TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION FROM A JUNIOR RACKET TO AN ADULT RACKET

Junior tennis racket / adult tennis racket. The transition between these two stages is sometimes complicated.

Many coaches and parents find themselves facing this dilemma:

WHEN SHOULD MY STUDENT OR CHILD GET AN ADULT RACKET?

This will obviously depend on the player's body type and skill level. However, what are the pitfalls to avoid and the questions to ask to successfully make such a transition?

Beware of the arms race!

We are all competitors and we can easily take the path of the racket that will bring more power and stability . It is also so rewarding for the child to have their first big racket. And yet…

Never underestimate the role of the racket in a child's learning!

Are we sure the child has acquired the technical skills that will help him later, or should we prioritize the game he will win the following week?

Are we sure that the biomechanical constraints of such a racket will not hinder its long-term training? What about learning address, hand work, the small volley into the feet, the small slice slid along the line or even more pronation on serve, of which the plateau gesture is the sworn enemy? Yes, a racket that is too long will be more complicated to maneuver.

We often hear, stay with the ball, be careful with your support... It's so true, but what impact can a racket that's too big, and I don't mean too heavy, have on a young person's positioning. How can you maintain an effective distance from the ball when the lever is too long? We often see it: the grip becomes more and more closed, the supports open up, and the anchor disappears, limiting any precision and ultimately reducing the quality of the shot.

So what can be done to help the young competitor whose growth is slow and whose opponent is bigger and stronger? Of course, it is necessary to take the time to train, educate, and mold your nugget, but isn't there a risk of discouragement or frustration? Training a competitor also means teaching them how to win.

SIZE AND LENGTH: TWO SEPARATE CHARACTERISTICS

The child who has the build and technique will succeed in the transition. Without a doubt. All coaches will know how to intervene in this stage. There are many very light adult rackets available today. However, I encourage educators to be careful. pay attention to balance and rope!

On the other hand, for the little one, you ultimately have few solutions. Well no! It will probably require a little tinkering. What if slightly weighing down a 26'' while maintaining adequate balance allowed the youngster to not be encumbered with a large racket and to bring him that little dose of additional power and stability that would allow him to compete in real ball against the biggest calibers?