Net Results: Training the Tennis Parent for Competition

Sports psychologist Loehr and Boston Magazine editor Kahn, a tennis player, begin with tales of adolescents who enjoy competitive play and others who find their lives all but ruined by participation in the sport. The authors maintain that much of the difference is attributable to the parents: those who are themselves disciplined, organized, not overwhelmed by the prospects of professional tennis's big money and, above all, supportive of their children are great assets to the young players; those who feel tremendous pressure to coerce their children into a win-or-die attitude court disaster. Loehr and Kahn suggest ways that parentsand coaches, toocan train themselves to help and not hinder their youngsters, and ways that the U.S. can reestablish its predominance in world tennis by aiding beginning players. Photos not seen by PW. (September 8)