Should You Give Last-Minute Advice?
Summary: Youth tennis players perform best when parents provide consistent support and encouragement rather than technical advice during matches. Emphasizing effort over results helps children stay confident and motivated. Subtle changes in parental attitude, such as facial expressions or tone of voice, can negatively affect a child’s performance, especially when they start losing.
Do you have a few last minute pointers for your kid before the big match on nailing that serve? Save it.
That’s the best way to help your kids succeed, according to Junior Tennis Players’ Preferences for Parental Behaviors, a study published by the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology.
Youth tennis players are affected by even subtle changes in support from their parents during matches, and benefit more from general encouragement and support than from technical advice before or during a match.
In the study, published last month, focus groups of competitive youth tennis players between the ages of 12 and 15 answered questions about parental involvement. The tennis players who participated in the study compete either regionally, nationally or internationally and train an average of 15 hours a week.
Tennis is unlike team sports in which individual players may blend in. Instead, individual players perform on a pedestal. For kids, that pedestal can be a demanding one that exposes flaws and weaknesses.
The Negative Impact Last-Minute Advice Can Have
The kids said they benefited from supportive parents who focused on effort rather than performance.
“I hate when my parents they, they look at your first match and then they say, ‘Oh your second match is this, and then your third . . .'” said one tennis player. “Like they expect you to win all the time.”
The kids questioned also felt that advice from parents before or during a match was distracting. Only those whose parents had previously competed at a high level in the sport said they felt like they benefit from parental advice.
Practical advice does benefit youth, however. Kids felt that general advice and support such as match preparation (including diet, stretching and warming up) was by-and-large helpful.
The focus groups also concluded that parents who emphasize performance rather than effort only add to the stress level of youth. Those who worried about what their parents would say after a match suffered more during those matches, the focus groups said.
“I don’t mind if my parents yell at me [after a match] because I didn’t try,” one tennis player said. “But what I don’t like is [if] parents would yell at you but you tried and just didn’t play well.”
The report also found that many kids are aware of subtle changes in their parents during matches. Kids in the focus group reported that they were aware through changes in posture, facial expressions and tone of voice whether their parents were pleased with their performance.
The focus groups informed those conducting the study that these changes become most apparent once they start losing, and typically have a negative effect on their game.
Kids rely on their parents for support before, during and after tennis matches, the report concluded. Parents’ attitudes toward their kids’ performance is readily apparent even during matches.
What should parents take away from the study? Kids do want their parents to be involved and supportive in their sports. But they draw the line when it comes to performance-related advice and feedback.
In terms of tennis, kids notice verbal and non-verbal changes in attitude from their parents. Consistent encouragement and support is the best way to help your child succeed and have fun on the court.
Article By Matt Hanlon
Know What Last-Minute Advice to Give
1.Offer General Encouragement, Not Technical Advice
Focus on cheering your child on and acknowledging their effort rather than giving last-minute tips on technique. Subtle changes in advice or critique can distract them and hurt performance.
2.Emphasize Effort Over Outcome
Praise your child for trying hard rather than winning or losing. Kids perform better when they feel supported for effort, not judged for results.
3.Be Consistent in Your Support
Maintain a steady, positive attitude during matches. Avoid showing disappointment through facial expressions, posture, or tone of voice, as children are highly sensitive to these cues.
4.Help with Preparation, Not Performance
Assist your child with practical support such as diet, stretching, and warm-ups. General preparation advice is welcomed, while performance-focused instructions before or during the match can be distracting.
Related Sports Psychology Articles
- Why Young Athletes Quit Sports
- Helping Sports Kids When You’re A Parent and Former Athlete
- How To Prepare Athletes Mentally Before a Game
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Kids’ Do Not Benefit From Last-Minute Advice
FAQ: Supporting Youth Tennis Players
Q: How should parents support their child during tennis matches?
A: Focus on encouragement and emotional support rather than giving technical advice. Celebrate effort and persistence, not just wins.
Q: Can parental advice during a match help performance?
A: Only general advice, like preparation, diet, stretching, and warming up, is helpful. Technical advice during a match can distract young players.
Q: What impact do subtle parental reactions have on children?
A: Kids notice changes in posture, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Negative reactions can increase stress and hurt performance.
Q: Should parents emphasize winning or effort?
A: Emphasize effort over performance. Kids respond better to encouragement for trying hard, even if the outcome is not a win.
Q: How can parents maintain a positive influence on their child’s tennis experience?
A: Stay calm, consistent, and supportive before, during, and after matches. Avoid coaching from the sidelines or focusing on mistakes.
Kids Sports Psychology expert Patrick Cohn, Ph.D. has helped athletes for over 35 years to enhance their performance. Dr. Cohn earned a master’s degree in sports psychology from CSUF and a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia, specializing in Applied Sports Psychology. Today, he is the president and founder of Peak Performance Sports, LLC in Orlando, Florida.