JR. TENNIS TIMES

What to Look for in a Junior Tennis Coach

The right coach can transform your child's tennis journey. The wrong one can lead to bad habits, burnout, or lost enthusiasm for the sport. Here's what to look for and what to avoid.

Certifications and Qualifications

In the US, the two main coaching certification bodies are USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) and PTR (Professional Tennis Registry). Certified coaches have been tested on technique, tactics, and teaching methodology. While certification alone doesn't guarantee quality, it shows a baseline level of training and commitment to the profession.

Experience with Juniors Specifically

Coaching adults and coaching kids are very different skills. A great adult coach may not have the patience, creativity, or developmental understanding needed for a 10-year-old. Ask specifically about their experience with junior players and at what age groups. A coach who primarily works with high school and college players may not be the best fit for an 8-year-old beginner.

Teaching Style

Watch a lesson before committing. Pay attention to:

  • Do they explain things in terms a kid can understand?
  • Is the lesson engaging, or is the child standing around?
  • Do they give positive reinforcement along with corrections?
  • Are they working on fundamentals appropriate for the child's level?
  • Does the child seem to enjoy the session?

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Yelling or overly negative feedback — juniors need encouragement, not fear
  • Only hitting with the student (no feeding, no drills) — this isn't coaching, it's just rallying
  • Pushing competition before the child is ready
  • Making parents feel like their child needs more lessons than they do
  • Not communicating with parents about progress and goals
  • Teaching the same thing every lesson with no progression

Questions to Ask a Potential Coach

  • What's your coaching philosophy for junior players?
  • How do you structure lessons for my child's age and level?
  • What are realistic goals for my child over the next 6-12 months?
  • How do you handle frustration and emotional moments during lessons?
  • Can you provide references from other junior tennis families?

Group vs. Private Lessons

Both have value. Private lessons allow focused individual attention on technique and specific weaknesses. Group lessons develop competitive instincts, point play skills, and are more fun for most kids. A mix of both is ideal — private lessons for technical work and group sessions for match play and social development.

When to Consider Switching Coaches

If your child has been with a coach for 6+ months and isn't improving technically, isn't enjoying tennis, or the coach isn't communicating well with your family, it may be time to look elsewhere. Switching coaches isn't a failure — it's a normal part of development. Many top players had multiple coaches throughout their junior career.