RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Understanding the role parents play in tennis success: a national survey of junior tennis coaches JF British Journal of Sports Medicine JO Br J Sports Med FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine SP 632 OP 636 DO 10.1136/bjsm.2005.024927 VO 40 IS 7 A1 D Gould A1 L Lauer A1 C Rolo A1 C Jannes A1 N Pennisi YR 2006 UL http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/40/7/632.abstract AB Objectives: To assess coaches’ perceptions about the role of parents and their positive and negative behaviours in junior tennis. Methods: A national survey of 132 United States junior tennis coaches was completed. The extent and seriousness/impact of parent-child interaction problems and positive behaviours were rated. Results: Parents were perceived as very important for junior tennis success. Most parents (59%) that these coaches had worked with were seen as having a positive influence on their player’s development. However, the respondents also felt that 36% of parents negatively influenced their child’s development. Positive parental behaviours included providing logistical, financial, and social-emotional support, as well as tennis opportunities and unconditional love. Negative parent behaviours included overemphasising winning, holding unrealistic expectations, and criticising their child. Conclusions: Findings are discussed relative to current sport parenting and athletic talent development research and theorising. The need to educate parents is emphasised.