Today's post is from Girls Tennis Academy in Australia. The director is Alison Scott who has been a great help with me understanding the best way to teach girls how to play tennis and how it will benefit them through the rest of their life. I hope you enjoy. Oh, and this is useful for boys too!
Over the last few weeks it's been wonderful speaking to parents who understand that learning the game of tennis is also learning the game of life.
Teaching girls and boys is a privilege for all coaches. We have such a big impact on their lives and how they perceive not only the game of tennis but the adventure and reality of life.
I recently had feedback from three mothers at separate times - who SEE where I’m coming from….acknowledging that it's not ALL about the technique of learning tennis but the COMMUNICATION, interaction, positive energy and a spiritual awareness that is held there in a very subtle but conscious way…they see that what I’m doing is all about playing a game “through time”.
It's not about the NOW, but about them as a person/human being/spirit…their future and making sure they are growing, learning about ethics, integrity, the right way to practice, laughing, communicating with their peers, learning about adversity, winning and losing.
Each child is different and to be an effective coach, mentor or friend you have to view THIER lives from THEIR eyes, not through your eyes.
You have to put your attention or consciousness out over to them, be aware of the energy they have around their body, sometimes it maybe tiredness, anger, resentment, hopelessness or enthusiasm!…so it's important to know this so the communication you give can adjust accordingly.
…Its' no use using enthusiasm with a child if they are in grief …it's only going to get worse and the energy more solid around their body.
You have to first relate to them a bit above the energy of grief and then lift them up out of this level of energy. Young children are very responsive to this approach and will change very quickly, it may take a bit longer with older girls, and longer again with adults.
Ever been really angry and found you can’t do anything?
That's because the reactive energy of anger blocks energy flows, once you let the anger go you can move faster and get through things quickly….get more things done and have more fun!!
Tennis is a great sport that highlights or shines a spotlight on these areas - you can’t hide in this game :)
You find by playing tennis you can identify very quickly your strengths and weaknesses and move forward…it's such a great way to grow in life!
Stretch yourself, challenge those boundaries and find out what you can do!!
We only fear that which we do not understand :)
If you don’t confront life - life will confront you.
Go of it!!
Live healthy, Live actively, live life!
Bye for now,
Alison
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