By Megan Rose

As summer vacation begins, parents across America face a familiar challenge: how to keep children active, engaged, and away from the hypnotic glow of screens. Among the many summer activities available, there’s a meaningful solution in your neighborhood — one that offers lifelong benefits for you and your child.

Become your child’s tennis coach.

Parent coaching is common in sports like soccer and basketball, yet tennis is often overlooked. That’s a missed opportunity. Tennis is one of the few sports where parents and children can learn and play side-by-side for decades.

Kids are spending more time behind screens than ever before. Studies show the average teen spends seven hours a day behind a screen. Only one in four adolescents meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity.

That combination — more screens, less movement — sets the stage for long-term health risks.

Tennis offers a better path. It builds endurance, coordination, agility, and strength. A long-term study found that tennis players lived 10 years longer than sedentary individuals — more than any sport evaluated. Tennis supports cardiovascular health, healthy weight, and increased bone density in critical areas like the hips and spine during key growth years.

Just as important are the mental benefits. Tennis has been linked to lower levels of stress and anxiety, better focus, and improved sleep. Kids who play tennis consistently report higher self-esteem and stronger social connections than their non-playing peers. Unlike screen time, which can erode self-worth, tennis builds self-confidence through challenge, feedback, and progress.

For parents, coaching your child in tennis is more than just a way to keep them active. It’s about being present. You’re not watching from the bleachers. You’re on the court with them. You laugh over mishits, celebrate clean shots, and navigate frustration together. These moments aren’t just recreational; they’re relationship-building.

Research shows that parental involvement in youth sports boosts kids’ confidence, motivation, and enjoyment of the game. And unlike many team sports, where attention gets divided, tennis is just the two of you, with every rally strengthening your bond.

Tennis also creates a rhythm that continues long after summer. It’s one of the rare multi-generational sports where a 12-year-old and a 70-year-old can compete and connect at all walks of life.   

The best part? Tennis welcomes beginners – players and coaches alike. Few sports offer the same “choose your own adventure” experience, where parents and kids can learn and grow together.

For parents who want to begin their coaching journey, there’s no shortage of support. For instance, USTA Coaching – which launches in August – will offer free, easy-to-use resources for new coaches, including a modular learning curriculum. It’s designed with parents in mind and includes everything from day-to-day training plans to simple drills – like aiming a ball into a laundry basket – that make it easier to build your child’s skills and confidence.


All you really need to get started is a racquet, a few balls, and time. With over 270,000 public courts across the country, most of them free, there’s a good chance one is nearby. And if not, a back wall or driveway will do just fine.

So this summer, skip the screens. Grab a racquet and meet your child at the baseline. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner. What matters is that you’re there. Your child will never forget the summer you coached them through their first serve — and the bond that came with it.

Megan Rose is the Managing Director of USTA Coaching and a mom of two.

In recent decades, the NBA has evolved from hard physical play to modern basketball with an emphasis on three-point shots. We asked the experts at aspirebasketballacademy.com about the key stages of this change and got an explanation of the reasons for the changes and current trends in the league. 

A Brief History of the Changes

In the past, the offence was largely built around playing in the paint: heavy collisions, fighting for position and slow tempo. Defenders actively used contact to thwart shots close to the basket. Many legends like Shaquille O’Neal or Hakeem Olajuon dominated in such conditions thanks to their physicality. The advent of television broadcasting and global interest forced the league to look for ways to make the game more dynamic and safer. Gradual rule changes and the infiltration of analytics laid the foundation for the transformation of the style of play.

Early Period: The Predominance of Physical Combat

In the 1970s and 1990s, defence allowed a high level of contact: handchecking, hard shots at the backboard and scrambling for rebounds were the norm. Legends of the era, such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, showed their mettle on the power play. The pace of attack remained low, the number of possessions per game was low, and the efficiency was well below today’s numbers. The league gradually tightened the rules: they banned the excessive use of hands when guarding and introduced penalties for violating the attacker’s “freedom of movement”, which began to open up space and speed up the game.

The Emergence of the Three-Point Line and the First Steps of the Three-Point Line

The three-point line appeared in the NBA in the 1979/1980 season. At first, coaches were sceptical: the shooting percentage was low, around 28-30%, and the tactics were not adapted. In the first few seasons, the average number of attempts was about 2-3 per game. However, players like Larry Bird, Reggie Miller and later Donnie Walton showed that long shots could seriously influence the outcome of meetings. Gradually, tactics changed as clubs began to focus on shot development and incorporated three-pointers into training, although the key role was still played in the paint.

Stages in the Development of the Style of Play

If we structure the process of change in the tactics of the game, we get this periodisation: 

• Introduction of the three-point line (1979-1980): cautious start, limited number of attempts, emphasis on proven combinations in the paint; 
• 1990s: slow increase in three-pointers; physical play remains paramount; coaches gradually notice the benefit of long-range shots, but change is gradual;
• Early 2000s: analytics actively enters clubs. Moneyball-inspired experts convince management and coaches to evaluate shots for value in points. The concept of “effective shooting percentage” (eFG%) emerges, encouraging the search for favourable distances and the redesign of training;
• Mid-2000s: development of perimeter training; mobile bigs learn to shoot from distance and defend at the basket; the role of versatile defenders able to switch between guarding and attacking grows; 
• 2010s: the era of pace-and-space – fast-paced, stretch defence to make room behind the three-point line. Teams like the Golden State Warriors show championship success due to their focus on three-pointers. Positionless players emerge, able to cover multiple positions and threaten from inside and on the perimeter; 
• Modern stage: average number of three-point attempts per game exceeds 30-35; top shooters (Stephen Curry et al.) regularly hit over 40% of their shots from distance. The league is implementing advanced tracking and analytics systems, and clubs are selecting players based on their long-range shooting skills.

Analytics and Accelerated Pace

As technology advances, clubs are hiring analysts, looking at data on accuracy, shot timing and efficiency in various zones. Daryl Morey and other managers have popularised graphs showing the advantage of three-pointers over mid-range shots. Teams favoured shots from behind the arc and near the basket, avoiding the less favourable mid-range positions. Attacks have become shorter: teams tend to finish the attack within 7-10 seconds of launching a quick counterattack or gaining an advantage in the formation. The defence has to actively change guardianship, close the perimeter and simultaneously keep an eye on players inside the paint. This has increased the endurance, speed and shot accuracy requirements of a wide range of players.

Transformation Factors

Let’s try to summarise the reasons for the change: 

• Rules and officiating: strict contact control in defence has expanded the shooting zone and protected players from injury; 
• Analysts: statistical models confirmed the value of three-pointers and quick attacks; 
• Coaching approaches: pick-and-roll schemes, moving without the ball and filling empty zones became the foundation of the offence, helping to create free throws at the right time; 
• Versatile players: “hybrids” capable of operating both on the perimeter and in the paint have accelerated the adoption of the new style; 
• Technology: Video tracking, biomechanics and advanced programmes improve the quality of training, reduce the risk of injury and improve shooting technique; 
• Successful examples: Golden State Warriors with Stephen Curry and the Houston Rockets of the Dariel Morey era have shown how a focus on three-pointers gets results, encouraging other clubs to adopt their methods.
  

The Modern Debate

Today, the average number of three-point attempts in NBA games is at record levels. Supporters point out that basketball has become faster and more entertaining, with dynamic counterattacks, battles for space and dueling shooters drawing the crowd. Critics point to a decrease in the variety of tactics: fewer mid-range shots and working in the low post can make the game more predictable. Some coaches, such as Gregg Popovich, express concern about balancing styles and maintaining the diversity of the game. Possible rule adjustments or incentivising different types of attacks are being discussed, but the league is maintaining the current norms for now in an effort not to disrupt the momentum that has been achieved.

Conclusion

The NBA has evolved from a rigid physical battle in the paint to the modern “three-point era” through a combination of rule changes, advances in analytics, new coaching ideas, and the emergence of versatile players. The game has become faster, more open and more colourful, but the debate about the future continues: it’s important to maintain a balance between spectacle and competitiveness.

When most people think of horse racing, they picture powerful thoroughbreds charging down the homestretch, crowds roaring in excitement, and the thrill of a photo finish. But behind every great horse is a human athlete whose strength, precision, and bravery are essential to victory: the jockey.

Jockeys are often the most overlooked figures in the sport of horse racing, yet they play a critical role in the success of every race. Their ability to form a partnership with the horse, make lightning-fast decisions, and handle the immense physical demands of racing is what transforms a good horse into a winning one. Whether you’re a lifelong racing fan or new to the sport, there’s much to appreciate about these athletes — and platforms like this one offer valuable insights into jockey profiles, race strategies, and the global racing scene.

A Demanding and Dangerous Profession

Jockeys are among the smallest professional athletes, typically weighing between 108 and 118 pounds, but their job demands enormous physical strength and mental toughness. Riding at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, often packed tightly with other horses, jockeys must maintain perfect balance and control, guiding a 1,200-pound animal with precision using only subtle cues.

The risks they face are real: falls are common, and injuries can range from broken bones to concussions and spinal damage. Despite the danger, many jockeys are driven by an intense passion for the sport — a love of horses, competition, and the pursuit of victory.

The Art of the Ride

A jockey’s job begins long before the gates open. They study race replays, review track conditions, and work closely with trainers to understand each horse’s strengths, weaknesses, and temperament. Some horses prefer to run on the lead; others are “closers” that perform best coming from behind. The jockey’s job is to adjust their tactics to fit the horse and the race.

During the race, split-second decisions can make or break the outcome. When to push for the lead, when to hold back, how to navigate around other horses, and how to respond if something goes wrong — all of this is happening in real time. Jockeys rely on years of experience, an almost intuitive feel for the horse, and a deep understanding of race dynamics to succeed.

Building a Bond with the Horse

One of the most fascinating aspects of being a jockey is the relationship they build with their mounts. Good jockeys are excellent horsemen, able to communicate with their horses through subtle body shifts, rein movements, and voice commands.

Some jockeys develop long-term partnerships with certain horses, riding them repeatedly and gaining an intimate understanding of their quirks and preferences. This connection can be the difference between a good performance and a brilliant one, especially in high-stakes races where even the smallest mistake can cost a win.

Jockey Challenges and Career Longevity

The life of a jockey is anything but glamorous. Days begin early, with morning workouts at the track, followed by racing in the afternoon, and sometimes traveling to other tracks in the evening. Maintaining racing weight requires strict diet control, often bordering on extreme measures, and the constant grind of travel, competition, and physical risk takes a toll.

Despite these challenges, some jockeys have remarkable careers that span decades. Legendary riders like Bill Shoemaker, Laffit Pincay Jr., and more recently, Mike Smith and Frankie Dettori, have become icons of the sport, admired for their skill, resilience, and ability to consistently deliver under pressure.

Women in the Saddle

While horse racing has historically been male-dominated, women jockeys have been breaking barriers and making their mark on the sport. Riders like Julie Krone, Rosie Napravnik, and Hayley Turner have shown that skill and determination matter more than gender, paving the way for the next generation of female jockeys.

Today, more women are entering the profession, and they continue to challenge outdated stereotypes, proving themselves just as capable in the saddle as their male counterparts.

Spotlight on American Jockeys

In the United States, jockeys play an especially visible role during the Triple Crown season — the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. These races are watched by millions, and the jockeys who win them often achieve instant fame.

Names like Eddie Arcaro, Gary Stevens, and John Velázquez are etched into racing history, and their stories inspire young riders hoping to follow in their footsteps. But beyond the big races, thousands of jockeys ride day in and day out at local tracks across the country, often without fanfare, doing the hard work that keeps the sport alive.

The Future of Jockeys and Racing

As the horse racing industry looks to the future, the well-being and safety of jockeys are receiving greater attention. Advances in protective gear, better medical protocols, and track safety improvements have all helped reduce the risks, though challenges remain.

Fans are also more interested in the human side of the sport — learning about the personalities, backgrounds, and struggles of jockeys adds depth to the racing experience. Social media, documentaries, and racing websites have opened a window into this once-hidden world, bringing fans closer to the athletes who risk everything each time they climb into the saddle.

A Sport Built on Partnership

At its heart, horse racing is a sport of partnership — between horse, jockey, trainer, and owner. While the horses may capture most of the headlines, the skill, bravery, and determination of jockeys are what make the sport truly exceptional.

As you follow upcoming races, take a moment to appreciate the athletes in the irons, guiding their horses with finesse and courage. Whether you’re watching the Kentucky Derby or your local meet, you’re witnessing one of the most demanding and beautiful partnerships in all of sports.