The following post is an excerpt from the Second Edition of The Tennis Parent’s Bible
Available through most online retailers!
NEGATIVE PARENTAL BEHAVIORS TO AVOID
Listed below are common negative behaviors of an athlete’s parent.
Problem Tennis Parent Attributes Checklist:
- Unrealistic assessment of their child’s level.
- Unrealistic expectations.
- Over emphasizing winning and rankings.
- Coaching their children without coaching credentials.
- Coddling and pampering the child too much.
- Pushing the children into playing tennis.
- Frequently discusses the financial burden of tennis in front of the athlete.
- Assisting the coach in coaching during their child’s lessons.
- Placing their needs and motives above their child.
- Allowing their mood to mirror their child’s outcome.
- Refusing to allow the athlete to make any decisions.
- Neglecting to apply the periodization training method.
- Becoming negative or violent when success is not achieved.
- Unrealistic scheduling.
- Critiquing and or blaming the coach after their child’s loss.
- Failing to follow a deliberate customized developmental plan.
- Expecting their part time coach to handle all the child’s full time needs.
- Criticizing the child’s performance and skills in front of the child.
- Neglecting to observe new coaches in action before hiring them.
- Unaware of the importance of brain typing or body typing in their child’s development.
- Living vicariously through their child’s success.
If you’re not sure whether your tennis parenting attitude is positive or a bit too negative simply ask your athlete. They’ll have a pretty darn good clue.
