The Power of rewarding Effort and Attitude: Shifting the focus in Tennis

In the world of tennis, the focus has traditionally been on winning and losing. Coaches, parents, and players often fixate on the final score as the ultimate measure of success. However, what if I told you that there is a more effective and empowering approach to player development? One that places emphasis on effort and attitude rather than the outcome itself. In this article, I want to explore how rewarding effort and attitude can have a powerful impact on the growth and development of tennis players.

Controlling the Controllables: When it comes to tennis, the truth is that you can’t always control the outcome of a match. External factors, such as an opponent’s skill level or unforeseen circumstances, can tip the scales. However, what you can control, regardless of the result, is your effort and attitude. These two aspects are entirely within your grasp and can make all the difference in your performance and personal growth as a tennis player and competitor.

The Shift in Focus: Imagine a scenario where, instead of asking your players, “What was the score?” you ask them, “How did you play?” By reframing the question, you shift the focus from the outcome to the process. This simple change encourages players to evaluate their effort and attitude during the match, rather than solely fixating on the final result. It reinforces the notion that their performance is what truly matters and sets the foundation for continuous improvement.

Rewarding the Right Qualities: To foster a growth-oriented mindset, it is crucial to reward the qualities that contribute to long-term success. Celebrating a win after poor effort or a negative attitude sends the wrong message to players. It implies that winning is all that matters, regardless of how they achieved it. On the other hand, when players demonstrate a great effort and a positive attitude, even in the face of a loss, they should be acknowledged and rewarded. This encourages resilience, perseverance, and a focus on personal growth rather than solely on winning.

Overcoming the Fear of Failure: One of the most significant benefits of emphasizing effort and attitude over winning and losing is that it helps players overcome the fear of failure. Athletes who focus on their performance rather than fixating on the outcome are less affected by the paralyzing fear of not meeting expectations. By giving their best efforts and maintaining a positive attitude, they know they have done everything within their control to succeed. This mindset allows players to approach each match with confidence, regardless of the outcome.

Conclusion: The tennis community is gradually realizing the transformative power of rewarding effort and attitude in player development. By shifting the focus from winning and losing to the qualities that lead to growth and personal improvement, we create a more nurturing and empowering environment for players. Remember, you can’t always control the outcome, but you can always control your effort and attitude. So, let us ask not, “What was the score?” but rather, “How did you play?” This simple change in perspective can unlock the true potential of tennis players, allowing them to flourish both on and off the court.

Joel Myers

Coronado Tennis Director

USPTA Elite Professional