The environmental component includes everything affecting the player off-court, particularly his or her social, personal and home life. The environmental subcomponents that affect a player are fun, home, social, economic and competitive.

A positive environment is key to a successful child and player. The status of a player's environment can often become a distraction to the player on court because it affects the player's mentality and concentration. Therefore, it is important for a parent-coach to do his or her best to control any elements within their power and minimize distractions, particularly in reference to the home and economic subcomponents.

Environmental subcomponents

The following list defines each of the subcomponents and explains it in a short video:

1. Fun - An enjoyable and pleasurable atmosphere must be created in all aspects and levels of learning, training and playing (e.g., even world-class players have fun playing and winning) MORE 2. Home - Importance of support mechanisms that include the immediate family and geographical environment (e.g., competitive players generally have a very supportive family structure and live in a city or state with a strong tennis environment) MORE 3. Social - Structuring a social environment that enhances the likelihood of a player reaching the desired level of play (e.g., if a player has friends who play only other sports, socializing takes time away from tennis) MORE

4. Economic - Economic resources affect player development in that they may increase opportunities for coaching, travel, etc. Coach or parent should know where economic aid is available for less privileged players MORE 5. Competitive - Analyzing and producing the best competitive conditions for players by managing (or training the players to manage) the challenges both on court and off (e.g., periodization of key elements of training, arranging competitive practices, tournament selection and travel, etc.) MORE

Resources

Below is a list of available video clips describing in detail the environmental component.

What role does environment play in development?
How does a player's environment affect his or her performance?
How does a player's environment affect him or her?