Venus Williams was just four years old when her father started to teach her to play the sport of tennis. Dominant players often start young in this sport, and while that doesn’t mean that every kid who starts tennis at a young age will go on to play with the pros, it also doesn’t make starting young any less valuable. In fact, tennis, even when played in a leisurely setting, has real power. It can mean lifelong benefits like better overall health, lower rates of obesity, and even better mental health. How can you introduce your child to the world of tennis? These tips may help.

1. Start by Playing

The best way to get a child interested in a sport is through play. Toss a tennis ball back and forth in the backyard. On a rainy day in the house, blow up a balloon and let your child use a racquet to hit it across the house. Activities like these will help your child get moving, and it will show them that the game is more interesting than they think.

2. Find a Camp

Once your child is interested, find a camp or junior lessons that are right for your child’s age group. At this level, tennis isn’t super competitive. It’s about building the skills kids will need to move forward in tennis. This is a great chance for you to get involved too. Programs often need parent volunteers to help corral kids and keep them on track, and that may help your child be a bit more comfortable with the group.

3. Stay Positive

The key to helping ensure your child wants to continue to play tennis is to remain positive at all times. If you slip into competitive mode, your child may no longer see the fun in the sport, and that could mean an end to it. Instead, be patient. Help them understand that tennis, like anything, requires some learning. Choose times for lessons and play on the court that meet your child’s needs. In other words, pick a time when your child isn’t exhausted and emotionally spent. More than anything, remain encouraging. It will help your child stay connected and interested.

Tennis can be a valuable lifetime sport for your child. Start them early and do your best to keep them interested.