Competition
Your child's first tennis tournament: how to prepare
A first tournament for a red or orange ball player is usually short: a few hours of quick matches scored as tiebreaks or short sets, often in teams. The best preparation is a few practice matches so the scoring feels familiar, a packed bag, an early arrival, and a clear message that trying hard matters more than winning.
What is a first tournament like?
Competitions for young players are built to be short and friendly. The ITF's guide to tennis for children aged 10 and under recommends lots of short matches for every child rather than a few long ones, often in teams:
| Stage | Usual scoring | Event length |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Tiebreaks to 7 or 10 points, or timed matches of up to 15 minutes | About 1 to 3 hours |
| Orange | Best of 3 tiebreaks, or one short set to 4 games | About 2 to 4 hours |
Formats vary by country and club, so check the entry page or ask the organiser which one your child will play.
The ITF also suggests that a first competition should use a simple set of skills children can already do, with a fun feel and a social side off court. That is why many first events for young players are team events or play days, where every child plays several short matches against different opponents.
How does scoring work?
Most first events skip the usual 15, 30, 40 and use shorter scoring. The ITF's Rules of Tennis cover the two you are most likely to see:
- Tiebreak to 7. Points count 0, 1, 2, 3 and so on. The first to 7 wins, but only with a 2 point lead, so 7-5 wins and 7-6 plays on.
- Short set to 4 games. The first to 4 games wins, again with a 2 game lead. At 4 games all, a tiebreak decides it, and some events play that tiebreak at 3 all.
In a tiebreak, one player serves the first point. After that, the players take turns serving two points each:
In matches without an umpire, the server calls out the score before each point, as Tennis Canada's code for these matches sets out. Practise it at home: in your practice matches, your child says the score out loud before every serve, so it is a habit by the first tournament.
Is my child ready to compete?
There is no set age. Because early competition should use skills children already have, a good sign is that your child:
- can rally a few shots in a row over the net at their stage
- can start a point with a serve
- can follow the score in the format they will play, with a little help
- can call the ball in or out on their own side
- wants to have a go
Your child's coach is the best person to ask. If your club runs a match play session or a team event for its own players, that is a gentle first step before an open tournament.
How to prepare in the weeks before
- Play practice matches. Play a few short matches in the same format as the event, at home or at the club, so tiebreak scoring feels normal. Let your child call the score out loud before each serve.
- Practise line calls. In matches without an umpire, players call the ball on their own side of the net. Tennis Canada's code for these matches says any doubt goes in favour of the opponent, so the simple rule is: if you are not sure, it is in.
- Practise the start and the finish. Spinning a racket to decide who serves, a short warm-up with the opponent, and shaking hands at the end. Knowing the routine makes the day feel less new.
- Keep home practice as usual. Short, regular sessions are the right amount. The week before is not the time for extra hours. See how much should a young child practise tennis?
- Talk about the day the right way. Describe it as playing lots of matches and trying your best, not as winning. The ITF's message to organisers fits parents too: winning is nice but not necessary.
What to pack
- Racket, and a spare if you have one
- Sports clothes and tennis shoes, plus a warm layer
- A full water bottle and easy snacks, such as fruit or a sandwich
- Sun cream and a hat for outdoor events
- The entry confirmation, the address and the start time
What happens on the day?
Tennis Australia suggests arriving 15 minutes early and knowing the match format before you go. Sign in at the desk, then use the spare minutes for a short warm-up: a few footwork and catching games and some easy hits.
Once matches start, the ITF and Tennis Australia ask parents to:
- stay off the court, unless you are helping to run the event
- not coach during matches, and only call out encouragement
- stay out of scoring and line calls, even when you think a call was wrong
- praise good play from both sides, and treat officials, players and other parents with respect
Between matches, keep it simple: a drink, a snack and a rest in the shade. It is not the moment for technique tips.
What should I say before and after?
Before: keep it short and about effort. "Try your best and have fun, I'll be watching" is enough.
After: the ITF suggests asking "How did you play?" rather than "Did you win?". It also warns against saying well done only for a win, rather than for effort, a shot learnt in lessons, consistency or good play.
Research with junior players points the same way. In a study of 42 junior tennis players in Canada, players wanted their parents to comment on effort and attitude and to help with practical things such as food, drinks and warming up. They did not want technical tips from parents, or criticism after a poor match. Those players were 12 to 15, and the ITF gives the same advice for younger children.
A larger UK study of players, parents and coaches found the most helpful tennis parents shared their child's goals for the sport, created a supportive emotional climate, and behaved calmly at competitions. Leave the tactics to the coach: ask your child what they enjoyed and what they want to practise next, and pass that on.
What if they lose or cry?
The ITF expects it. Its manual notes that children may cry or get upset when they lose, and that this is part of learning about winning and losing. Start with a hug, food and some quiet time. Talk about the match later, if your child wants to, and begin with something they did well.
The ITF sums up good competition for young players in two words, fear and fair: matches should be fair, and children should not fear the result. That means parents and coaches react positively whatever the score. For bigger feelings on court, see what to do when your child gets frustrated at tennis.
More guides
Sources
- ITF Tennis10s: 10 and under tennis manual (competition formats for red and orange, parents' code of conduct, and fear and fair)
- Tennis Australia: competitive play, parents and carers area
- ITF Rules of Tennis (the tie-break game, and short sets in Appendix VI)
- Tennis Canada: The Code for unofficiated matches
- Knight, Boden and Holt (2010). Junior tennis players' preferences for parental behaviors. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 22(4), 377 to 391
- Knight and Holt (2014). Parenting in youth tennis: understanding and enhancing children's experiences. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 15(2), 155 to 164
This guide is general information for parents, not medical advice. Check with your child's coach or doctor about their own situation.