Mumsnet live webchat with Judy Murray, tennis player, coach and mum to Andy and Jamie - Friday 29th July, 12-1pm

[RachelMumsnet]

The strawberries and cream are coming out at MNHQ on Friday lunchtime when we'll be joined by Judy Murray for a webchat at midday until 1pm. Best known as being mum to tennis stars Andy and Jamie Murray, Judy herself can hold her own in the courts and won 64 national Scottish titles and represented Great Britain in the World Student Games. Judy is a PCA Qualified Coach and has coached at all levels. Inspired by her experience as a tennis coach and parent, Judy has created a programme called Set4Sport, which showcases easy and accessible ways for parents to play with their children that develop the skills required for playing sport. The programme centres around a book of activities, ball skills, and exercises based on the games Judy played with her sons when they were growing up and is supported by The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), long-term sponsors of the Murrays. The book details a range of ways parents can help children acquire basic physical skills in a fun environment and is available to download for free from www.Set4Sport.com

If you want to put a question to Judy, join us on Friday 29th July at 12 midday or if you can't make that time, send in your question in advance to this thread.

(sorry that should read 'as well as ds1' - can't type!)

Hi Judy
My DS is entering his first tournament this week - he has been beaten in his singles matches - he seems to not be playing the game well. So although he hits the ball well, can serve good etc he doesnt seem to win the points that count.
Is he spending too much time on coaching and not enough time on how to win a game?

He is 11 and loves the game, but has been very frustrated this week losing 4 matches to what he perceives as weaker players!
thanks

Wow how quickly did that hour go....? Thanks so much for all the questions. Hope you enjoyed it as much as i did. Forgot how fast I could type. If you are anywhere near any of the UK Set4Sport Roadshows.....why not pop by and join in?

Free fun day out for the family. Would love to see you! :)

I enjoyed that

Thanks very much to Judy.

She has given us three signed Set4Sport books to give away to Mumsnetters, they show loads of games you can play with your children to improve their sporty skills and coordination, based on the stuff Judy did with Andy and Jamie as kids.

We'll pull three names randomly from the people who've taken part in the chat and mail you. :)

Thank you so much Judy, really good webchat, and good luck to Andy and Jamie for the rest of the season (and beyond!). :)

@TennisFan

Hi Judy My DS is entering his first tournament this week - he has been beaten in his singles matches - he seems to not be playing the game well. So although he hits the ball well, can serve good etc he doesnt seem to win the points that count. Is he spending too much time on coaching and not enough time on how to win a game?

He is 11 and loves the game, but has been very frustrated this week losing 4 matches to what he perceives as weaker players!
thanks

try to get him to work out how to analyse strengths and weaknesses in his opponents..how do you make that opponent struggle or hit a weak shot. then put the ball in to that area of the court, but be ready for the short abll and know what you want to do with it.

other things you can try are - encourage him to watch tennis on tv and be the commentator. that way he will address the tactical side of the game rather than the technical. it will give him a lot more focus on the strategy....."Nadal serves wide on the ad court to Federers backhand. Federer hits the return short in to the service box. Nadal runs up fast and smacks the ball to the other side of the court. Makes Federer run the full width of the court. He sticks up a high ball and Nadal smashes it away to win the point." By actually talking out loud about what is actually happening, makes you think about how to play the point, rather than how to hit the ball.

And that little exercise costs nothing......

she was lovely

TheGrimSweeper - thank you, he is v funny about tennis! His day was made playing with our Spanish friend, who told him he has played with Rafa, ds1 just couldn't believe it!

When I grow up, I want to be Judy Murray.

Really loved the web chat. Am trying not to be offended that mine was the only question not answered
it was probably boring

Me too ice my ds is only 8 months and I already have his tennis career planned out. Hope I can be as much of a good influence as she seems to be with her boys, who have clearly been raised v well.

Ice Me too I often fantasise about Ds1 and DS2 becoming top tennis players and being able to travel the world following them - my ideal life I think

Judy thank you for answering my question and you seem lovely

tennisfan - ime an 11 year old playing in their first tournament is unlikely to win any matches as they will be playing against children who've been competing since they were 8 and it can be difficult to catch up.

If you haven't done already I'd make sure he doesn't enter tournaments that are at too high a level within his age group as its easy to get disheartened by being beaten.

Lainey. She didn't answer mine either. Don't worry.

Thank you very much, Judy!