The benefits of starting off young

This is the age to start hitting a ball

Published: 17 Mar 2006 - 08:54 by rippa rit

Updated: 19 Mar 2011 - 04:31

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This tip might be a tip for parents, as we cannot turn back the clock. If exposure to the game happens early in life all the better, as the earlier the start the better to build up a solid base of co-ordination skills.

Starting off young has many benefits:-

got no fear
no expectations
no hang ups
the coordination/movement develops early
the feel for the bounce of the ball and timing grow along with maturity
the racket is a bit long but a couple of inches off the handle fixes that.

If the game gels early, and courts are readily available, kids cannot help but become competent.
When skill is recognised early events like,eg talent development squads, help set in place solid foundations.
Junior rep teams players naturally address the mental aspects very early in life, eg taking defeat, as well as using tactics, learning to focus, use of the strokes and so on.
Interstate teams or interdistrict matches give the juniors travel experience, and exposure to other elite players.
All this happens more than in some player's life time, and the juniors are still Under 16 years of age.

So sometimes adults are still trying to catch up when it is time to give up!

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From teeves - 19 Mar 2011 - 04:31

It is very helpful to start young. I started when I was about 6. I was decent, but never really cared till I got to University. I am a 3rd year now, and a B player. I plan to be an A player in the next two years.

I had some great coaching when I was young that is paying off now that I am more driven to get better.

From rippa rit - 05 Apr 2007 - 21:08 - Updated: 05 Apr 2007 - 21:09

Sam it is never too late.
Sometimes those starting young can get sick of it too, and then give up just at the time they have the maturity and physical strength to really go ahead. So what you have done is not that bad.
I guess to have a mentor is a good thing so you have something and somebody to aspire to.
Good coaching helps, and then quality time on the court.
From the many junior programs that we have had going there is only a small percentage that actually power on, as some really get distracted once they leave school, have to pay for the expenses themselves, have to allocate their own time, and also have other things that take them away from the courts, eg young women, late nights, amber fluid, etc.
My son got to A grade at 16 and gave up at 17, and has rarely played in 20 years, though I might add can still hit an ok ball.
Yep, you might go a bit rusty but you never really forget the skill.

From SamBWFC - 05 Apr 2007 - 09:05

I wish I'd started when I was about seven or something. I started playing when i was 13, I'm 19 now so I'd like to think I've made a bit of progress!

From mike - 28 Mar 2007 - 23:17

Coaching is sometimes more available to kids as well. I'm 22, and as far as I know, don't have any coaching available to me. Saturday morning coaching is available to Juniors at my club; so although I'm not that old I've largely missed the boat in that regard...left to try and figure it out for myself :)

From rippa rit - 28 Mar 2007 - 08:29 - Updated: 28 Mar 2007 - 08:44

Yeah Sleave - I did a lot of junior coaching and it is so easy to get the kids going, especially if they have some co-ordination, and a bit of agility. Notice how they try to do just what you say, look at the shape of the "tool" in the backswing of the forehand, and the feet sort of planted just how they think they ought to be.
Beautiful, hey, and they do not argue or disagree with you either!!

I remember my boys would say "Mum can I use your racket?" and they would have a few hits at playing, then they would say "Mum can I use that ball?". I said "now you want my shoes?" as they thought there was something magical with the gear I was using.......that remind you of something?