Why am I addressing this topic of having a second opinion?
Because I hope it becomes a common practice for parents whose children are putting some serious thought into their tennis development.
It is a thought which developed over the many years spent at junior tennis tournaments where again and again I was asked from active tennis parents why their child after receiving many years of good training developed the habit of losing in the first rounds at most tournaments. I felt that the question was asked much too late, as many years were wasted on mediocre tennis teaching. This can be avoided! A second opinion at an early time may help avoiding frustration.
How much value can a second opinion have about the quality of the children’s tennis program without having a standard to measure what should be expected from a child of a certain age which will change as time goes on as the tennis game has its dynamic progression.
I’m aware that the idea of having a second opinion can be a little complicated as children mostly have an attachment to their teacher and it may create an atmosphere of mistrust or insecurity. This is not necessary as in any important decision a second opinion is recognized as a valuable tool to avoid mistakes. The tennis profession does not have teaching standards which other teaching professions are based on due to years of academic studying.The tennis teaching is still based on personal approach.
Knowing how difficult it is to become a top junior tennis player and for top tennis teachers to handle this responsibility I ask myself why academic institutions don’t offer a athletic programs with majoring in tennis to establish an academic tennis profession, so that teaching standards can be defined on which tennis parents can depend on. I mention this as teaching the tennis technique is the easiest part of teaching tennis. All the “rest” of the requirements is the most difficult part of the tennis curriculum and needs more than a tennis racket and experience as experience cannot be taught. Teaching requires knowledge where experience can be wisely used.
Does this mean that there are no good teachers in the US? Definitely not! There are many excellent dedicated teachers, but not as many as I wish we had. This is where a second opinion could be of great value. Considering all this, a second opinion does not have to be a one time thing. I remember when John and Andy Roddick were in their early years of development, their mother, Mrs. Blanche Roddick was constantly checking and changing their teachers until she was satisfied.
It is easier for parents with own tennis experience to guide their children’s development if they recognize that today’s game is highly advanced compared to their time and that the body of their children may have their genes but the influence and quality they receive in their training will decide their future success. It is a fact that these parents do look for second opinions until they are satisfied .
In approaching a second opinion, I advise to have questions prepared for which answers are expected. The better the questions the more information you can expect. Ask about footwork, movement ability, rhythm, technical respond in different strokes and the most important, which plan is suggested for improvement and further development of your child. Don’t be impressed by the attention your child is receiving , be more concerned of the answer you are getting to the questions you ask. Without them you will receive
“generality” which is meaningless.
Please keep in mind, that a good teacher knows what a racquet has to do to accelerate a ball with spin, speed and height from point A to point B on the court in the process of making a successful tennis player. These basics are the easiest part of the game, as the real action lies in the dynamic movement of the player and the ability to cover the court.
In getting a second opinion, parents should focus on receiving the most important answers to your child’s ability to move , to react to the ball, to change directions and try to execute a stroke in a balanced position. A good teacher will let you know in a second opinion where the qualities and the weaknesses are apparent. Don’t be afraid to inform the teacher of your child that you intend to have a second opinion which may help him to evaluate his own approach. Should he not be receptive to the idea and received information and the expected results are not reached , don’t be afraid to change. After all it is your child’s time and your money.
