“What do we want out of tennis, a skill, a team, a hobby, a competitive path, or personal growth?” Once you know the goal, the structure becomes clear.

A Clear, Honest Guide for Tennis Parents

As a coach, one of the questions I get asked more than anything else is:

“How much does my child need to practice to get better?”

It sounds like a simple question, but the real answer depends on your child’s goals, personality, schedule, and how they learn best.

There is no one-size-fits-all formula but there is a structure that helps parents understand what actually creates consistent, healthy, long-term improvement.

And before I break down the different levels of commitment, I want to start with something even more important:

Progress looks different for every child.

But the formula for development is always the same:

✓ Private lessons + ✓ Group classes + ✓ The right expectations.**

Let me explain why.

Groups and Privates: Why Kids Need Both

Many parents wonder whether private lessons are more effective or whether group classes are enough. The truth is simple:

**Private lessons build the player.

Group classes build the competitor.**

They teach different skills, both equally important.

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What Private Lessons Build (That Groups Can’t):

Privates are where technique is built and refined:

• Clean fundamentals
• Footwork
• Serve mechanics
• Power development
• Patterns
• Repetition
• Fixing habits
• Personalized attention

A private lesson is where we slow things down, correct mistakes, and create strong technical foundations that last a lifetime.

Privates build the tennis body.

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What Group Classes Build (That Privates Can’t):

Groups give kids the experiences that actually prepare them for real tennis:

• Competing
• Handling nerves
• Adapting to different styles
• Playing kids better than them
• Playing kids similar level
• Playing kids below their level
• Decision-making under pressure
• Point construction
• Rally tolerance
• Emotional control

Group classes expose players to real match situations and teach them how to problem-solve, adjust, and stay focused even when things get uncomfortable.

Groups build the tennis mind.

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**So… How Much Practice Is Enough?

It Depends on Your Child’s Goals.**

Every child comes into tennis with a different level of interest, commitment, and personality.

The most important thing is aligning expectations with goals.

Here is the breakdown I give every parent who asks:

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⭐ **LEVEL 1 — Recreational / Just Want to Improve

Goal: **enjoy tennis, build basic skills, feel confident

W**eekly recommendation:

**1 group class

• 1 private every 1–2 weeks
• Total: 1–2 hours/week

This is perfect for kids who want a healthy routine and gradual improvement without pressure.

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⭐ L**EVEL 2 — JV/Varsity Path (Middle & High School Players)

Goal: m**ake the school team, feel competitive, develop stronger fundamentals

We**ekly recommendation:

1**–2 group classes

• 1 private lesson/week
• Total: 2–3.5 hours/week

Consistency is key at this level. Working on technique + playing in groups builds confidence fast.

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⭐ LE**VEL 3 — Beginner Tournament Players (USTA, UTR, L7/L6)

Goal: st**art competing, build consistency, gain competitive experience

Wee**kly recommendation:

2 **groups/week

• 1–2 private lessons/week
• Total: 4–6 hours/week + weekend tournaments

This is where tennis becomes more structured. Kids need clean technique and* ma*tch play exposure to grow evenly on both sides.

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⭐ LEV**EL 4 — Competitive Players (Varsity + Regular Tournaments)

Goal: be **competitive in matches, grow UTR, play confidently under pressure

Week**ly recommendation:

2–3** groups/week

• 1–2 privates/week
• Total: 5–8 hours/week + weekly match play

Players at this level improve the fastest because they’re training consistently and learning from matches weekly.

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Why **Your Child’s Commitment Matters More Than the Number

It’**s not just how much they practice,  it’s:

their consistency

• their attitude
• their emotional environment
• their balance with school and other activities
• how supported they feel
• how much they enjoy the process
• Every kid is different.
• Every family is different.
• Every goal is different.

And that’s okay.

What matters most is choosing the commitment level that supports your child’s development with**out burnout or pressure.

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Where My Coaching Philosophy Comes In

I t**ell parents all the time:

“Mos**t kids won’t grow up to be pros.

But** **they will grow up to be adults.”

Wha**t we teach them through tennis,

how to handle pressure, how to lose, how to focus, how to communicate, how to deal with challenges, is far more important than a ranking or a trophy.

Tennis is the tool.

Character is the outcome.

Technique matters.

Competition matters.

Repetition matters.

But the foundation underneath it:

confidence, discipline, resilience, emotional intelligence, that’s what truly stays with them.

That’s why I coach the way I do.

That’s why I’m honest about expectations.

That’s why I focus on development, not shortcuts.

And that’s why every parent needs a clear picture of what commitment looks like at each level.

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Fina**l Thoughts

If **you’re ever unsure which commitment level is right for your child, ask yourself:

“Wha**t do we want out of tennis, a skill, a team, a hobby, a competitive path, or personal growth?”

Onc**e you know the goal, the structure becomes clear.

And the most important thing?

Your child should enjoy the journey, feel supported, and grow not only as a player but as a person.

That is the foundation I aim to build with every athlete who steps on my court.