There are many children that participate in tennis lessons/activities but are not really ‘tennis players’!!!
Competition is a crucial part of a child’s weekly tennis programme. IT IS NOT JUST SOMETHING GOOD PLAYERS DO! It’s hopefully exciting and enjoyable. It is one of the most effective ways for a player to improve. Competition allows a player a get an accurate picture of where their tennis skills are at the moment.
It is not until a child has experienced competition that they really gain a greater understanding of what is needed, become committed to the sport and motivated to improve. Quality competition occurs when a player is uncertain of the outcome of the match for at least 80% of its duration. For example, winning 6-1, 6-1 or losing 6-1, 6-1 is not usually an example of good competition.
Where to start?
MINI REDS – Matchplay events held at Thongsbridge Tennis Club and Huddersfield Tennis Club. See mini tennis competition board for entry forms.
MINI ORANGE – Matchplay events held at Thongsbridge, Huddersfield and South Leeds Tennis clubs. See mini tennis competition board for entry forms. Mini orange box leagues at Thongsbridge sign up on the mini tennis competition board.
MINI GREEN – Matchplay events held at Thongsbridge, Huddersfield and South Leeds Tennis clubs. See mini tennis competition board for entry forms. Mini green box leagues at Thongsbridge sign up on the mini tennis competition board.
FULL TENNIS – Matchplay events all over the county see competition corner for entry forms. Thongsbridge box leagues see notice board to sign up. Team tennis – national junior club league, or district league see Rob if you would like to play in the teams. In Yorkshire there are a series of tournaments that you could enter as long as you have a rating (see any of the coaches to get a rating) the entry forms for these tournaments can be found in competition corner.
How often should you compete? (a rough guide)
| Age | Matches per year |
| Red | Up to 30 matches |
| Orange | Up to 35 matches |
| Green | Up to 40 matches |
| Under 10 | Up to 40 matches |
| Under 12 | 40-60 matches |
| Under 14 | 50-80 matches |
| Under 16 | 60-80 matches |
| Under 18 | 60-80 matches |
Where can I get help about competition?
Coaches – always willing to give advice and guidance on competition
LTA – lawn tennis association website full of useful information www.LTA.org.uk
Other parents – this is possibly the best source of support/advice as they have almost been there and done that and some have even got the T-shirt!
Internet – www.britishtennisparents.com a fantastic website by Judy Murray (Andy Murray’s mum) dedicated to parents with tennis players have a look!
If you have any more questions or would like a more detailed insight into competition please speak to the coaching team.