Tennis should be a fun and enjoyable experience. It is a highly competitive sport. Somehow your parent needs to know how their behavior affects you. This obviously makes you uncomfortable to face the consequences after a loss, causing you to play more out of fear. Fear makes you tight and anxious throughout the whole game. Try playing for the moment, as you do in practice. Playing with scoring during practice sessions and see how you do. Pay attention to your feelings and quickly switch over to more positive thoughts. Most importantly have fun playing with your friends!
Can you handle that? by: Tomaz
Brandon,
I know how you feel because I've see this happen many times. To really solve this problem, your dad would need to open up and understand more about tennis.
But from your side, try to understand that he doesn't understand. ;)
He doesn't know what's going on in the court when you're playing a match.
So don't take his upsets so seriously. Think whether you can handle them and if you're going to be ok later when he calms down.
If you think that you'll be ok (I think so), then don't worry too much about it.
I also suggest one more thing; try to let your dad KNOW how you feel when he is getting mad. Don't attack him back or ignore him.
Let him know that you feel scared and that you already have enough pressure in the match anyway and that you would prefer that he supports you than scold you.
If you honestly tell him how you feel, he will understand. Don't tell him though what to do, he has to make a free choice on his own.
Play and enjoy by: Tennis.
Well yes, most of the parents care about the result.
They forget how hard you work every day (not saying that you're victim, after all you play becouse you love this sport).
The people around you can really affect your game, and you can lose motivation. Your father is doing that, he is not motivating you. And you always have that tought on mind "I should not dissapoind dad ".
That is bad.
Not everybody can have proffessional team behind them, but at least we can have the support from our parents.
So talk to your dad, tell him that losing is part of this game. Maybe he's worried about the money he pays for your classes and no effect.
Tell him that the way to the top is difficult (you win you lose, but you get better and better).
And don't think "If I win this match I'll make dad happy ", you'll just put pressure on you that you MUST win that match.
Tell your dad that his expectations make you feel bad, he's not guilty becouse you lose, but that doesn't let you concentrate in the match.
