Hey Tennis Parents… One or Two Things at a Time

As parents, it’s natural to want the best for your child on the tennis court. You watch them hit a shot, and you immediately want to help: “Bend your knees more,” “Get to the ball earlier,” “Follow through,” “Watch the line,” “Move your feet,” “Think about your opponent…” The list can go on and on.

But here’s the truth: young athletes can only absorb one or two key pieces of information at a time. Overloading them with too much technical or tactical advice doesn’t help them improve—it overwhelms them and slows down their learning process.

Think about school: if your child’s teacher gave them three new math concepts, five spelling rules, and two science experiments all at once, how much would they actually remember? The brain can’t process that much input effectively, especially for kids who are still developing focus, coordination, and emotional control.

Tennis is no different. Coaches carefully structure lessons so players work on one theme at a time—maybe it’s “rallying with consistency” or “serving with balance.” Once a player has had enough practice and feedback, then the next piece is added. That’s how lasting progress is made.

So, when you’re on the sidelines:

• Pick one or two simple reminders. For example, “Watch the ball” or “Use your legs.”

• Avoid piling on instructions. Let your child concentrate fully on just those one or two things.

• Trust the process. Improvement comes in layers, not all at once.

Your encouragement and patience play a massive role in your child’s development. By keeping things simple, you allow them to build confidence and truly absorb what they’re learning.

Remember: in tennis (and in life), less is more when it comes to learning.