Tennis Expectations and Guidelines

The following post is an excerpt from The Tennis Parent’s Bible.  Thanks for visiting, Frank Giampaolo

Establishing Expectations and Guidelines

Parents have to communicate their expectations to their child during both practice as well as match play. This is especially important in the beginner and intermediate levels of the game. It may also be in your best interest to share your list with your child’s primary coach.  You will develop an alliance through clarifying your expectations and guidelines.

When speaking with your child, avoid starting with the standard “When I was your age, I had to walk to school uphill…in the snow…both ways…”

Here are my top twenty practice session tennis parental expectations:

1. Place the improvement of your performance over having to win the match, social game or live ball drill.
2. On the court be grateful, enthusiastic and polite.
3. Arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled practice session to stretch.
4. Arrive on court dressed and ready to compete.
5. Avoid complaining or criticizing others.
6. Give the coach your best efforts and your undivided attention.
7. When the coach is talking, hold the balls. Stop, look him/her in the eyes and listen.
8. No cell phones allowed on court.
9. Move quickly between drills and during ball pick up – yes the student helps pick up balls!
10. Hustle and give 100% effort.
11. Avoid negative tones, body language and facial expressions.
12. Avoid using profanity.
13. Admit mistakes and understand the cause of the error.
14. Come to practice with a pre-set game plan and an eagerness to learn.
15. Be open to constructive criticism.
16. Be willing to develop your weaknesses.
17. Stay fully committed and focused for the entire training session.
18. Rehearse staying in a positive frame of mind for the entire training session.
19. Take full responsibility for your words and actions.
20. Practice in the manner you are expected to perform.

Ask your child to challenge themselves daily. Remind them that choosing to train below their capability breeds “mediocrity.” A customized evaluation/plan will ease the stress and lack of communication that often results with lack of preparation.

Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
www.MaximizingTennisPotential.com
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