Expectations vs. Reality: The Path to Tennis Success

This sport has no shortcuts, no quick fixes, just a very straightforward path to success: Hard work

With over 20 years of coaching experience, I've had the privilege of playing and coaching at some of the highest levels in tennis. My journey includes:

• Achieving State, Southern, and National rankings in Junior Tennis in Georgia.

• Earning a full scholarship and competing for 2 years at the collegiate level.

• Competing professionally on the ITF & USTA Pro Circuit for 5 years, including Prize Money events across the U.S.

• Playing at the highest levels in local leagues in Atlanta (AA-1 ALTA, 5.5 USTA, and 6.0 Ultimate Tennis) for multiple seasons.

• Serving as the Head Coach for both Men's and Women's Tennis at SCAD Atlanta (NAIA) from 2016 to 2020.

  
  

This breadth of experience has provided me with invaluable insights into player development and competition at every level.

Having encountered nearly every challenge and opportunity in junior development and beyond, I bring a deep understanding of what it takes to reach the highest levels of tennis. Having competed at that level myself, I am fully equipped to guide players toward achieving their own success.

However, many players, despite their aspirations, fall short of reaching their full potential due to one (or more) of the following reasons:

1. Underestimating the effort required to reach their goals.

2. Understanding the work involved but choosing not to commit, lacking the drive or willingness to put in the necessary effort.

3. Parents becoming overly involved, creating friction with the development plan set by the coach.

4. Failing to fully commit to the hard work and discipline required to achieve their desired level of play.

5. Being highly motivated but lacking the financial or general support needed to reach their full potential.

   
   

Regardless of the reason behind a player's failure to reach a high level in tennis, it is ultimately the student who bears the greatest consequences. To prevent this, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the goals, how to achieve them, and the responsibilities of everyone involved:

• Coach: Provides direction, expertise, and training structure.

• Student: Commits to consistent hard work, follows the plan, and stays disciplined.

• Parents/Family: Provide support and trust in the process, respecting the training and development timeline.

All three must collaborate effectively. Advancement in tennis requires teamwork, trust, and a firm commitment to the plan established by the coach.

Here is a simple outline of the three most common training plans a student can commit to for development in tennis:

Training 1-2x/week (Recreational Tennis)

• Best for learning the basics of the sport.

• No significant goals of competing or attaining a ranking.

• Maintenance with minimal improvement.

• 1-3 hours of training per week, with little to no significant improvement.

Training 2-3x/week (Intermediate Tennis)

• Focused on intentional learning for competition, leagues, and tournaments.

• Goals include achieving a ranking and minimal improvement season to season.

• Targeting minimal to intermediate level of play.

• 4-8 hours of dedicated training each week.

Training 3-5x/week (Advanced Competitive Tennis +)

• Competition is the primary goal, aiming for State/Regional/National rankings and UTR ratings.

• Focus on achieving college-level performance and possible scholarship opportunities.

• 10-12 hours of dedicated training per week, plus tournament/competition play outside of training hours.

• This level of training is a lifestyle and requires a significant family commitment to training, tournaments, and fitness schedules.

Regardless of the plan a student chooses, it is essential that the Coach outlines the necessary training steps to reach the overall goal, with clear incremental milestones to track progress.

Once a plan and goals are set, the Coach will provide a structured regimen that includes on-court practice, off-court fitness, and a specified number of competitive events. This approach ensures everyone—student, parents, and coach—understands the expectations and commitment required. As the plan unfolds, discussions, adjustments, and refinements can be made to optimize results.

If you're serious about training for any of these levels, it’s essential to have an honest conversation with your parents and Coach about the commitment you're ready to make. Once the plan is in place, everyone must commit fully to the process, working together to achieve success.

If the level of commitment isn't possible, adjust your goals to something more attainable.

At this point, the only thing left is execution.

Set the alarm.

Tie up the shoes.

Put in the work.

Make it count.

Every. Single. Day.