Winning with Grace, Losing with Honor
Teaching the Right Values Through Every Match
In junior tennis, it’s easy to get caught up in the result—who won, who lost, who advanced. However, at FOFTA, we believe the real win lies in how a player carries themselves on and off the court. Tennis is about more than skill and score—it’s a training ground for character.
We teach players that how they win and lose reveals more about their growth and personality than the match itself. As a parent, your voice, reactions, and values have the power to reinforce those lessons every step of the way.
Winning with Grace
When your child wins, it’s a great moment to celebrate—but also a chance to stay grounded.
Winning with grace means:
- Showing respect to the opponent, win or lose
- Avoiding arrogance or trash talk
- Being humble in victory and quick to shake hands
- Thanking coaches, parents, and officials
A gracious winner honors the game and earns true respect, not just points on a board.
Parent Tip: After a win, ask your child what they learned or what they did well, not just what the score was.
💪 Losing with Honor
Losses are a natural—and necessary—part of development. Losing with honor means:
- Finishing the match with effort and sportsmanship
- No excuses, tantrums, or blaming others
- Reflecting on what can be improved, not just what went wrong
- Holding your head high and learning from the experience
Every great champion has a trail of losses behind them, but the ones who grow from it are the ones who rise.
📌 Parent Tip: After a tough loss, remind your child that setbacks are setups for growth. “What did you notice or learn?” is more powerful than “Why didn’t you win?”
❤️ What This Teaches for Life
Whether your child becomes a competitive player or plays for fun, the ability to handle both success and disappointment with maturity will benefit them in every area of life—school, work, relationships, and leadership.
At FOFTA, we believe that grace and honor are not just lessons for the court—they’re foundations for becoming the kind of person who competes with excellence, humility, and heart.
Grab the FOFTA Parents’ Values Guide