Advice for Parents of First-Time Tournament Players
As Junior Program Directors of Gotham Stadium Tennis, we often hear the same question: “Is my child ready for their first tennis tournament?”
We understand that the idea of competing can feel scary and nerve-wracking for young players. However, we also know that this step is a crucial and exciting part of a player’s development. To help make this experience successful and positive, there are several key areas parents can focus on.
Importance of Match Play
Ensure your child is playing enough matches in practice. Although practice can’t completely mimic a tournament environment, it does ensure your child will be familiar with scorekeeping, when to change sides, and how to play a match.
At Gotham Tennis, our academy players have opportunities to participate in Friday Match Play. This is a great step that provides valuable familiarity with match situations.
Choosing the Correct Tournament
It is generally best for a beginner to play a round-robin tournament (depending on the child’s age). This format will give your child the opportunity to play many matches and, therefore, gain more experience.
Be Prepared for Your Child to Have Ups and Downs
It is important to manage your expectations as well as your child’s. All competitors develop at their own pace. Some thrive instantly in tournaments, while others take longer to get acclimated.
Be Positive and Supportive
It is important for parents to be positive and supportive and help their child develop “a long game” orientation. The long game is about long-term development. Every player develops at a different rate—your child will progress at their own pace. For more information about parenting an elite athlete, there’s an excellent book, “Playing the Long Game” by Maureen Breeze and Suzanne Schimmel PhD.
Encourage Good Sportsmanship
Parents should encourage and applaud good behavior on the court and afterwards. This means promoting good line calls, proper celebration and occasional applause of an opponent’s shots or other aspects of their play.
Preparation on Match Day
As your child prepares for their first tournament, you can help in many ways. You should keep in mind that there is often a lot of waiting involved, so plan on bringing food, snacks, and plenty of hydration.
Delays are very common, and although frustrating, they are often unavoidable. This is a part of tournament life– one can never know or predict how long a match will take or how long it will take for your child to get called on to the court. To ensure your child is comfortable, plan on arriving early to get adjusted to the environment.
Equipment is also important. Your child should bring at least two racquets, a change of clothes, extra grips, and a water bottle.
Although playing one’s first tournament can be intimidating, taking some of the above measures can help relieve some natural anxiety. Parents should be especially supportive and realize that there can be many outcomes. We always advocate for our players to compete in a healthy way, and expect the same support from the players’ families. First tournaments can be stressful and a supportive coach and family can help alleviate a lot of these jitters.
Most importantly, ENJOY THE JOURNEY!
