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

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For over 10 years, we've been taking tennis lessons at 359.tennis and playing Saturday afternoon competition at TV De Kegel. We're a fun group of friends in the 50+ category. It's wonderful to be socially and athletically active together. The combination of lessons and competition truly keeps us together as a team.

Petra Versluys

Volwassenen — competitieteam zaterdagmiddag

Bram had his first trial lesson last month and I was immediately convinced. The coach gave him a high-five afterwards and told him exactly what he did well. No pressure, just enthusiasm. We signed up for the full season right away.

Ingrid Thomassen

Moeder van Bram (7) — net begonnen

As a family, we've been playing tennis with great enjoyment at 359.tennis for years. Two of our children follow the Academy and KNLTB Intake program, two are in the regular kids and juniors lessons. We also take group and private lessons ourselves. The training sessions are energetic, professional, and keep us feeling fit and vital.

Familie Djie

Academy & Kids — ontwikkeling op elk niveau

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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.