Mia Ford
Even though coaches may feel otherwise, we think there ARE perfect tennis parents. The “perfect tennis parent” by definition is one who understands that tennis is the vehicle chosen to teach his or her child valuable life lessons. How do you know if you’re a perfect tennis parent? Read on 🙂
The Perfect Tennis Parent (PTP)
Perhaps a rather vague definition, but we know parents who can remember this simple concept will stay focused along the long, winding roller coaster ride of junior tennis. Most other parents get caught up in the thrill of competition, the excitement of winning, the tug-o-war of beating their neighbors and the science of tournament results and rankings.
Oftentimes, coaches take on new students based largely on their parents. A few things they look for when trying to see if the student has a Type 1 PTP are:
1. A Perfect Tennis Parent does not always have to be right. You can spot one from a mile away, because they’re striving to get better, just as a good coach will be doing.
2. A Perfect Tennis Parent should be actively searching to find their role to best support their player and the coach.
3. This parent understands that the player comes first, and doesn’t get overly involved or animated to put the spotlight on themselves.
4. A PTP is respectful. They understand the hard work it will take and the time both the coach and player need to invest. They treat the coach as a reasonable person would treat any important mentor for their child, which makes the coach’s life easier and their coaching more successful.
At the end of the day, knowing what type of tennis parent you are and adjusting accordingly is important to building the developmental team of your player with his or her coach. With a good coach and a PTP, coaching can be more productive and lifelong, meaningful relationships are likely to be formed!