The following post is an excerpt from the Second Edition of The Tennis Parent’s Bible
Available through most online retailers!
PLANNING THE TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE- CONTINUED
Your Child’s Rest and Rejuvenation Schedule:
I recommend two weeks on and one week off: This is a very workable formula for most athletes who are still developing. It allows for competitive play as well as down time to fix flaws, build weapons, re-charge batteries and heal injuries. Note: Occasionally, travel expenses dictate that your child stay on the tournament trail longer.
Your Family’s Economics:
Here in the US, hospitality options are rare. In Europe, there is a host family waiting with room and board for the player and coach at each event. I recommend calling the tournament director to inquire about it. Parents need to factor in the expenses of tournament play.
Your Child’s Educational Commitments:
Consider your child’s school commitments. Factor in final tests and exams. National events and exams all seem to fall around holiday breaks.
Your Child’s Fitness Level:
Remember the ever ready battery “takes a licking and keeps on ticking.” Well, that may or may not be your child. Having the physical, mental or emotional batteries to play two matches a day for weeks on end may be a bit much to ask of your player. Even the top professionals are not competing two singles matches a day for three weeks straight!
Your Child’s Tolerance Levels:
Emotional tolerance and frustration tolerance is worth looking into. Keep in mind that every round your child marches through the draw, half the players lose. Pressure and stress can often double or triple. What is your child’s stress tolerance level?
Your Child’s Ranking Goals:
Here’s a formula to increase your child’s national ranking. Year in and year out, certain level 2 national events draw the top field of 64 players in your child’s current division. Occasionally 58 out of the 64 players are ranked higher and are presumably stronger than your child. What are the actual chances of getting deep into the draw and collecting those precious national points? Often, during the same week, another level 2 national event (same points available) is being held in a less desirable city. By checking the internet, you’ll notice that historically some tournaments draw a lower level field. By playing the ranking game your child’s confidence and national ranking will begin to sky- rocket.
