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
Weekly 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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⭐ LEVEL 2 — JV/Varsity Path (Middle & High School Players)
Goal: make the school team, feel competitive, develop stronger fundamentals
Weekly 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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⭐ LEVEL 3 — Beginner Tournament Players (USTA, UTR, L7/L6)
Goal: start competing, build consistency, gain competitive experience
Weekly 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 match play exposure to grow evenly on both sides.
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⭐ LEVEL 4 — Competitive Players (Varsity + Regular Tournaments)
Goal: be competitive in matches, grow UTR, play confidently under pressure
Weekly 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 without burnout or pressure.
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Where My Coaching Philosophy Comes In
I tell parents all the time:
“Most kids won’t grow up to be pros.
But they will grow up to be adults.”
What 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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Final Thoughts
If you’re ever unsure which commitment level is right for your child, ask yourself:
“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.
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.