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    Parent Role

    The role of parents in children's tennis development

    Parents are the most important factor in a child's sports experience. The right involvement — at the right time — makes the difference between a child who keeps enjoying tennis and one who drops out. At 359.tennis we see parents as a partner in development.

    359.tennis Coaching Team
    By 359.tennis Coaching Team · Gediplomeerd coachteam · NTC / TV De Kegel
    Last reviewed on 5 March 2026

    This article describes the role of parents in children's tennis development at 359.tennis. With practical guidelines per age phase (4-6, 6-8, 8-10, 10-12 years) for constructive support.

    Ages 4-6: Safety and fun

    At this stage, your only task as a parent is: be present and be positive. The child needs to feel safe trying something new. Avoid performance questions like "Did you win?" — ask "Did you have fun?" instead.

    • Bring your child on time and collect them calmly
    • Show interest without coaching
    • Avoid comparing with other children

    Ages 6-8: Encourage and let go

    Children now begin to understand what they do well and where they struggle. This is the time to appreciate effort, not results. Let the coach provide technical feedback.

    • Focus on effort and attitude, not on score
    • Respect the coach as the leading figure on court
    • After the lesson, discuss what the child wants to share — don't interrogate

    Ages 8-10: Dealing with frustration

    Around this age, children can become frustrated by losses or mistakes. This is a normal and valuable part of their development. Help them by listening, not by providing solutions.

    • Acknowledge emotions: "I understand that's annoying"
    • Avoid projecting your own frustration
    • Read the Parent Handbook for specific communication tips

    Ages 10-12: Supporting autonomy

    Children now want more independence. Give them space to set their own goals and make choices. Your role shifts from guide to supporter.

    • Let the child communicate with the coach themselves
    • Support logistics, not tactics
    • Celebrate growth and effort, regardless of the result

    The 359.tennis perspective

    At 359.tennis we believe that a child's sports experience is a shared responsibility of coach, parent and child. That's why we offer a parent information page and the Parent Handbook — so you know how to contribute to your child's development.

    Frequently asked questions about the parent role in tennis

    Want to apply these insights in practice?

    Discover the Parent SystemParent information
    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 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

    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

    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.