Tennis Risk and Reward – can a balance be found?
We all recognise that Tennis is a risky undertaking on almost every level; Joining a Club can still be a daunting experience for players new to Tennis; proving yourself as a competitive Club Team player can be challenging; signing your kids up to a coaching programme is no guarantee of success. But there are rewards.In fact a focus on the rewards is probably the best approach; any salesman will always play down risk, and emphasise the benefits. Tennis is played by some 60 million people worldwide, and has a growing reputation for player fitness, so there is a huge reward for all from the get-go!
There have to be ways found to support players who have the ability and courage to climb the rankings, and spread more of the financial rewards across the field.
The fatigue and injury engendered by over play in the modern era for the top 100 players is obvious for all to see, and prize money for players in the lower tiers needs to be improved. Just playing to earn enough to pay for accommodation, travel and food can’t be right. At the top of the game a vanishingly small number of players can enjoy amazing rewards, and a visit to Noah Rubin’s website and podcast illustrates how tough the journey can be to success, fame and fortune.https://www.behindtheracquet.com/
For my Juniors playing their last session, the rewards are more immediate, with a team based tournament and Double Dip Swizzels lollies, Refreshers, Drumsticks, Fruit Pops, Parma Violets and Love Hearts! - prizes for everyone.
For many players the rewards will never be money or fame, but friendship, and the pure pleasure of playing.