Tennis is known as a lifetime sport because children who learn to play tend to continue strengthening their skills through practice and competition as adults. Finding the right tennis program is the key to successfully teaching your child the lessons they need to be successful in this competitive sport. As you explore potential programs, look for these signs of quality that will ensure your child gets the right start toward developing an interest in tennis that turns into a lifelong passion.
Ask About the Coach’s Credentials
When it comes to teaching tennis, experience in the sport and with kids is everything. While your coach might not be an Olympian, they should have a history of successfully competing and winning competitions. Memberships in local tennis organizations and national affiliations also speak for their dedication to staying current regarding the latest coaching techniques while supporting the development of their preferred sport. While possessing the right credentials is important, your child’s coach should also be personable with an upbeat personality and the energy to keep up with the children on the courts.
Check for Low Staff-to-Student Ratios
In tennis class, too many students without enough coaches leads to chaos and boredom. Therefore, in addition to the coach, you should see additional staff members available to assist. This keeps kids from having to wait around for instruction ensuring a higher level of safety on the courts.
Learn About the Facility
Tennis programs need enough space for every student to practice playing as much as possible. Ask how many courts are available and if they are full-size. Ideally, kids will be practicing on courts like the ones used in competitions. Although they may play doubles during practice games, there should still be plenty of courts available for everyone to play at once. During your tour, the facility should also be clean with well-maintained equipment.
Sign Up for Daily Practices
Learning any new skill requires consistent practice, and kids thrive when they are offered tennis classes during school breaks so they can fully immerse themselves in the sport. For example, tennis programs offered as electives at summer camp will encourage kids to practice every day, and specialized programs allow them to dive into tennis for an entire week. These types of programs help keep your child’s skills fresh throughout the entire year.
Look for Intensive Practice Programs
If your goal is for your child to play tennis competitively, then private practice sessions are essential. Since your child benefits from working with staff members and coaches they already know, make sure the program you choose offers private sessions. During these sessions, your child will receive one-on-one training that is targeted to strengthen their weak skills while reinforcing the things they do well. It also gives them a chance to practice with advanced tennis players that love being able to pass down their expertise.
Learning to play tennis takes a combination of dedication and the right kind of training. Whether your child just wants to play for fun or they are aiming to be a professional athlete, signing up for a tennis program is the first step toward success. By knowing how to choose a quality program, you will line your child up with the right coaches and practice schedules to truly develop a love for the sport.
If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. Learn what campers say about summer camp at CWW: http://www.campwalt.com/about-sleepaway-summer-camp.html
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