As you progress in the sport it becomes a necessary obligation to travel, and as the higher you climb the tree the more excessive the travel becomes.
Young players are perhaps the more susceptible to be affected by the additional stress and strain of staying away from home and everything that entails from exhaustive travel.
Here are tips that will help any tennis player on how to be prepared for travel and successfully endure all the problems that may arise. Travelling abroad just for holiday purposes is a tricky thing, but with all the extra paraphernalia a sportsman must also carry with them adds more problems.
Preparing For Overseas Travel
The following is a list of top tips for young tennis players travelling overseas. They are designed to make travel more enjoyable and to help the success of the players.
- Plan your trip early.
- Check all documentation is up to date and correct.
- Give your parents an itinerary of all your travel dates and contact details.
- Put extra identification on all your baggage both inside and out.
- Be aware of luggage restrictions before you fly and be prepared to pay extra for kit and equipment.
- Be prepared for the climate you are travelling to and stay hydrated in hot countries.
- Be aware of the culture of the countries you are travelling to, especially in Middle East and Asian countries that have very different customs to western countries.
- Make sure your tennis shoes have the tread suitable with the court surfaces you will be playing on.
- Check your rackets are correctly strung and have decent grips.
- Ensure you have formal evening wear if you are to attend functions from sponsors etc.
- Make sure your medical kit is fully equipped.
- Keep a tour diary and a copy of results, not only for your own benefit but also for your coach back home.
Parents Responsibilities
- Discuss the above list with your child.
- Check your child’s insurances.
- Ensure you are comfortable with all your child’s arrangements.
- Encourage your child to enjoy the experience.
- Encourage your child to do their best within their capability.
- Ensure your child is self-reliant. They will need to able able to be responsible for themselves whilst away in regards to; meals, luggage, packing, taking care of their equipment, hygiene and personal care.
Player’s Responsibilities
- Hygiene and personal care.
- Professionalism – on and off court.
- Understanding the responsibilities of representing their team and country; always be on best behaviour, watching and supporting teammates, be available for practise with partners.
- Match preparation; do homework on opponents, check match times, ensure all equipment is in order, keep in regular contact with coach, booking practise courts,
- Do everything to produce your best performance; eat correctly, get sufficient sleep, prepare game plan, drink enough fluids.
- Ensure your equipment is in good working order – racket re-stringing etc.
Players should abide by team rules and regulations at all times during the tour and take as much enjoyment as possible.
Tennis World North Sydney have full time coaches that can give support and extra advice to young players considering entering tournaments and touring.