By Davis Pete
It is every father's dream come true to have a champion in the family. However, the reality is that there will always be only one or two who will dominate at the top in every age group. Nevertheless, do not despair as there are ways to have a competitive tennis-playing child and yet be not overly stressed out by their on-court performances.
Tip #1: Start playing around with a tennis ball with your kid when he or she is only 3 years old. If he is able to catch and throw easily for a kid that age, there is a chance he may develop into a good tennis player. Ball-sense is key to playing good tennis. It is a natural ability gifted to the individual. Something special which not everyone who trains hard may have. That quickness is hands, the touch.
Tip#2: Having the natural ability to run and sprint effortlessly is also key to being a good tennis player. In tennis, one has t move to reach the ball and then to be able to hit it. Therefore, let your child run around and see how his feet moves.
Tip#3: A good hand to eye cor-ordination is crucial to all good tennis players. The natural ability to hit the ball with power and control is only found in the few, You can always try to train your child by throwing and rolling balls at him. Letting him hit the ball with a racket or a bat may be a good way to practice at the toddler age.
Tip#4: Teaching your child mental strength is not easy but it has to be done if your kid wants to excel in tennis. This is because tennis is very much won in the mind. Physical prowess is a given but someone with similar physical attributes will perform better if he is mentally calm and strong.
Tip#5: It is in fact a strong body that will beget a strong mind. When one is physically strong, your mind will be at ease and will allow you to focus better on the match. Proper physical fitness is key to a tennis player's ability to win.
Tip#6: The choice of a sound tennis coaching facility and coach are equally important. A good start to the game will ensure the child gets the proper technical and tactical guidance at an early age. This is important as he is able to develop faster than the rest. Do ask around the tennis fraternity as to where good coaching is. There is a certain to chart for your child should you wish to use tennis as a means of getting to Secondary One in Singapore via the DSA route.
Tip#7: As a parent, do not push your child too hard if you find that he may not have the natural aptitude towards the game. Instead, let him enjoy the sense of competition and building a lasting friendship with his fellow competitors. It is much more healthy than sitting in front of the computer. Tennis enhances the overall mental and physical well-being of the child.
