Hi Parents,
Every Young Athlete Needs Support.
But the type of support they receive, and how it is expressed can completely reshape how they grow.
What They Feel
Young players sense the difference between encouragement and pressure long before they can explain it. They feel it in tone, in the look after a mistake, and in the silence after a match.
What Matters Most
What begins as care can be felt as control. What starts as motivation can quietly become fear of letting someone down. The emotional environment is part of their training.
The Core Truth
Encouragement
Builds confidence and trust in the process
Pressure
Erodes confidence and attachment to outcomes
The difference is often subtle but powerful. Emotional awareness is as important as technical development.
Encouragement: Creating Space for Growth
Encouragement invites growth instead of demanding it. It communicates belief in the process rather than fixation on results.
1. Players move freely
They stay calm under pressure and stay open to feedback
2. Mistakes are valued
They see errors as part of the learning process, not proof of failure
3. Internal connection
They build a relationship with their own progress instead of seeking outside validation
What Encouragement Sounds Like
"You competed with focus today."
"I liked how you adjusted your strategy."
"What did you learn from that moment?"
Each statement focuses on awareness rather than approval. It says: "I believe in you, regardless of today's result."
Pressure: When Support Turns to Expectation
Pressure is not always obvious. It appears in small reactions, the way someone speaks, and where attention is given. Over time, this message changes how athletes think and play.
1. Athletes tighten up
They play cautiously instead of creatively
2. Fear takes over
They focus on not losing rather than on learning and growth
3. Confidence shrinks
The message becomes: "Your value depends on what you achieve"
Transform Pressure into Encouragement
Small language shifts create powerful changes in how athletes experience feedback and develop confidence.
Pressure Language | Encouragement Language |
"You have to win this match." | "Focus on playing your game today." |
"Why did you miss that shot?" | "What were you trying to do there?" |
"You looked nervous out there." | "How did that moment feel for you?" |
"That was not your best performance." | "What can you take from this match for next time?" |
Each change is small but powerful. These shifts help athletes feel seen, not judged. They create trust, safety, and space for honest growth.
Holiday Camps
As we wrap up the Fall season, we are excited to share a few upcoming important dates for our 821 Juniors families.
🍂 Fall Break Camp - This Week
Dates: November 24 – 25
Age Groups : 6-17 (All Levels, Limited Availability)
Location: Legion Park
Times: 9-3pm (Options, Half Day or Full Day below)
2-Day Full-Day Camp $180 (11/24–11/25)
2-Day Half-Day Camp $140 (11/24–11/25)
1-Day Full-Day Camp $100 (11/24)
1-Day Full-Day Camp $100 (11/25)
1-Day Half-Day Camp $80 (11/24)
1-Day Half-Day Camp $80 (11/25)
Register Here
❄️ Winter Camp
Dates: December 12/22-12/23 & 12/29-12/30
Age Groups : 6-17 (All Levels, Limited Availability)
Location: Legion Park
Session 1: Dates: December 22 – 23
Times: 9-3pm (Options, Half or Full below)
Week 1: 2-Day Full-Day Camp $180 (12/22–12/23)
Week 1: 2-Day Half-Day Camp $140 (12/22–12/23)
1-Day Full-Day Camp $100 (12/22)
1-Day Full-Day Camp $100 (12/23)
1-Day Half-Day Camp $80 (12/22)
1-Day Half-Day Camp $80 (12/23)
Session 2: Dates: December 29 – 30
Times: 9-3pm (Options, Half or Full below)
Week 2: 2-Day Full-Day Camp $180 (12/29–12/30)
Week 2: 2-Day Half-Day Camp $140 (12/29–12/30)
1-Day Full-Day Camp $100 (12/29)
1-Day Full-Day Camp $100 (12/30)
1-Day Half-Day Camp $80 (12/29)
1-Day Half-Day Camp $80 (12/30)
Register Here
🌱Spring Season: Priority Registration is on!
Season Dates: January 2 – May 22 (20 weeks)
Families can now join the Spring Priority List to reserve their child’s spot in advance. Our spring season will include and additional 8 weeks of classes along with a few adjustment changes in schedules. (We heard your feedback for school ending times, and have adjusted to the best of our abilities.
SAVE THE DATE:
BASEL SPORTS & ART, JUNIORS EDITIONS
We are excited to announce our End of Season Celebration, where we will come together to recognize the hard work, progress, and dedication of our players.
This will be a fun day for the entire family, filled with light games, awards, and great memories.
This Week's Challenge
Listen to how you talk about matches and training. Notice the tone, words, and energy behind them.
Observe your language
Record yourself or have a colleague listen. Be honest about what you hear.
Ask yourself
"Did I create space, or did I create stress?"
Make one shift
Pick one phrase to change this week. Notice how athletes respond differently.
The Power of Your Voice
Every athlete is shaped by the voices around them. Those voices build trust or tension. Encouragement nurtures potential. Pressure restricts it.
On behalf of the entire 821 Juniors Team, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your continued trust and support.
Every week, we see your children bring energy, curiosity, and joy to the court, and it reminds us why we love what we do.
Your encouragement, feedback, and involvement have helped us create a space where young athletes not only learn tennis but also build confidence, discipline, and resilience that go beyond the game.
As we prepare for the next season, please know that your partnership means everything to us. Together, we are shaping a community that believes in growth, effort, and the joy of learning.
We look forward to welcoming you back on the court for another season of discovery, connection, and progress.