2013 Boys Varsity Tennis

Philosophy for Kinkaid Tennis

Life, as we know, is made up of joys and sorrows.  We must all overcome obstacles (whether big or small), make compromises (whether big or small), but most importantly, confront our fears and failures.  And that is why Kinkaid believes that the sport of tennis can help students navigate the many ups and downs that each player will encounter in their journey throughout life.

The constant training and commitment that is required by the sport involves great sacrifice and perseverance and that carries into a student's daily life.  Tennis players are constantly trying to improve their game and themselves.  They are always reflecting on their mistakes, goals and desires.  They experience many different stresses, both mental and physical, and try to overcome them as best as they can.  They are always comparing themselves to their opponents, something which can be disheartening.  Sometimes, even the weather or other conditions seem to conspire against them.  In tennis, no one gives a player anything; everything is earned through sweat and toil.  They must always be ready for anything and everything and be willing to adapt to any particular strategy.  Being flexible and willing to adapt to the many stresses of modern life is very important and the same is true in the game of tennis.  Each match is different and the rhythm of play is constantly changing.  Players must quickly adapt to what their opponent is doing and remaining in control is a constant struggle and challenge.

As a parent and coach, it is often difficult to watch a child play a tennis match.  No matter how much encouragement or training they have received on the court, the student is on his or her own.  They must rely on their own physical and mental strength to win a match.  In many ways, it is the same in life as well.  No matter how hard parents try to create a safe and nurturing environment for their children, ultimately the children must make their own way in the world.  The parents can only prepare them for what they might encounter in life, but eventually the children have to face it themselves. 

As far as tennis is concerned, coaches can help their student-athletes to improve their technique and tactical thinking.  Coaches can teach students everything they know so that when they are on the court they know what to do.  If all goes well, the student will take what they have learned and properly apply it on the court.  Tennis matches encourage students to constantly evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses, which leads to a self-awareness that ideally translates into everyday life.