The Psychology of Tennis Parenting
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Avoidance versus Exposure
Although avoidance can lead to temporary relief from anxiety, the avoidance approach typically creates deeper fear in the future. By putting off solutions, athletes unknowingly multiply their anxiety about the topic. Exposure strategies are more proactive. They lead to a way out of the drama while minimizing stress in the future. What helps an athlete improve? Avoidance or exposure? In the world of performance anxieties, the answer is more exposure. But what do most athletes choose? Avoidance.
Sometimes the most profound tip is the simplest. New, correct pathways often change athletic careers. The old saying is, “What you resist persists.” Teaching your youngster that avoidance can increase anxiety isn’t an easy sell, which is why most teaching professionals avoid it. Keeping lessons light decreases the drama of facing real issues, so most tennis pros avoid changing anything serious. If your athlete is hesitant to face their fears, these few tips should help.
Solution: Deciding on a plan and then putting it into action begins with sitting down and talking with your athlete. Start the conversation by acknowledging that you feel anxious about a particular topic and then ask them about their true feelings towards the issue. Let them know you want to support them and enjoy your time together through their tennis journey.
Remind them that it’s no accident that “Unshakeable” athletes are the way they are. It’s not by CHANCE …but by CHOICE. Next, nudge them in the direction that the most crucial component to control in the world of competition isn’t the drama; it’s their reaction to the drama. Then bring to light the reoccurring drama in your athlete’s matches and devise those customized solutions.
