As a parent, watching your child develop a passion for tennis is incredibly rewarding. Tennis not only teaches discipline, focus, and resilience but also promotes a healthy, active lifestyle. But supporting your child’s tennis journey goes beyond cheering from the sidelines. From choosing the right equipment to fostering a positive mindset, your role is crucial in helping your young athlete thrive.

At Van Der Meer Tennis Academy, we understand the vital role parents play in shaping a successful tennis journey. Here’s how you can best support your child every step of the way:

1. Choosing the Right Equipment — Let Van Der Meer Guide You
Selecting the right tennis equipment is essential to your child’s performance and injury prevention. Ill-fitting racquets or improper shoes can hinder progress or even lead to avoidable injuries. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming for parents to know where to start.

That’s where we come in.

At Van Der Meer Tennis Academy, we take the guesswork out of selecting the right gear. Our experienced coaches and staff are experts in helping players of all levels find equipment that fits their specific needs and playing style. We’ll guide you and your child through every step — from choosing the right racquet size and grip to finding the perfect pair of court shoes.

Here’s how we help:

Racquet Selection: We assess your child’s skill level, height, and playing style to recommend the best racquet in terms of weight, string tension, and grip size. A properly fitted racquet makes a significant difference in control and power.

Footwear Guidance: Tennis is tough on the feet. We help select shoes that provide the right balance of comfort, support, and grip, tailored for the court surfaces your child will be playing on.

Apparel and Accessories: From moisture-wicking clothing to sweatbands and the right tennis bags, we guide families on choosing quality gear that keeps players comfortable and organized.

Try Before You Buy: We often allow players to test racquets and other equipment during their training sessions to ensure they’re making the right choice.

By involving the academy in the equipment selection process, you’re ensuring that your child gets the best possible start — without the stress of navigating the tennis gear market alone.

2. Encouraging a Positive Mindset
Tennis can be as much a mental game as a physical one. It’s important to help your child develop resilience and confidence on the court. Praise their efforts, not just their wins. Remind them that mistakes are part of learning and that improvement comes with practice and patience.

At Van Der Meer Tennis Academy, our coaches emphasize mental toughness, positive self-talk, and emotional control — essential skills for competitive play. By reinforcing these lessons at home, you help your child maintain a healthy, balanced approach to the game.

3. Balancing Training and Academics
For junior players aspiring to compete at high levels, managing time between academics and tennis can be challenging. Help your child create a schedule that balances schoolwork, training sessions, rest, and fun.

Our academy offers programs that support student-athletes in finding this balance. With structured training schedules and an emphasis on time management, we ensure that academics and tennis complement, rather than compete with, each other.

4. Being Their Biggest Cheerleader
Perhaps the most impactful thing you can do is simply be there. Whether it’s attending matches, helping with early morning practices, or celebrating personal milestones, your encouragement fuels your child’s motivation.

Let them lead their tennis journey, but be the supportive presence that cheers every step of the way — both in victory and in defeat.

Let’s Help Your Child Succeed Together
At Van Der Meer Tennis Academy, we view parents as partners in their child’s development. From selecting the right equipment to fostering a love for the game, we’re here to support every aspect of your child’s tennis journey.

Interested in learning more about how we can help?
Contact us today to speak with one of our expert coaches or schedule a visit to the academy. Let’s work together to give your child the foundation they need to succeed — both on and off the court. 🎾