The Online Tennis Center

When you first decide that you want your kids to play tennis, you need to know a little bit about it. Kids tennis is like any other kids program. There are good programs, and bad programs. There are good coaches, and there are bad coaches. And, you can buy a $25 racket or a $250 racket.

1- When your child decides or you decide for him, that you want to play tennis, you first need to find a program. A program , or tennis class is very important. Beginners, can start by going to the United States Tennis Association’s web page. There, you can find the National Junior Tennis and Learning, or NJTL section to find beginner programs to see if your child has the interest or potential. Go to http://www.usta.com/GetInvolved/NJTL.aspx for more information. Once you get exposed to that, you can decide if you want to get more serious.

2- If are already into tennis as a family, then maybe all you want to do is find a coach. This is critical as he or she is the center of your child’s progress. Interview the coach, don’t let the coach interview you. Decide what you want for your children. If all you want is for them to have fun, then tell that to the coach. Don’t listen to how your child is the next Federer or Sharipova at 7 or how many college scholarships he has gotten kids. Make sure your child will have fun, or they will never last and you will be unhappy.

3- Equipment. Do not go out buy a high end, very expensive racket. Go to Academy Sports, Sports Authority or even Wal-Mart and spend less than $30. Once you determine your child is serious, you will need to buy better equipment and shoes, but for now, see if they can hit the ball.

4- Don’t have any expectations of your own. Let them be kids, and if by 12 they are not beating every kid in the club, be careful about expecting them to be a pro. Let them be kids and have fun.

5- Learn how to be a tennis parent. Don’t coach your child. Don’t scold your child for losing. Don’t ignore your child’s bad behavior on court. I once locked up my son’s rackets for a month because of bad on court behavior. Learn when to applaud, and don’t fight with other parents.

I will write more about these subjects in the future.

If you have any questions, you can write me at mike.anderson@thetennisdad.com or leave a comment.

Mike