Winners learn from their losses

A GOOD SPORT: Gisborne tennis player Seve Royster, 10, won his division in Napier last weekend and coach Noel Craft says he doesn’t get down when he loses. Picture by Paul Rickard

TENNIS

YOUNG tennis players who want to make it in the sport learn how to cope with losing and move on quickly to the next challenge, says long-time coach Noel Craft.

Though the burn from losing is said to last longer than the satisfaction of winning, players who absorb the lessons from defeat improve and rise above their expectations, he says.

“As an individual sport, it does take a lot of hours to rise through the competitive ranks where you are often playing against more experienced players, so it builds your character if you develop a love for the game.”

The better players enjoy the close encounters, bounce back from defeat and want to play again, he says.

“They’re in it for the long haul.

“If they face up to the competitive challenge, they do improve.”

Craft is a qualified coach for Tennis Eastern, an administrative body that covers Tairawhiti and Hawke’s Bay.

Seve Royster, from Wainui, is one of his pupils and the 10-year-old has been on a nice run lately.

Royster won his division in Napier last weekend, showing resilience after being behind.

He won at Waipukurau the previous weekend.

Craft has some fit young tennis players at Wainui who also play football and are good cross-country runners.

He says fitness generates an advantage for mental endurance.

Craft says tennis is a great family sport.

People who love the game can go on playing it for decades.

And the sport has developed a more cohesive programme for people wanting to give it a go.

These days, tennis has a better set-up for children developing in the sport.

Tennis Hot Shots is the national starter programme for New Zealand children.

Smaller courts, shorter rackets and balls that don’t bounce as high enable children to experience the sport in much the same way adults do. Rallies are longer and an understanding of tactics is fostered.

People who are curious about the sport or who want to test themselves against a ball machine have a chance to take part in free activities next month.

The Gisborne Tennis Club in Childers Road is one club that has signed up for the Love Tennis weekend on September 7 and 8 from 1pm to 4pm each day.

Spare rackets will be available.