Whether you are a junior, a club player or a world class pro you should have fun while playing and learning tennis. Why not? People often think that world class players are not having fun. This is not true. Yes, it is a job, but when the enjoyment and fun are gone... so is the pro!!! Even if a pro stays in the game just for the money, his or her performance will suffer. On the other hand, if a pro is making a fortune and still has a passion for the game, he or she will continue to play at the top of their game. Passion for the game is the reason for their tremendous success! When passion goes, money or not, so goes their performance. No fun... no motivation!

Do not confuse having fun with a lack of discipline and a poor work ethic. Part of the fun comes from pride in accomplishment through the hard work and discipline.

Also, do not confuse hard work and discipline with agony on the tennis court. I have seen this torture syndrome many times when coaches and zealous parents force their tennis "prodigy" to ever-soaring heights. The child is not allowed to be a child or learn at a child's pace. Instead, the parents' unrealistic expectations demand that a moment-by-moment strict discipline be enforced. No fooling around, no laughing, no goofs, no fun! In this draconian fashion they believe they are molding a fierce competitor.

Depending on the child, more than likely he or she will lose their motivation. Why? No fun... no motivation. Exactly like a top pro! I know this is one of the reasons for what they call "burnout." The child learned at his parentsā or coach's pace, and not at the child's own individual pace.

The bottom line is, you must find that happy blend between fun and good work ethic for you and your child. When the fun is gone your child will leave tennis in a heartbeat -- and maybe take up golf!