How can you help your young tennis player stay composed on the tennis court?

Suzy wrote in and said:

“My 10 year old son plays tennis four times a week at his club. However, when he’s in a tournament, a bad shot, tough opponent and a double fault will literally have him crying his way through the match.He shouts at himself and his negativity is unbearable to watch as a parent. I need help, I don’t know how to help him anymore.”

This is the #1 complaint that we get from sports parents about how kids tend to act out, check out, tank, get emotionally upset and frustrated and then their performance snowballs out of control because they can’t regain emotional control.

One of the worst things you can do as a parent is bring attention to their frustration and punish them for it.

Why?

They only learn that the behavior is wrong but not the skills to improve that behavior.

What can you do as a sports parent to give them the skills to stay composed?

Other Resources for Tennis Players and Coaches

• Download a free tennis psychology report to improve your tennis mindset between points.
• Improve your mental toughness with Tennis Confidence Audio Program.
• Get expert mental coaching for tennis.
• Read articles at sports psychology for tennis.

*Subscribe to The Tennis Psychology Podcast at iTunes!