Competing is at the heart of sport, including tennis. The vast majority of young players aspire to improve their game and compete in appropriate surroundings.
Competition should be a normal part of a child’s involvement in tennis. The Hot Shots Community Play programme is all about playing the game, but even in an Hot Shots coaching programme a child should regularly experience competition. This may be during each lesson in the form of a warm up or end game; it may be a solo challenge or a partner task; or competitive points against others as part of a team or solo.
Appropriate competition:
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Makes learning meaningful
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Provides a measure of improvement, and a value to coaching
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Assists mental and competitive development
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Teaches respect for others, the game and the understanding of rules
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Gives a sense of achievement and aids progress
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Motivates all players and in particular identifies those with a specific talent for the game
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Provides an off court social element which is also enjoyable