Is Your Child’s Tennis Game Improving Enough?

Anyone who plays tennis multiple times a week for many years will improve, regardless of effort and coaching. The important thing is to what degree they improve on a daily basis. 

Take a look at the following chart. There are 3 players: A, B, and C. The chart represents their level of play between the Ages of 8-18.

Most players are either A or B. Both get better the more they play, but Player A never gets to be as good as Player B. Both were better at the age of 18 than 8 but Player B’s level of play was significantly higher.

That is because one of these things happened at some point:

Player B started to work harder than Player A.

Player B became part of a better development program.

Player B maintained a greater passion for the game.

What about Player C?

Player C is the result of all three things coming together. Player C’s are the ones who end up playing at top Division 1 collegiate schools or make it to the pros. They’re not magical talents that got to the top by doing something no one else could do. They looked for ways to maximize their rate of improvement and were rewarded with success.

Jannik Sinner is an example of a Player C. At the age of 13 he was a better skier than tennis player. His level of play was lagging behind his peers. Jannik and his family then sought a coach (Riccardo Piatti) that knew how to get the most out of a player. Piatti put him in a proper development program with a clear focus on maximizing his potential. It wasn’t “oh let’s play some tennis, have some fun, get better, and see where it goes.” No. The decision was made to train in a focused environment so that Jannik had a chance to maximize his potential. Did they have fun? Of course, but they worked harder than you can imagine.

Sure enough, a few years after starting with Piatti, Jannik’s level of play improved so much that he became one of the best players in the world at the age of 19. And all the juniors that used to beat him are now telling stories about the good ol days as they’re watching Jannik on tv.

Just because you see your child is improving doesn’t mean they’re getting the most out of their tennis practices. It might sound unfair to your child and their coach to question if everyone is doing enough, but you’re part of the team. You’re asking questions in a helpful manner. You have to be somewhat involved and somewhat educated about what a proper junior tennis development program looks like. Just like all doctors are not good doctors, all tennis coaches and academies are not good coaches and academies.

One final note, look back at the chart and notice the trajectory of the players. Notice how Players A and B clearly improved from the time they started playing but were on a path ensuring they’ll never reach 100% of their potential. They’ll never have a shot against Player C when they’re fully developed and it had nothing to do with talent. Don’t look for the coach that’s most convenient to your house or your child’s school. Don’t use the coach that is the most “fun.” Find the one that makes them improve the most and do it as soon as possible. You don’t want to look back and realize the money you spent on your child’s coaching was actually for an expensive baby sitting program.