What’s Right

What’s right with the resources for developing junior tennis players in the U.S.? Alot. The
coaches are more experienced either becauses they played collegiate or professional tennis at some level. They offer their own knowledge and experiences for developing players. The coaches understand the stresses involved and ways to handle those stressors. Many facilities offer gyms and trainers for players to develop their off court skills. There are many athletic facilities that cater to specific sport development knowlege…..so the down side is expense. The cost of paying for the coaches/teachers that can deliver quality service. The costs of driving to tournaments, paying for hotels, equipment etc.

When sectional money is offered to off set costs for players that have reached a particular ranking it becomes a feeding frenzy to obtain that special number. The competition changes from learning the game to obtaining a number. Survival of the fittest. Some think this is just the way life plays out so kids should learn to deal with it. I think it hinders development and puts stress on the wrong things. So what are parents, coaches, players to do? Let me hear from you.