The Role of Coach and Parent
The parent’s role is providing emotional support for the player during matches, while the coach’s role is a little more complex. Coaches need to prepare the player mentally, tactically and often physically before the match and help the player maintain their ideal performance state of mind during the match.
Coaching is officially not allowed during matches, but there is no denying there is a level of coaching continuing on at all levels of tennis competition. We’ve all seen coaches and mentors signal to their player using agreed signals on how to adjust their tactics and competitive strategy.
The coach plays the role of the mentor, an expert who can help the player tactically and mentally deal with the match. Parents provide the player with a calm safe reassurance to gain composure before, during and after–regardless of the outcome.
Coaches and parents can be a great supporting team for young players.