Parent Resources
Parent Resources
Parent Resources
At Tier 1 Performance Northwest we take pride in clear and effective parent communication. Please use this resource center to stay fully informed of important and helpful Academy information.
USTA Junior Competition Info
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Tier 1 Policies
Tips for Parents
Truly Understanding the Success Formula In Developing a World Class Player
Being Deceived That Quantity of Court Time is Quality of Court Time
I need to play with better players to get used to hitting a bigger ball
Ignoring Your Child’s Brain and Body Type
Expecting your child to win tournaments when they can't hit their targets in practice
Being Oblivious to Periodization
Avoid Playing Up Too Soon
Don't Talk In Front of Your Child About the Economics of Tennis
Avoid Outcome Oriented Questions and Negative Remarks.
Having your child take lessons or groups with a variety of coach to "mix it up"
Tips for Parents
Truly Understanding the Success Formula In Developing a World Class Player
Being Deceived That Quantity of Court Time is Quality of Court Time
I need to play with better players to get used to hitting a bigger ball
Ignoring Your Child’s Brain and Body Type
Expecting your child to win tournaments when they can't hit their targets in practice
Being Oblivious to Periodization
Avoid Playing Up Too Soon
Don't Talk In Front of Your Child About the Economics of Tennis
Avoid Outcome Oriented Questions and Negative Remarks.
Having your child take lessons or groups with a variety of coach to "mix it up"
Truly Understanding the Success Formula In Developing a World Class Player
Here's the reality: To achieve world-class status in tennis, your child should dedicate an average of over 20 hours per week to training and practice, and this commitment typically spans about 10 years. The common adage in the tennis world is "Choose between being a normal kid or a champion; you can't be both." This applies to parents as well – be prepared to forgo traditional family vacations, perhaps in places like Hawaii, as you might find yourself in El Paso, Texas, attending a national open instead. However, it's crucial to understand that even with this intense level of commitment, there's no guarantee that your child will become a professional tennis player.
Being Deceived That Quantity of Court Time is Quality of Court Time
If your child consistently experiences nightmares about losing to consistent, defensive players ("pushers") in tennis tournaments, then practicing three hours a day against an aggressive baseliner might not be the most effective strategy. This type of practice doesn't directly address the specific challenge they face in their matches. Ignoring the problem and hoping it resolves on its own is not the best use of their training time or your financial investment. It's important to tailor their training to include strategies and skills that will help them overcome their specific difficulties in matches, like playing against pushers, to ensure they are preparing in the most efficient and effective way.
I need to play with better players to get used to hitting a bigger ball
This sort of thought process is what usually puts players years and years behind. The only way to win against better players is to be able to play offensive at a consistent level. Well, the only way to practice offensive is against players who give you that opportunity. Those players are often players that are worse than you. Most improvement is done by winning and creating confidence. Losing all day to better players doesn't create confidence and doesn't allow you to work on your skills.
Ignoring Your Child’s Brain and Body Type
Your child may have a natural talent for tennis, rooted in their genetic makeup. It's crucial for parents to understand that their child might approach tennis differently than they would. Children often have their own unique way of thinking and seeing the game, which may not align with how you perceive it. Recognizing that each child, with their distinct physical and mental attributes, requires a personalized approach to tennis training is key to nurturing their potential.
Expecting your child to win tournaments when they can't hit their targets in practice
Imagine expecting your child to graduate high school without taking all the required classes. It is the same on a tennis court, if you are not an expert in all skills then you are not in the running to win a tournament. Just showing up to practice does not cut it, everyone shows up to practice, everyone works hard, it is your job to work on each and every skill in the book and be very proficient in each of them. For example, if you can't hit down the line 10/10 times to a specific target, you can't expect yourself to constantly win matches.
Being Oblivious to Periodization
Parents, in their pursuit of victory, can sometimes inadvertently hinder their child's tennis success. The key to effective training lies in 'periodization' – understanding when to focus on different aspects of your child's game based on their upcoming tournament schedule. For instance, it's a mistake in periodization to have your child intensively build muscle in the gym, run long distances, or overhaul a flawed stroke just a day or two before a major tournament. Introducing unfamiliar elements or drastic changes in their routine shortly before an important event can significantly diminish their chances of achieving peak performance. It's crucial to plan training phases carefully and ensure that the preparation aligns with the timing of competitions for optimal results.
Avoid Playing Up Too Soon
A tennis player should demonstrate their capability at a certain competitive level before advancing to a higher one. I advise that a child should secure victories in two major events within their age division before considering moving them up to a higher age category. It's not advisable to elevate them simply because they struggle with the pressure of competing against their peers. This principle applies to practice matches too. Players need to practice and gain experience in closing out matches against a variety of opponents, encompassing different playing styles and skill levels. This approach ensures they are adequately prepared and confident in their abilities before facing the challenges of a more advanced competitive tier.
Don't Talk In Front of Your Child About the Economics of Tennis
Placing excessive pressure on a tennis player, especially before or after a match, is a widespread mistake among parents. Statements like "If you lose one more time to someone ranked lower than you, we are pulling the plug!" or "Do you realize how much we're spending on tennis?" are counterproductive. This kind of pressure, particularly concerning the financial aspect of training, can significantly hinder a player's ability to meet their performance goals. The added stress about finances does not contribute positively to their mental state or performance on the court. It's important to be aware that families with a top 20 nationally ranked junior player often spend over $1,000 per week on tennis-related activities. However, it’s crucial to balance the financial investment with supportive encouragement, rather than using it as a tool for added pressure.
Avoid Outcome Oriented Questions and Negative Remarks.
Asking your child "Did you win?" after each practice or tournament match is not advisable, as it places undue emphasis on outcomes rather than performance. Champions prioritize their performance and how they play the game, rather than just the final result. If parents are solely focused on whether their child won or lost, it contradicts the message of concentrating on performance goals.
Instead, aim for a ratio of five positive comments for every negative remark. This approach helps create a supportive environment, encouraging growth and learning. Children are very perceptive and can easily pick up on negative words, condescending tones, upset facial expressions, and defensive body language. It's important to demonstrate unconditional love and support in both words and actions. This fosters a healthy, positive atmosphere that can significantly boost a child’s confidence and enjoyment in the sport.
What is the difference between a Professional Coach and Teaching Instructor?
A Teaching instructor tends to be a lower level coach who is able to give information based on information that is given to them. They tend teach each person the same, their job is to introduce tennis at a basic level and keep tennis fun for the students.
A coach is someone who has years of practical knowledge to give to his students. A coach typically has experience working with a wide variety of students, they approach each player with a blank slate. They are able to have players reach a very high level. A Professional coach knows how to adapt to a player on and OFF the court. They understand how to navigate tournament scheduling, parents, and various development complexities.
Majority of programs have tennis instructors disguised as professional coaches.
Having your child take lessons or groups with a variety of coach to "mix it up"
One of the single worst things you can do to your child. Every coach is very different in how they approach and communicate with their students. Not every coach has the experience in developing a top ranked player.
Having multiple coaches and order places of training is like having schools. You wouldn't go to one school on Monday and then another on Tuesday and so forth. This would create confusion and very poor learning environment.
Kids need to develop trust and know what the short term and long-term goals are for development. Don't chase players chase proper coaches and when you find one that cares about your child. Don't let that coach go!
How do you know your in a good environment for your Childs development
One of the biggest things is care. While many programs boast facilities, players, and flashy things. One of the main things that happen at true developmental facilities is that coaches care about the player. Coaches that travel to tournaments, spend extra time after practice, talk on the phone, and etc. You cannot buy care.
Elevating the Game. Shaping Champions.
Join the Tier 1 Community. Follow our journey and our athletes' successes on social media.
Elevating the Game. Shaping Champions.
Join the Tier 1 Community. Follow our journey and our athletes' successes on social media.
Elevating the Game. Shaping Champions.
Join the Tier 1 Community. Follow our journey and our athletes' successes on social media.