The following post is an excerpt from The Tennis Parent’s Bible. Thanks for visiting, Frank Giampaolo
Mental and Emotional Tennis Myths of Junior Competition
It’s such a crazy world spending everyday with ranked juniors. Deciphering the facts from the myths raises a handful of question. Their attitudes and points of view of the game never cease to amaze me. They tend to be so unevenly developed. On court, they handle more pressure than most adults I know. Off- court, it is often a very different story. I knew a 22 year old top 80 WTA tour player that watched cartoons for hours on end in her down time. Below are some of the “Best Tennis Myths” coming out of the mouths of your kids!
- When I Become a Pro: Then I’ll Train like a Pro
Professionals have to “live the life” for years before they actually win a single match on tour. The formula is 20 hours a week for 10 years to compete on the ATP or WTA level. Begin by challenging your child to train 20 hours a week for a month. - I Need More…More is Better
In matches, most juniors think about too many things. They have a tendency to over-hit; their body is off balance at contact as opposing force vectors fly in all directions; their racquet’s head is rolling through the hitting zone and their running through four segment swings. The key is to simplify. Most often, improving is about “trimming the fat” not adding more. - I Will Just “Wing It”
Later Planning decreases your stress. Often we see players begin to pack their racquet’s, find a new outfit, clean their water bottles, search for their over grips, print out the directions to the site, look up their opponent record, make breakfast, take a shower, brush their teeth all within the last 10 minutes before they are scheduled to leave. Hum…no wonder they’re angry and stressed. - I Played a Set Last Week, I’m Fine
To win major events you must be a good finisher. Building a tract record of closing out matches is the key. Exchange playing a set with playing 2 out of 3 sets and finish the match. The most important stage of any set is the end! If time is short, start each set at 2-2 but close out sets. On practice days, professional’s close out 2-4 sets a day. - I Can’t Control My Anger or My Wandering Mind
Re-programming these dominant thoughts takes about four to six weeks of serious focused attention. It’s often the same program as rebuilding a flawed stroke. Remember discussing this topic in the blunder section? You’ve built up that negative path. Retooling your emotions and thoughts on court is a learned behavior. The only way to break a bad habit is to replace it with a “stronger” good habit. - To be Great, I Have to Play at My Peak Everyday
Peak level and peak efforts are two different elements. It is too taxing to be physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally ready to battle everyday of their lives. Training in intervals is called periodization. After a tournament you should “unplug”. That’s right, recharge the batteries. In the practice phase strive for peak effort and let go of peak performance. - If you’re Laughing, You’re not Working Hard Enough
When you laugh, dance, smile or even hug someone you get biochemical surges of positive energy. Neuroscience studies clearly show that when you smile and laugh you stay in the correct (right) side of your brain. This is where muscles flow effortlessly and great decisions are made quickly. When you’re mad, judgmental or over analytical the right side of your brain shuts down and you are toast! - Don’t Look Bad, Just be Cool and Play Safe On-Court!
Right around high school children begin to fear what others might think. Their mission shifts into this crazy mode, just make it look close or just don’t embarrass yourself mode. So on-court, they “push the ball” under stress and play “not to look bad” instead of playing to win. If you’re afraid to look bad, you are not going to enjoy peak performance. Champs play to win. Either way, win or lose, winners play to win!
Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
www.MaximizingTennisPotential.com
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