The conversations (and body language) a parent/coach has with their player after a match should be constructive and positive- regardless of the performance. There is plenty of time to learn from the performance failures or successes. The following post is an excerpt from CHAMPIONSHIP TENNIS. Enjoy, Frank
Post-Match Entourage Communication
After a match finishes, coaches and parents should always consider the player’s frustration tolerance and maturity level and should wait an appropriate amount of time before discussing the match. A few minutes after a player suffers a heartbreaking loss is no time for performance analysis. That wound is too fresh and needs time to heal. Once a player is ready for constructive conversation—regardless of the score line—the coach should consistently replace “Did you win?” with “Did you hit your performance goals?” or “Did you execute the correct shots at the right times?”
If coaches or parents are solely fixated on the outcome, they will not be able to convince a player to be performance oriented. Remember, kids pick up every negative word, condescending tone of voice, upset facial expression, and defensive body posture. Therefore, a coach or parent should make a special effort to offer five positive critiques for every one negative criticism.
After each match, the coach or parent should also remind the player to complete a match log and an entry in the daily focus journal.
Thanks Frank
Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
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