The journey of learning to play tennis, whether young or adult can be quite similar.       However, as a youngster, the intellect and maturity will be significantly different, yet the demands are still the same.

The game of tennis can be a roller coaster ride.      Whether it is a social game, or a tournament/league match,  every point is important.     Each point is a building block that adds up.       

These building blocks can also likened in the early development of  technical skills that are  needed to play the game.     So if you are working on your strokes, the building block will be a successful shot execution in the correct style within the learning process.    These building blocks are then converted into points within a competitive challenge.

So the game can be hugely rewarding for the winner, but equally disappointing  for the loser.    Yet, the complexity of human skills that you will develop within the process of playing are immeasurable.

The character traits needed to truly play tennis are:

• realism
• understanding of responsibility
• a willingness to play by the rules and in the spirit of the game - which is hugely demanding for youngsters 

So a tennis tournament  can be the beginning of the 'journey of independence' for a youngster   on which they can build the rest of their life.