“Shake hands, look them in the eye, say good match.”
Matches and tournaments are a tool for learning, not the goal of training. They keep motivation high, test skills under pressure, and teach how to handle winning and losing.
“The match is part of practice. What are you working on today?”
The orange stage is when players move gradually from fun, promotional events to formal under-10 competition, with the right court, ball and equipment for their level.
“We'll start with team events before individual tournaments.”
Every match should have one or two clear learning goals the player keeps trying until they succeed, whatever the score.
“Win or lose, did you hit your match goal?”
Modified scoring and rules for young players (shorter matches, simpler scoring) so they get more play and more success.
“Short sets mean more matches and more learning.”
Matches as a learning tool.
Matches and tournaments are a tool for learning, not the goal of training. They keep motivation high, test skills under pressure, and teach how to handle winning and losing.
“The match is part of practice. What are you working on today?”
Modified scoring and rules for young players (shorter matches, simpler scoring) so they get more play and more success.
“Short sets mean more matches and more learning.”