Why do kids cheat in tennis?
Some reasons….
Payback – When the opponent has been doing suspicious line calls.
Shortcut – Bad line calls create a short cut to winning.
Score Pressure – The match is close and they wish the ball out.
Result Pressure – Fearful of others (Parent’s/Coaches/Peers) if they lose.
Vision – Sometimes a young player doesn’t watch the ball properly (rare).
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
If we let a young tennis player believe that any dishonest line calls or scoring practices are ok then this becomes something that they feel is ok to do to get ahead in sport or in life. Now imagine if this value system transfers to school, university, career, business etc.
Is payback the right approach?
Are shortcuts to success right?
Is something out just because you want it to be or your scared of what could happen?
Is cheating ok to keep someone else happy?
Its important that coaches, parents and others are not just focused on the result but also the development of a young player to play and compete with integrity. Sport has the ability to teach very important lessons to kids and where we embrace the determination to win and fight to keep trying, winning by cheating is never ok.
Kids will have 1 or 2 calls each match that may be very close and they will likely forget to call out sometimes also. Its important the kids learn to carefully watch it and if sure then call it out with confidence.
Rick Willsmore
Head Coach
Scarborough Tennis Academy
