Originally Posted by
chappie99
I would like to hear from current juniors and their parents on this issue:
I have my two children taking lessons ages 6 & 8. They both started at the age of 5 with an instructor. Here's a brief history which will lay the foundation for my issues/concerns:
1) both kids started taking lessons at age 5 with an instructor. (more later on this).
2) i want my kids to "enjoy" the game but i also want them to have a chance to play to their full potential if they stick with it, DI college tennis or perhaps a shot at the tour. not simply playing for the sake of playing, there's a long term goal here.
3) i have limited knowledge of tennis but was once a professional athlete myself so i understand "what it takes" to make it to the professional level in any sport
4) current instructors are relatively inexpensive ($30/hr). kids enjoy working with them, however, i'm not confident in their teaching methods: i.e. teaching flat groundstrokes.
Issue 1: I believe that topspin groundstrokes give a player power and control therefore why not learn the mechanics early on instead of having to relearn (retrain muscle memory) at some later point. instructors say, learn how to get the ball over the net and then focus on "fancy" parts later down the road. i really dont see topspin groundstrokes as being "fancy" i see them as a fundamental...?
Issue 2: how much is too much or not enough? currently , my kids spend one hour a wk w/ the instructor and one hour in a clinic (for socialization) and typically one to two hours practicing with me (more in the warmer months). for a total of avg of 4 hrs per week. for the most part they enjoy it, in other words i dont have to force them but at the same time they arent asking for more either or chomping at the bit to go.
issue 3: i'm torn between not wanting my kids to grow to hate tennis b/c they feel like i'm shoving down their throats but at the same time i dont want them to look back saying they should've done this or that earlier. I recently read in tennis mag about young kids particularly Jan Silva who is in full-time training at the age of 6. such a fine line between being overbearing and providing kids w/ an opportunity to reach their full potential.
I would love to hear from current juniors and/or their parents on how they dealt with the issues above and any advice, good or bad, they found along the way.