How to Play Tennis With Your Child
Playing tennis with your youngster can be a very rewarding experience, or it can be frustrating for you both.
I have seen many instances where a family enters the court next to me with the best of intentions. The proud father brought some extra balls and leads the way. A little munchkin with their own racquet is not far behind. They start on opposite sides of the net and the child is jumping for joy, but in a short period of time, the scenario changes. They cannot rally together (tennis is hard)! The ball bounces too high and frustration sets in. Dad is trying to help with his instructions and this frustrates the child even more. Soon, the child is stomping out of anger as dad just throws up his arms to the sky.
The more I am involved with teaching the youngest of tennis players, the more I know I can help parents with this issue. And as a father of newborn Carter Johan van de Pieterman, I will practice what I preach very shortly and cannot wait!
Here are three “Do's” and one huge “Don't” that should help:
Do's
â–ºStart on the same side of the net and begin with racquet skills, such as balancing, tennis hockey or walking the dog. “Bump ups” or “street tennis” (without a net) are also a great way to have a basic back and forth with your child.
►​Throw balls. When you are on the same side, gently toss the ball ahead of your child, and let them chase the ball and hit it over the net. This way your child's success rate will be high. When tossing balls from across the net, remember that their strike zone is extremely low.
►​Role reversal. Let them teach you or show you how to do it! Children love this and parents can make it fun by being goofy in the process.
Don't
â–ºDo not offer too much advice (or any). Your child just wants to have fun with you and show off some of their skills. Being criticized is no fun for anyone!
Young Carter Johan van de Pieterman … he will be playing tennis as soon as he can walk
