The following post is an excerpt from The Tennis Parent’s Bible. Thanks for visiting, Frank Giampaolo
Establishing Tennis Practice Expectations and Guidelines
Recreational tennis is enjoyed by millions of junior players in the United States. The emphasis is on exercise, fundamental athletic skills, wide-range participation, social interaction, cool outfits, and of course tons of fun. As skills are developed the recreational and social game is replaced by a new game called competitive tennis. To maximize potential at the quickest rate, establish expectations and guidelines for your training sessions.
Practice Session Expectations:
- Place the improvement of your performance over having to win the match, social game or live ball drill.
- On the court be grateful, enthusiastic and polite.
- Arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled practice session to stretch.
- Arrive on court dressed and ready to compete.
- Avoid complaining or criticizing others.
- Give the coach your best efforts and your undivided attention.
- When the coach is talking, hold the balls. Stop, look him/her in the eyes and listen.
- No cell phones allowed on court.
- Move quickly between drills and during ball pick up – yes, the student helps pick up balls!
- Hustle and give 100% effort.
- Avoid negative tones, body language and facial expressions.
- Avoid using profanity.
- Admit mistakes and understand the cause of the error.
- Come to practice with a pre-set game plan and an eagerness to learn.
- Be open to constructive criticism.
- Be willing to develop your weaknesses.
- Stay fully committed and focused for the entire training session.
- Rehearse staying in a positive frame of mind for the entire training session.
- Take full responsibility for your words and actions.
- Practice in the manner you are expected to perform.
Which of the above guidelines do you have the most trouble with? Pick three to work on in your next practice session.
Your goal should be to challenge yourself daily. Remind yourself that training below your capability breeds “mediocrity.”
Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
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