jansilvatennis
New User
Your absolutely right...God Bless you and good luck to you and your kids!
5 Year Old Tennis Prodigy
- Thread starter Tchocky
- Start date
Your absolutely right...God Bless you and good luck to you and your kids!
J-man
Hall of Fame
I'd pick Baghdatis over Blake anyday. Blake is the win who doesn't win anything.
Ethan
New User
wow at such a young age yet so much pressure already feel srry for him most kids that starts playing at such a young age should BE ALL ABOUT FUN, but well if he enjoys it there should be no problem unless the stress gets to him. Wish i started to play when i was 5 instead of 16 LOL be like all pro
Azzurri
Legend
It should be...but is it? I don't see how it can be. Too much pressure. Maybe the kid loves it, maybe its all he wants to do, but he is a CHILD. Everything is fun to these kids. Its playtime on the court....hope for the child's sake its not all about tennis.
I agree....I wish I started at 5 too...maybe I would be better than Roddick.
lethalfang
Professional
What's handed to the 5-year old kid is an OPPORTUNITY to be great.
Sure, chances of becoming a world class player is slim at best. However, until I hear something about the kid being forced to train in tennis, it is an OPPORTUNITY many of us can only wish that we would've had when we were 5.
Not only is it okay, but it is an obligation for the parents to guide and provide opportunity for kids to succeed.
If that kid has great potential in tennis, why not?
Are you guys saying the kid loves too much tennis for his own good, and you want force him to play more video games and watch more TV?
Sure, chances of becoming a world class player is slim at best. However, until I hear something about the kid being forced to train in tennis, it is an OPPORTUNITY many of us can only wish that we would've had when we were 5.
Not only is it okay, but it is an obligation for the parents to guide and provide opportunity for kids to succeed.
If that kid has great potential in tennis, why not?
Are you guys saying the kid loves too much tennis for his own good, and you want force him to play more video games and watch more TV?
Azzurri
Legend
I think most people are concerned about the pressure being placed. When you put a kid on TV, move to another country and get the kid as much publicity as possible then I could see potential problems down the road. Its happened so mnay times and way more than we ever hear of. Tiger Woods is the BIG exception.
TennisCoachFLA
Banned
Actually, you are wrong, he is not being handed the opportunity to be great. There has been boat loads of research done on sports specialization. Also a great book by Jim Brown, a doctor and PhD.
Study after study shows that the overwhelming majority of elite athletes played more back yard, informal games up until about 12 to develop their overall athletic skills.
Other research shows that about 99% of kids have a 6-7 year span of being able to focus on one sport before losing interest. The best way to raise a great athlete is multi sports growing up, very little parental pushing, and wait until 12 and up to specialize in one sport.
By highlighting and specializing this kid so young, the parents have decreased his chances of succeeding astronomically.
Dr. Brown's research also showed that kids that specialized were advanced until about 12-14. After that, the great overall athletes caught and passed them. A great athlete who starts tennis specialization at 12 will blow away a tennis specialized lesser athlete by the time they both reach maturity.
The last part of the research shows that kids also fatigue mentally with early specialization. By maturity, they are mentally drained and again blown away by a kid who specializes at a later age. Kids that specialize later stick with a sport far longer as they are better able to handle it as they are older.
The book is called Sports Talent by Jim Brown.
Study after study shows that the overwhelming majority of elite athletes played more back yard, informal games up until about 12 to develop their overall athletic skills.
Other research shows that about 99% of kids have a 6-7 year span of being able to focus on one sport before losing interest. The best way to raise a great athlete is multi sports growing up, very little parental pushing, and wait until 12 and up to specialize in one sport.
By highlighting and specializing this kid so young, the parents have decreased his chances of succeeding astronomically.
Dr. Brown's research also showed that kids that specialized were advanced until about 12-14. After that, the great overall athletes caught and passed them. A great athlete who starts tennis specialization at 12 will blow away a tennis specialized lesser athlete by the time they both reach maturity.
The last part of the research shows that kids also fatigue mentally with early specialization. By maturity, they are mentally drained and again blown away by a kid who specializes at a later age. Kids that specialize later stick with a sport far longer as they are better able to handle it as they are older.
The book is called Sports Talent by Jim Brown.
BigBUBBA
Semi-Pro
Ah Lucky Jan. Wish him the best
You see Mr. Silva, I'm extremely talented, my coach and tournament directors agree, but I have no professinal coaching in my areas, and I have 3 brothers, plus my family is not commited to move the whole family just for me. Plus were not rich...
Jan is lucky, and he is blessed. I wish him all the best Luck Mr. Silva!
D.D from Arkansas if you wanna look me up Mr. Silva ;P
You see Mr. Silva, I'm extremely talented, my coach and tournament directors agree, but I have no professinal coaching in my areas, and I have 3 brothers, plus my family is not commited to move the whole family just for me. Plus were not rich...
Jan is lucky, and he is blessed. I wish him all the best Luck Mr. Silva!
D.D from Arkansas if you wanna look me up Mr. Silva ;P
jansilvatennis
New User
This is all that we are trying to get across to the most negative minded people in the whole world. Jan whom loves Soccer, Basketball, Football and other sports but is too young for a team activity plays those sports with uncanny abilities. He is an athlete whom has an unheard of opportunity to be a great success if he chooses to stick with the Tennis. He is a wonderful kid the likes of when you meet him, you will not forget him. What the negative commenters whom say that he is not athletic and there are other kids his age more talented are failing to get in my opinion is that he thinks everyone in the world plays Tennis like this. He lives a normal life, school, friends, family, kids parties...for people to say he is the next Marinovich is baffling...for them to talk about pressure that is being placed on him is mind blowing. It is like slappano calling someone an a$$hole whom he doesnt know but just read a few lines about in a paper or saw on a TV show. Nice work there...Athletes in our family welcome the pressure to be great.
To be fair if you were a family of surgeons, and started piano lessons early, and sent the kid to science and math camp and pushed him to be a top performer in school, you would also get crap from the people with mediocore expectations of their kids.
**a buddy of mine his mom WAS actually borderline nuts, but a sweet lady. He's finishing up his cardiac fellow this year. She was telling people he would be a doctor since I meet him when I was 11 or 12**
There's nothing wrong with aspiring for greatness for your kids or giving them every opportunity. Generally you either get a diamond or a pile of crushed coal. You know your kid so I hope you get a diamond... or a surgeon or whatever ;-)
Swissv2
Hall of Fame
Jan seems to have a good healthy desire to continue learning. Personal Interest + talent at this stage is one of the best combinations for a good future career - no matter how good he gets later on. Once Jan reaches his early teens, I can almost guarantee that will be the time when he either burns out or continues strong. Now he is young and for the most part does not know the term "pressure" that much.
A desire to learn cannot be forced. The joy of the game is the ultimate reward. Bottom line is when Jan grows up, will he be ready and mature enough to take tennis to a higher level like Tiger Woods, Andre Agassi, and Roger Federer? Every person in this world has a goal to grow up and do something they enjoy. Jan has the potential to enjoy this game he is good at for many years to come.
All the best to Jan and his family.
A desire to learn cannot be forced. The joy of the game is the ultimate reward. Bottom line is when Jan grows up, will he be ready and mature enough to take tennis to a higher level like Tiger Woods, Andre Agassi, and Roger Federer? Every person in this world has a goal to grow up and do something they enjoy. Jan has the potential to enjoy this game he is good at for many years to come.
All the best to Jan and his family.
dukemunson
Rookie
I still think its insane to treat a 5 year old this way. Give the kid a racket...get him hits and all that...but what you've done Mr. Silva is crazy and not in the childs best interest. I really hope your kid doesn't make it, as it would justify 100 more parents to follow these crazy footsteps. It's one thing to give him an opportunity...it's whole different thing when "treat him like a pro" at 5...insane...
props though for getting so much attention for yourself out of your 5 year old...
props though for getting so much attention for yourself out of your 5 year old...
AndyRLacoste
Rookie
For a while I thought his name was "Jan," like the girl name short for Janice.
I know the truth now, but thought for a while naming him that was worse than anthing about a tennis academy.
I know the truth now, but thought for a while naming him that was worse than anthing about a tennis academy.
dukemunson
Rookie
There is absolutely no justifcation for the hype of this kid. Any result he has in the next 10 years is absolutely meaningless. I don't know how anyone could care how he does in the next few tournaments...and no I don't think his father is doing good things for him as he ceaselessly hypes the kid. The kid has done nothing but strike a pose and hold a racket...the kid has very little chance of ever making it...thats the fact. Treating him like he's definitely going to make it, at age 5, is absolutely insane. I'd really prefer to never hear this kids name again, as it might help curb and stop the crazy idea of hyping 5 year olds as possible pros...its premature to the point of ridiculous, and to treat the kid like a pro at 5 is also ridiculous.
jansilvatennis
New User
Merci SwissV
jansilvatennis
New User
Your absolutely right!
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TacoBellBorderBowl1946
Professional
I'd win 6-0 6-0
S
SheUK
Guest
Oh gee. I found this site by accident today when trying to find an academy for my 6 year old daughter this coming summer 08 and am both suprised and then again not suprised by the adverse comments on this forum targeted towards the parents of a talented young tennis player called Jan Silva.
As the parent of another talented kid I can see both sides of the story here...
1) On the side of Mr and Mrs Silva- they have a very young child with great tennis ability....be this through nature or nurture or a combination of born talent with acquired talent. Which ever way- he is good ...although I don't think extraordinary (hard to judge via a video so this is not meant to be insulting- I have seen many many young children look just as good on a video in a training situation).
Jan's parents were given a golden opportunity and they grabbed it with both hands. What is wrong with that? We only have one short life on this planet and if you can give your child a great experience and wonderful opportunities-then why not? I see so many talented children in the UK- as good as if not much better than Jan. Yet they are born to parents with no funding and lets face it- Tennis is an expensive sport. So much young talent goes nowhere due to lack of support and finance. The major sponsors are not interested in very young players as they are too risky. Too many things can go wrong in a childs life to alter the course of destiny, and so it is a major gamble. Yet ironically, it is early on in life that young players like Jan need support. I sincerely wish Jan and his parents the best of success for the future and look forward to hearing his name at Wimbledon in years to come....
2) Okay- so here is the other side of the coin. My own child is an LTA elite sponsored player in England and I am not mentioning her name because why should I? I know that some people believe there is no such thing as bad publicity- but I disagree. The human spirit is full of envy and jealousy- sometimes wanting a person to fail because it means they are human. Some people call it the evil eye. Call me superstitious, but why put yourself through that grief and have to listen to people pull you down? I don't get it. My own child will either try and fail- but do so in private. Or she will try and be a success and the world will wonder where on earth this shooting star has just flown in from. I prefer the big entrance or the discreet exit myself.
Also- as a word of caution to any parents of child Tennis players- please take care of these little bodies. Their soft bones are not set and their limbs are still growing. Often the bones and muscle will grow at differing rates and place stress on small joints. These are precious little growing bodies. My own 6 year old plays 5 hours a week with 1 hour of fitness. This is far less than Jan and some may say this is not enough. However even at this rate (using softer green balls and the correct sized racket for her height) - she needs physio because one side of her body has developed much more than the other side. She is a metamorph who naturally builds muscle so even a small amount of training has caused this developmental issue. If not corrected she would get back/spine problems and no game or competition money is worth one's health.
One also has to also watch their psychological development. My own child is thankfully mentally very strong. Like Jan she often plays much older players who are not as technically as good as she is - but are older and more cunning and smart- so can sometimes win due to their mental maturity. Young players like this have to learn to lose against better players. However I often see very young players in tears on court with over bearing and dominant parents shouting from the side lines. I am sure that Jan's parents are not like this at all- but it is tough for young kids in this game.
All that said- the very best of luck and I hope it all goes well.
As the parent of another talented kid I can see both sides of the story here...
1) On the side of Mr and Mrs Silva- they have a very young child with great tennis ability....be this through nature or nurture or a combination of born talent with acquired talent. Which ever way- he is good ...although I don't think extraordinary (hard to judge via a video so this is not meant to be insulting- I have seen many many young children look just as good on a video in a training situation).
Jan's parents were given a golden opportunity and they grabbed it with both hands. What is wrong with that? We only have one short life on this planet and if you can give your child a great experience and wonderful opportunities-then why not? I see so many talented children in the UK- as good as if not much better than Jan. Yet they are born to parents with no funding and lets face it- Tennis is an expensive sport. So much young talent goes nowhere due to lack of support and finance. The major sponsors are not interested in very young players as they are too risky. Too many things can go wrong in a childs life to alter the course of destiny, and so it is a major gamble. Yet ironically, it is early on in life that young players like Jan need support. I sincerely wish Jan and his parents the best of success for the future and look forward to hearing his name at Wimbledon in years to come....
2) Okay- so here is the other side of the coin. My own child is an LTA elite sponsored player in England and I am not mentioning her name because why should I? I know that some people believe there is no such thing as bad publicity- but I disagree. The human spirit is full of envy and jealousy- sometimes wanting a person to fail because it means they are human. Some people call it the evil eye. Call me superstitious, but why put yourself through that grief and have to listen to people pull you down? I don't get it. My own child will either try and fail- but do so in private. Or she will try and be a success and the world will wonder where on earth this shooting star has just flown in from. I prefer the big entrance or the discreet exit myself.
Also- as a word of caution to any parents of child Tennis players- please take care of these little bodies. Their soft bones are not set and their limbs are still growing. Often the bones and muscle will grow at differing rates and place stress on small joints. These are precious little growing bodies. My own 6 year old plays 5 hours a week with 1 hour of fitness. This is far less than Jan and some may say this is not enough. However even at this rate (using softer green balls and the correct sized racket for her height) - she needs physio because one side of her body has developed much more than the other side. She is a metamorph who naturally builds muscle so even a small amount of training has caused this developmental issue. If not corrected she would get back/spine problems and no game or competition money is worth one's health.
One also has to also watch their psychological development. My own child is thankfully mentally very strong. Like Jan she often plays much older players who are not as technically as good as she is - but are older and more cunning and smart- so can sometimes win due to their mental maturity. Young players like this have to learn to lose against better players. However I often see very young players in tears on court with over bearing and dominant parents shouting from the side lines. I am sure that Jan's parents are not like this at all- but it is tough for young kids in this game.
All that said- the very best of luck and I hope it all goes well.
MIGHTY MANFRED THE WONDER
Semi-Pro
Just found out Jan Silva will be playing B10 in a very small draw tournament- USTA Southwest El Conquistidor this weekend.
The crowds around this exclusive resort in Tucson should be pretty big, as there is not a whole heck of a lot to do, anyways except watch Oregon get their noses rubbed in it by the Wildcats.
10 in a very small draw tournament- USTA Southwest El Conquistidor this weekend. The crowds around this exclusive resort in Tucson should be pretty big, as there is not a whole heck of a lot to do, anyways except watch Oregon get their noses rubbed in it by the Wildcats.
GRANITECHIEF
Hall of Fame
So how old is he now? Surprised he's not playing up.
http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/Draws/EventDraw.aspx?T=61313&E=5
Looks like Jan's older brother is also playin the tourney, in the boys 14's, drawline 5.
http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/Draws/EventDraw.aspx?T=61313&E=5
Looks like Jan's older brother is also playin the tourney, in the boys 14's, drawline 5.
MIGHTY MANFRED THE WONDER
Semi-Pro
Hold the phone Sam.... Since when does he have an older brother? The latest "family" tape (from, like years old TODAY SHOW) has Mom, Dad- The CHILD, and younger sister.... Where is this OLDER kid coming from?
The tournament site states he's from ELK GROVE, CA. as his residence-
Is someone just happened to be named the same?
I guess technically no matter that you are (supposed) to be training in France
you keep your USTA membership and residence requirements up to speed/ or does anyone even enforce this?
The tournament site states he's from ELK GROVE, CA. as his residence-
Is someone just happened to be named the same?
I guess technically no matter that you are (supposed) to be training in France
you keep your USTA membership and residence requirements up to speed/ or does anyone even enforce this?
lainey80
Semi-Pro
Wow, I think it's great what Jan's parents are doing. Giving a 5 yr old tennis education, confidence, direction. I wish I had this type of drive and ambition at 5!
Props to the parents for supporting the kids. I didn't know if this had been posted yet, so..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnoBxuW2TYc
Props to the parents for supporting the kids. I didn't know if this had been posted yet, so..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnoBxuW2TYc
MIGHTY MANFRED THE WONDER
Semi-Pro
I guess he still must hold his USTA card, from ELK GROVE.
Will be interesting to drop by the resort and see all the Hub-Bub.
Have not seen anything this big since the two-headed calf was born down toward the border.
I guess his folks must have buisness in the ol' Pueblo, as this is not really a top flight Junior event, like a dozen locals- Albeit in one of the most beautiful winter resorts you are likely to find.
Will be interesting to drop by the resort and see all the Hub-Bub.
Have not seen anything this big since the two-headed calf was born down toward the border.
I guess his folks must have buisness in the ol' Pueblo, as this is not really a top flight Junior event, like a dozen locals- Albeit in one of the most beautiful winter resorts you are likely to find.
T
tenniscrazed
Guest
I know some of these are crazy questions but maybe this group can help me.
1) Why would a phenom leave his phenom home to go to a foreign country where he will have no one to hit with except a coach who will hit it right back?
2) Why would a phenom come back to AZ no less (no offense AZ) but why not a tourney in Florida, or Spain, or here is a bright one France.
3) Why in a tourney that is almost assured of a small draw?
4) Does any one know how long his aggreement with the academy was to last? Is it possible that it just ended?
GRANITECHIEF
Hall of Fame
Ouch, 0-3 including a double bagel.
At least older bro did well winning 2 matches, including dispatching the #1 seed, 6-2,6-2, to get to the finals.
Maybe all the news coverage was focusing on the wrong sibling?
At least older bro did well winning 2 matches, including dispatching the #1 seed, 6-2,6-2, to get to the finals.
Maybe all the news coverage was focusing on the wrong sibling?
TennisProdigy
Professional
Lol a 5 year old using a one handed backhand? Sounds like someone's going to have some arm troubles in the future! I hope he makes it to number one in the world at age 12!
jansilvatennis
New User
Ouch?
Your absolutely right!
Your absolutely right!
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jansilvatennis
New User
Your absolutely right!
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spiritdragon
Rookie
wow, they're spending all this money on him and theres so much pressure on him and he's only 5!!! What if he decides somewhere along the line that he doesnt wanna play tennis professionally?
jansilvatennis
New User
He is 6 and there is no pressure on him to do anything but behave on the court. The Academy is taking all of the financial risk. He loves the tennis and with his game he has only to physically grow to be able to cover the entire court. How many people feel pressure to succeed at something they are good at and they love doing? He is excelling because none of us are married to the Win at all cost philosophy...It is about the work. Educational, Physical, Mental, Social, Economic...All bases are being covered so no matter what happens he will always be happy.
GRANITECHIEF
Hall of Fame
Whoa dude, take a chill pill. I'm not jealous, and i'm sure none of you shed a tear.
I think its awesome that the kid is competing in tourneys at age 6 and its cool that his talent has brought him and the whole family the incredible opportunities.
I wish J and K the best and will always be rooting for them when i see their names in draws. I didn't exactly go out of my way, just throwing down a few observations. I'm sure there will be other opportunities to make positive comments, as I did here for K.
johnathan smith
Rookie
Hey Mr. Silva,
Would you mind emailing me? I was wondering if I could ask you a couple of questions concerning tennis in France??
Sounds like a really good opportuniy for both children and the parents. Best of luck!
jwhtennis777@yahoo.com
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