When is my kid ready to play competition of what is the true meaning of competiton?

by Walter
(As, Belgium)

I want to share my vision on this topic, so many parents can profit from my experience as a full-time coach and as a parent of a wonderful daughter (almost 9years) with great talents on and off the tennis courts!

There are some requirements before your enter your kid in a tournament.

A. Healthy SELF IMAGE.

- He understands and feels that whatever the outcome, your support is 100% guaranteed if he tries his best

- He's having fun, because he experiences SUCCESS and CHALLENGES

After a while this process will enable a POSITIVE SELF CONFIDENCE that is crucial to grow and to become proficient in every aspect of the game of tennis (and life)!

B. He's got the TOOLS to enjoy the experience of a tournament

- He knows the rules
- He's got the basic skills to play
- He's a played almost under identical (training) situation, so he can relate to match in a real tournament.

If you give your child the chance to acquire these FUNdamentals, your kid is ready to enter real competition

C. This third step is very important for confirming his positive mental attitude!

Now he understands and has experienced the true meaning of competition

- competition is a LEARNING ENVIRONMENT, a chance to be taught on many levels (also on other aspects of real life)

- competition is a CHALLENGE and is a mean to reach GOALS

- reaching goals is SUCCESS, whatever the outcome (result) of the match

Best of luck and remember TENNIS WITH PASSION...