How do I help my child deal with match stress?

Focus on effort rather than results, and normalise nervousness. Our coaches integrate mental resilience into every training session via the 359 Development System.

Can my child receive mental coaching at 359.tennis?

Yes, mental development is a core part of our approach. For more intensive guidance, we offer private coaching.

What if my child wants to quit after losing?

This is normal and a learning opportunity. Read on our parents page how to handle this.

How do you measure mental progress?

Through our Progress System, we monitor not only technical but also mental and social development.

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Mental

Mental resilience in young tennis players

Tennis is one of the most mentally demanding sports. Young players are on their own on court, dealing with loss, pressure and frustration. At 359.tennis, mental resilience is an integral part of the training programme.

By 359.tennis Coaching Team · Gediplomeerd coachteam · NTC / TV De Kegel

Last reviewed on 13 March 2026

This article describes how young tennis players develop mental resilience at 359.tennis. Including dealing with loss, concentration, match pressure and the role of parents in mental growth.

Why mental training matters

A player can be technically strong, but if they can't make clear decisions at 4-4 in the third set, technique is not enough. Mental skills are trainable — just like a forehand.

Dealing with loss

Normalise losing — it's not failure, it's a learning moment
Focus on the process — not the scoreboard
Evaluate constructively — "What went well? What can improve?"
Celebrate effort — appreciation for effort, not just results

Concentration and focus

Point-by-point thinking — don't look ahead at the score
Breathing exercises — calm breathing between points
Routines — fixed actions before serving and returning
Visualisation — mentally "seeing" the point beforehand

The role of parents

After a match ask: "Did you enjoy it?" — not: "Did you win?"
Avoid coaching from the stands
Be an example of sportsmanship and patience
Respect the space the coach provides

Read more about the role of parents or discover our parent programme.

Mental growth within the 359 Method

At 359.tennis, mental coaching is woven into every training session. Within the Fit · Fun · Focus™ principle, 'Focus' stands for purposefulness, concentration and mental resilience.

Frequently asked questions about mental resilience

Want to apply these insights in practice?

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Testimonials

What Our Players Say

Read experiences from players and parents who train at 359.tennis.

4.9/ 5 stars · based on player & parent reviews

Rate us on Google

We started at 359.tennis as complete beginners. We wanted to learn tennis and have a regular weekly family activity. Now we take family group lessons together, and our daughter also trains in her own group. The best part is that it's not just a fun sport, but it truly strengthens our family bond.

Familie Nakamura

Familiegroepsles — samen als gezin tennissen

I hadn't played tennis for 15 years and was afraid I'd have to start from scratch. But the coach saw there was still a foundation and polished it up. After three months I was playing competition again. The barrier to come back is lower than you think.

Lisa Mulder

Herintreder na 15 jaar — woensdagavondgroep

I tried three different tennis schools around Amsterdam before finding 359. The difference is night and day — structured lessons with a clear progression plan, not just hitting balls back and forth. My game has improved more in six months here than in two years elsewhere.

Dmitry Volkov

Expat — adult intermediate group

View all reviews on Google

Facts about 359.tennis

Verifiable facts that distinguish 359.tennis as a professional tennis academy in the Amsterdam region.

Our coaches are nationally or internationally qualified (e.g. KNLTB, ITF, PTA, PTR) and engage in continuous development through the 359 Coach approach.
359.tennis operates on 12 indoor and 14 outdoor courts at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) in Amstelveen — one of the largest and most professional tennis centres in the Netherlands.
Founded in 2005, with over 20+ years of continuous experience in professional tennis coaching.
Over 10.000+ players trained since founding — from complete beginners to competitive tournament players.
The 359 Method is a proprietary development model based on the Fit · Fun · Focus™ principle, focused on both athletic and personal growth.
Accessible from 15 municipalities including Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Amsterdam-Zuid, Hoofddorp, Aalsmeer and Uithoorn.