is the biggest challenge tennis coaches face these days when working with kids?
Allistair McCaw
For many, it seems tennis parents are the ‘problem’ in kids’ sport.
But are they really? Could it maybe be, that in a lot of cases, actually the tennis coaches who could be more at fault?
I totally agree with most of you that there are some ‘crazy’ parents out there, and like you, have to work with, and deal with those same kind.
But something I find that contributes to a better way in coaching is when these 4 things are in place:
- consistent communication,
- proper explanation of the journey in regards to the development of child,
- your set standards and boundaries as a tennis coach,
- and where the parent’s place and position is in it all.
When this is clear, believe me, it makes for a healthier and more enjoyable experience for all.
All to often, I will hear tennis coaches complain about parents, but then when I ask them if they have first seen it from the parents angle, explained what you expect as a coach, spent some time with them and got to know them? – The answer is usually a muffled ‘no’.
Remember, that in coaching it’s not always about the X & O’s, but about people. I like to call it the ‘P & O’s’ (People and Simplicity).
Not just the athlete, but the parents and others involved in the child’s sports development. Success in the training and sports development of a child comes in 3 vital area’s – Harmony and support from the Parent and Coach.
It might not solve all the problems, but better communication and people skills go a long way to helping things.
Just food for thought.
Help us to reach more tennis parents, players, and coaches. Share the post and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Thank you.
The above response is good, and the problem not new. Except that parents are all different, and kids are different from each other as well. The deepest problem, especially in the USA, is that kids are very poorly taught, with misconceptions planted from the first day. Nobody is addressing that. So tennis is made difficult and kids do not succeed at the level they could, and then the sport of tennis becomes secondary. Coaches really need to study that.
Good stuff! The key word in the title is KIDS. Parents parent, coaches coach and kids play. It’s really that simple. Take ownership and strike a balance. Focus on development and not rankings and results. I know it’s convenient, but avoid driving down Blame Street at all costs. Keep it fun, keep it real and communicate!