Updated on May 10th, 2024.

As a long-time tennis professional, I have been privileged to give many people lessons. With groups, private clinics, camps, team tennis, and college tennis, the number of players I have taught is well into the thousands. 

Some of these players I have developed since the ages of 3 or 4 years. I’ve also helped adults who had never picked up a racquet before.

Some of the players I have coached have become primarily recreational players. Some I have brought through the ranks of youth and the various levels of collegiate tennis. 

Some players have learned very basic tennis, and that is all they desire. I do my best to respect each player and coach them “where they are”. And, because of the vast levels of personality, needs, parents, goals, etc., I have not always been able to meet every student’s needs. 

The issue of “not meeting some people’s needs” seems to be a reality for many teachers I’ve met, whether they teach in the workplace, school, or on the athletic field or court. If you’ve ever been a passionate teacher, instructor, or coach, you do everything you can to help every student, but you realize the challenge is large and that it is actually impossible to meet everyone’s needs.

With all this being said, however, I have also helped players move toward and reach many of their goals in tennis and life. This gives me satisfaction that I have contributed, in a positive way, to people’s lives. Some of this teaching can be a little selfish, as in, “I have impacted lives!”. On a lighter note, I’ve contributed to people's fun and enjoyment! The best experience is knowing that we worked as a team, in a real relationship, to accomplish mutual things. Hopefully, these things are good for all of us!

So here is the dilemma I face as a tennis professional with every student: how can I help each player enjoy and improve at the game in the present and in the future? Let's see!

3 Coaching Tips To Develop Successful Players Who Enjoy the Game

Coaching tennis isn't just about refining strokes; it's about nurturing a player's passion and ensuring they enjoy the game for years to come. Here are three key coaching tips to foster player development and enthusiasm:

1. Adjust the Intensity

To keep the player interested and involved in tennis, sometimes I choose to “lower intensity” or provide more information so they “bloom where they are planted”. Sometimes, I may decide that to advance a player to the next level they are capable of, I have to “raise the intensity of practice”. 

Intensity is key. Too much, and the player wants to quit. Too little, and the player is bored or unchallenged. Also, if I don’t teach techniques that will get better with age, I am probably doing them a disservice. 

Believe me, I’ve made “intensity” mistakes over the years. I’ve learned from those mistakes, but I still have to constantly ask the question, “Is this drill, practice, or technique too intense or not intense enough for the player(s)”? Will this instruction help this player improve and enjoy tennis now and in the future? 

2. Challenge Players Just Enough

My experience with mistakes in this area has allowed me to be very deliberate in making decisions about players and how I coach them. 

Personally, I know I can take a player with a desire to be a strong player at his or her level and teach them skills that will lead them to continue to improve in the present and the future, including all the way up to high-level college play. I’ve studied it, done it, and can repeat it. But, often, the player has a different personality and ideas about tennis than me. The parents have differing personalities and ideas about tennis than me. Every situation is different! 

3. Teach for the Present and Future Success

As a coach, I have to envision how this player will develop in the short and long term and how I can challenge them just enough to keep them hungry to play. This is an age-old question. How do I teach for the present and future success of the student while keeping them interested, motivated, enthused, and not wanting to stop playing?

It's about striking a delicate balance between immediate improvement and long-term growth. While focusing on refining skills for immediate success on the court, I also instill a foundation for future development. By emphasizing fundamental techniques and strategic thinking, I aim to cultivate players who are not only competitive in the present but also well-equipped for future challenges.

Final Words

I’ve seen and heard a large number of stories about how parents and coaches have led a child to quit tennis. I’ve warned parents, to no avail. I’ve communicated directly with children who tell me that their parents are overwhelming them and how they are ready to quit because of it. Many of them did, even with the warning signs being communicated. 

And I know parents often aren’t “bad” or “abusive”, and that they just want the best for their kids. I know how difficult kids can be. All I am saying is that parents and coaches need to be aware of these issues regarding the tennis player. Adults need to be aware of these issues in their own games. 

Intensity is a huge factor. High intensity may work for a while, but it can “backfire” very quickly. Regrettably, I’ve seen it and even been a part of it. But my experience and knowledge in this area may be helpful for you. Perhaps my understanding can help you avoid the pitfalls of intensity without support, demanding effort without love, expecting great things without acting great, what to consider with technical advancements, etc.

As I close this article, I’d like to challenge players to decide where they want to be with tennis in the short term (3-6 months), the medium term (6 months to 2 years), and the long term (2–5 years). Please remember that you will probably be going strong in one year, whether or not you play tennis! If you want to play but feel like the intensity level is too high or too low, talk about it with coaches or your parents (for junior players).

And for parents, I’d like to challenge you to consider evaluating your expectations, your communication style or approach, your support and seeking of support from a coach to develop the child, and how you want to be remembered by your children as a parent, coach, and mentor! Let me know if I can help you in the area of tennis. It may be helpful to simply ask questions and look at the options. From me to you: good luck in your tennis endeavors!

The Bottom Line: Find a Coach That Focused on the Short and Long Term

I'm Jeff, owner of Tennis Online Professional Services, and as a professionally certified coach with extensive experience, I understand the importance of tailoring lessons to meet each player's unique needs and goals. While I strive to impart as much knowledge as possible during our sessions, I also prioritize the essential needs of each student.

Need a personalized training plan to address your specific needs and goals? Schedule a free consultation today and see how we can work together to help you achieve tennis mastery!

For enquiries, email me at [email protected]