We’ve all seen it—a parent arrives at the clinic with their young child, envisioning their red ball student as the next tennis superstar: the future Nadal, Djokovic, or Williams. Their 7-year-old, newly armed with a semi-Western grip, is on the fast track to greatness. With plenty of practice, patience, and tournaments, surely their child will soon be playing at the level seen on TV. But is match performance really the ultimate goal?

Think back to your first experience on the court: holding a 19-inch racquet, standing under the sun while waiting for the coach, the distinct pop of a freshly opened can of balls. Was your first step in tennis a professional match? Likely not. More often than not, the best part of an hour-long session was the fun, not the formalities.

As a coach, I believe that introducing any sport, especially tennis, should focus on activities that captivate and engage young players, fostering a connection to the why they want to play, rather than jumping straight into the how. For children aged 4-8, the main motivation is often the chance to release physical energy and have fun. At this stage, most kids aren’t driven by winning matches, gaining points, or competing with others. Many of my junior players leave the court talking about how much fun they had playing balloon-tapping games, running obstacle courses, and engaging in other activities that sometimes don’t even involve a racquet.

The challenge arises when parents, and sometimes even coaches, put too much emphasis on competition and technical performance at such a young age. This pressure can quickly drain the joy from learning the sport, turning tennis into a chore rather than a passion. Focusing solely on technique and match results risks burnout, frustration, and even the possibility of a child giving up on the sport entirely.

There’s a better way: prioritize fun, creativity, and engagement over rigid technical drills and performance expectations. Activities like obstacle courses, balloon games, and cooperative challenges help develop essential motor skills and coordination while keeping the process enjoyable. This approach not only builds a solid foundation for future skills but also nurtures a love for the game.

In the end, tennis—or any sport—should be about more than just competition or achievement. It’s a journey of discovery, growth, and joy. By emphasizing enjoyment and foundational skills over match outcomes, we help young players develop a lifelong relationship with the game. The goal isn’t to leap from level 1 to level 100 overnight; it’s to inspire a lasting love for tennis.

Who knows? With patience, encouragement, and a healthy dose of fun, today’s red ball student might just surprise us all.

By Alisa Polishchuk
Tennis-Prime - PIM PAM PUM Head Coach