Think and Talk Like a Child

March 27, 2015 | By Tonny van de Pieterman
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I often monitor tennis lessons by the pros on my staff. In an effort to give some constructive feedback, I look at the interaction between the adult and the child, and try to think like a child. I look at how the children are experiencing the lesson. Are they inspired to give their best effort? Are they encouraged to experiment?

The way coaches use language goes a long way to creating a great tennis experience. When I listen to the instructions of the pro, I simultaneously watch the children’s faces. The looks on their faces often tell the story.

“Use your non-dominant hand,” I heard an instructor once say to a six-year-old in the middle of an exercise. I had to think myself which hand that was for me, and I am 45-years-old! That’s obviously too difficult for a young child. Even often heard commands like “Move your feet,” are too vague for a child (which foot should be moved and in which direction and why?).

Some of the things I learned teaching the youngest tennis players:

►Use simple and direct language: “Chase the ball!” Even better, if you know the child has a dog named Toby, say, “Chase the ball like Toby!”

►Rhyme to remember: Bend your knees, please (after net errors).

►Reward good shots and effort: High-fives, low-fives, high- and low-fives all around!

►Speak at their level and with their tone to be heard: I spend a lot of time sitting on my knees when I talk to the kindergartners and first graders.

►If you want them to listen, be ready to listen to their stories as well!

Teaching the youngest of the youngest tennis players is very rewarding and great fun, especially if you allow your inner child to come out. If you are coaching kids, try to become one! We have nearly 200 children aged 10 and under playing at our club, and I love every minute of it.


Tonny van de Pieterman
Tonny van de Pieterman is a tennis professional at Point Set Indoor Racquet Club in Oceanside, N.Y.. He was previously named USTA Tennis Professional of the Year for the USTA/Eastern-Long Island Region. He may be reached by phone at (516) 536-2323 or e-mail Tonny@PointSetTennis.com.  
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