Question for Teaching pros of Jrs.??

[starsin47]

For 20+ years that I have been around various areas of tennis, I have seen a change in the techniques taught by Pros. to Jrs. But, I have not seen much change in the process used at city rec. clinics, private clubs, country clubs, etc.

For example, you have clinics for various levels, and kids move up and down the courts depending on how they play. At a certain level you may have an age range of 10 to 18, which means a 18 yr. old boy may be hitting with a 12 yr. old girl if they are of similar ability. This may have worked years ago, but as a educator, I have difficulty understanding this concept.

A 18 year old and 12 year old may indeed be at the same level of ability, but mentally and emotionally they are "Years" apart. For one, it is de-motivating for a 18 yr. old to be hitting with a 12 year old, and second a 18 year old will not be playing a 12 year old in tournaments.

So why is it that so many Teaching Pros continue this process? I may be missing a very important point here, but in my opinion many Pros do not understand the basic principles of teaching when it comes to adolescent Pschycology, especially Pros in their 20's, early 30's. The older Pros seem to understand this.

Thanks for your comments.:):)

[xtremerunnerars]

I think it's better for an 18 year old to be hitting with a skilled 12 year old than a terrible 18 year old.

[Freedom]

I think it's better for an 18 year old to be hitting with a skilled 12 year old than a terrible 18 year old.

To a point. But if the 18s player only hits with the 12s player, when he goes into an 18s event, it's going to look a lot different to see someone his size across the net.

I'd recommend a mix of playing any player that matches ability very closely as well as peers, whether they are better or worse.

[TennisCoachFLA]

Tennis abilities vary widely from 12-18. It is almost impossible to only play kids close in age against each other.

It has nothing to do with adolescent psychology....tennis is the great equalizer.

Size is also meaningless. You go to an 18 tournament and you see kids from 5'3" to 6'5". Happens all the time. Many younger kids also play up in age in these tournaments.

If in your teaching group the only one who has the talent to hit with an 18 year old boy happens to be a 12 year old very talented girl, then so be it.

The OP seems to be trying to take one of the great things about junior tennis and make it seem negative....not sure why.

[BradBaughman]

Tennis abilities vary widely from 12-18. It is almost impossible to only play kids close in age against each other.

It has nothing to do with adolescent psychology....tennis is the great equalizer.

Size is also meaningless. You go to an 18 tournament and you see kids from 5'3" to 6'5". Happens all the time. Many younger kids also play up in age in these tournaments.

If in your teaching group the only one who has the talent to hit with an 18 year old boy happens to be a 12 year old very talented girl, then so be it.

The OP seems to be trying to take one of the great things about junior tennis and make it seem negative....not sure why.

everyone says "you have to play the ball" ,so what's this about age have any thing to do with tennis, BTW my 12 year old just got done with a hitting session with a guy thats playing on the tour age was not a problem to either!!