This sport has no shortcuts, no quick fixes, just a very straightforward path to success: Hard work
As a Development Tennis Coach with over 20 years of experience, I've witnessed it all. I played:
Junior Tennis in Georgia and achieved State, Southern, and National rankings.
I spent 2 years playing college tennis on a full scholarship.
I competed for 5 years of competing on the ITF & USTA Pro Circuit, Prize Money Events across the US.
Played at the highest levels of local leagues and matches in Atlanta (AA-1 ALTA, 5.5 USTA, 6.0 Ultimate Tennis) for multiple seasons.
After retiring from this level of play, I served as a collegiate Head Coach for Men's and Women's Tennis at SCAD Atlanta (NAIA - 2016-2020).
With these experiences, I've encountered nearly everything related to junior development and beyond. Not only did I compete at that level myself, but I also have the knowledge on how to coach players to reach that level of proficiency.
In truth, many players aspire to reach high levels of tennis but fail to achieve it for one (or more) of the following reasons:
The student underestimates the effort required to achieve their goal.
The student understands the effort needed and decides it's not for them. Does not want to put in the work or have the desire to.
The parents become overly involved in the tennis process, potentially causing friction with the development program and process set by the coach.
The student (and the parents) do not commit to the work necessary to achieve the goals they previously desired.
The student is eager and determined to excel in the sport, but lacks financial and/or overall support from their parents.
Regardless of the reason for failing to reach a high level in tennis, ultimately, it is the student who suffers the most. To avoid this, there needs to be a very CLEAR understanding of the goals, how to achieve them, and the responsibilities of each party involved in the process.
Coach
Student
Parents/Family
All three must collaborate, as the commitment to advancing in Tennis requires significant teamwork, trust, and adherence to the plans established by the Coach for the student's development.
There are no shortcuts, no quick fixes, just a very straightforward path to success: Hard work.
Here is a very simple outline of the 3 most common training plans a student can commit to for development in the sport:
Training 1-2x/week (Recreational Tennis)
Best for just learning the sport.
No significant goals of competing or attaining a ranking.
Maintenance to Minimal improvement 1-3hrs of training each week, no significant improvements.
Training 2-3x/week (Intermediate Tennis)
Intentional learning for competition, leagues, tournaments.
Goals of ranking & minimal increase in level season to season.
Minimal improvement to intermediate level of play 4-8hrs of dedicated training each week.
Training 3-5x/week (Advanced Competitive Tennis +)
Competition is primary goal along with development for State/Regional/National ranking and UTR rating.
Target of College level performance and possible Scholarship opportunity.
10-12hrs of dedicated training each week + Tournament/Competitions outside of training hours.
This level of training is a lifestyle and a massive family commitment to a dedicated training/tournament and fitness schedule.
Regardless of which plan the student decides to follow, the Coach will outline the necessary training to reach the overall goal and the incremental milestones along the timeline.
After selecting a plan and setting goals, the Coach will provide a detailed training regimen that balances on-court practice, off-court fitness, and a specified number of competitive events. This approach offers a clear understanding of expectations and the required commitment. Based on this plan, discussions, adjustments, and modifications can be made to achieve optimal results.
If you have a desire to train for any of the levels above, be sure to have a conversation with your parents and Coach regarding the level you want to train for. Once a plan is in place, everyone must commit to pushing forward.
If it's not possible, lower the bar for the goals and expectations for something more attainable.
At this point, the only part left is execution.
Set the alarm.
Tie up the shoes.
Put in the work.
Make it count.
Every single day.