Hosts: Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer

Guest: Chris Little, Experienced Tennis Coach

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport, hosts Ben Russell and Kirk Bowyer are joined by Chris Little—a respected tennis coach known for his thoughtful, values-driven approach to youth sport. Together, they unpack the deeper layers of coaching philosophy, the evolving role of parents, and how visual learning tools can help young athletes thrive.

Chris introduces his four key pillars of coaching—energy, empathy, communication, and character—and explains how each contributes to a nurturing and effective environment for developing young players. The conversation touches on the balance between maintaining high standards and allowing for individual growth, why losing gracefully is a vital lesson, and how motivation can be sustained through purpose rather than pressure.

They also discuss the often-misunderstood role of parents in youth sport, the value of trusting coaches, and how visual tools like whiteboards can aid in better understanding and retention for children.

Key Takeaways:

• Coaching begins with energy and love for the game
• Empathy helps build trust and connection with young athletes
• Strong communication and meaningful relationships elevate performance
• Character and values should shape how children compete and grow
• Standards and performance are not the same—both have a place in development
• Visual aids can boost engagement and learning
• Learning to lose is just as important as learning to win
• Motivation thrives when driven by process, not just outcomes
• Parents should offer support without pressure
• Trust between parents and coaches creates a stronger sports experience

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Thanks for tuning in to So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport—where character, care, and creativity are at the heart of every game.

🎧 Produced and Edited by Rob Sillito

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