Instructing Children - Any good books?

[orange223]

I am an avid 3.5 player; I string my on racquets, have a ball machine, really focus on fitness, play leagues constantly and a few tournaments a year.

I bought our 8 year old son a racquet for Christmas and on Christmas Day took him to the courts with the ball machine. He had a blast!

I have never put him in lessons or forced my love of the game on him as it would be easy for me to do so and drive him away from it. I have probably been too stand-off-ish, to coin a phrase, regarding him and tennis.

Now that he seems like he is interested in the sport (thank You, God!!) are there any good books out there on how to teach children tennis without driving them away from the sport?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[dozu]

you can probably borrow some books from the public library for the basics, such as grips and stroke fundamentals. There is also more than enough info on the internet to get him started.

I think you have the right approach try not to drive him away from it....

I think it's essential for the kid to have fun on the court, give him a role-model to emulate, like Federer, so he can form his techniques and demeanor.... if he can establish something and get to enjoy this game for the rest of his life, that's the ultimate goal.

 

[thejackal]

I think videos and watching pros is the way to go. Forcing book down a kid's throat isn't generally a good idea. Seeing and dooing is more effective in my opinion.

 

[Eric Matuszewski]

Books are good, but a group of tennis enthusiastic peers is even better.

As for books though German tennis Federations "Tennis Course 1" appropriate for the dad trying to teach his son.

also the pro role model/videotape idea is one I know works from experience.

after that stuff you'll need to get him interacting with other tennis kids in a fun way If you don't want him to burn out on it. You can offer to teach your own group or take him to a club.

It's a long road make sure he enjoys the trip.

 

[Camilio Pascual]

Look at the books available @ humankinetics.com.

 

[degreefanlindi]

Books

Hmm I can't think of anything specific. There are a bunch of USTA pamphlets I have for kids' instruction and what not...but most kids do not want to read about the fundamentals. How about a nice fiction story about tennis instead? That way, the child can appreciate the game first.....and learn to love to play.
Also, maybe you should try to look at the library for books relating to sports in general...goals, fitness needs, etc. Not just tennis but all sports and what it takes to excel in athletics at his level?

 

[Mahboob Khan]

Yes, it is a great idea for the kids to watch Pros play (on t.v.?). It is important for the kids to have their own models -- their own favorite players. If they like the game, they will try to learn it .. they will be more receptive even to boring stuff.

Books are not for the kids to read. Books are for the coaches so that they follow the correct approach of teaching so that kids are not overloaded with training.

ITF's STI manual is great for the kids.

ITF's Coaches Manual (Level I) is excellent resource to have to teach the basics.

ITF's booklet, "Being a Better Tennis Parent" is a must for all tennis parents. This booklet will spare them from unnecessary experiments with their kids!

 

[orange223]

Thank you all for the replies. I am looking for instructional books for me to read so that I may teach him in the correct way. I will check out the website mentioned as well as the pamphlets and the German book too.

Today, another parent and myself took 5 kids to the neighborhood courts (my son too) and ran them through some drills for an hour. We tried to keep it upbeat, positive, lively and fun. Lots of praise and positive reinforcement.

We would like to develop a tennis following in our neighborhood among the kids. Thank you again for the suggestions and I'll see what I can dig up via your suggestions.

Orange