Parent–Coach Communication
🗣️ Build a Strong, Respectful Partnership That Supports Your Child’s Growth
Communication between you and the coach is essential when it comes to your child’s tennis journey. A strong parent–coach relationship creates consistency, trust, and the kind of support system that allows a young player to grow, not just on the court but in confidence and character.
But like any great team, success depends on knowing your role, respecting boundaries, and maintaining open, positive communication.
At FOFTA, we believe parents and coaches should work together, not compete for control. Here’s how to make that partnership work.
✅ Why Good Communication Matters
- It ensures the player is receiving consistent messages from both home and training.
- It allows parents to stay informed about their child’s development and goals.
- It builds trust and respect between all three parties: parent, player, and coach.
- It prevents misunderstandings, frustration, or over-involvement.
When parents and coaches are aligned, the child feels supported, not pulled in two directions.
📅 When and How to Communicate
- It’s important to choose the right time, place, and tone for communication:
- Schedule time to talk—avoid trying to discuss concerns during or immediately after practice or matches
- Be concise and respectful—coaches appreciate clear, focused conversations
- Ask questions, don’t dictate—”What would be helpful for us to work on at home?” is better than “They need to fix their serve.”
Check in occasionally, not constantly. A good coach will keep you updated when needed
📌 Tip: Let your child know that you and their coach are working together in their best interest—this builds trust.
🎯 What to Ask (and Not Ask) the Coach
Helpful things to ask:
- “What should we focus on outside of practice—if anything?”
- “How is my child responding in lessons?”
- “What are realistic goals for the next few months?”
- “What signs of improvement should we be looking for?”
What to avoid:
- Comparing your child to others in the program
- Telling the coach what to teach or how to run a session
- Frequent feedback requests after every practice or match
- Criticizing your child in front of the coach
🔁 Respecting Boundaries
- Allow the coach to own the teaching role
- Avoid sideline coaching, especially during matches
- Support the coach’s progress plan, even if it’s slower than expected
Remember that growth takes time—the coach may be working on foundational skills that don’t show immediate results
📌 Note: If concerns arise, address them privately and respectfully. Most coaches are happy to explain their approach—but they’ll respond best when met with partnership, not pressure.
🤝 A Unified Message Builds Confidence
When a player hears the same encouraging, growth-minded messages from both parent and coach, they feel:
- More secure
- Less stressed
- More motivated to work hard and stay positive
Even better, they learn how to manage relationships, receive feedback, and advocate for themselves—all critical life skills.
At FOFTA, we view parents and coaches as allies, not opponents. Together, we can create a stable and empowering environment that helps your child thrive on the court and beyond.
“The strongest support system is one where the parent encourages, the coach guides, and the player takes ownership.”