As many professionals will agree, coaching junior tennis is something that cannot afford a sloppy approach. The many facets of the coaching process rely upon a solid equilibrium in order to be effective. Inadequate coaching often stems from focusing on an area or aspect either way too much or way too little. Though it would seem an easy task, finding one’s way to becoming a truly proficient instructor can actually take some time. Nonetheless, when a junior tennis coach is finally able to combine personal style and experience with their natural teaching abilities, the end result is a string of confident junior tennis players.
Passion and Profession
Many who love the sport of tennis will look to coaching junior tennis as a way to turn their passion into a vocation. Whether working full time or only on a part time basis, being a tennis coach for junior players requires a good amount of flexibility. While some individuals work with numerous age ranges, others decide to work with only a specific age group. In either case, one must be able to understand the tactical, technical, physical and psychological aspects of working with players of the chosen age range. It is extremely important to be able to communicate on an age appropriate level as well.
Tennis Appreciation
Coaching junior tennis players also requires one to have a good, in depth understanding of the game. Imparting not only the basic tenets but the nuances of tennis is an important element in developing strong players. This is especially true for younger players who are just starting to get a true grasp of the game. When coaching junior tennis, establishing good strong ethics and healthy playing habits will create a much more reliable platform of play. Plus, it is always much easier to teach a player correct form than it is to spend time unlearning bad habits and re-establishing healthy ones.
Though years of experience playing tennis are always a bonus, coaching junior tennis will first require one to become certified through a professional tennis organization. This often means completing a series of written and practical exams and adequately meeting any other program requirements. There are many year round employment opportunities available; however, many junior coaches get their start with summer tennis camps and clinics. This allows one to build their skills and get used to the working environment. After learning the ropes, many then move up to full time coaching.