As a coach, I hear it often:
“I think we need to try a different academy.”
“She plays better in the other group, maybe it’s the players here?”
“He’s not improving like the other kids.”
And I get it. As a parent, you want your child to succeed. You want to see growth. Progress. Wins.
But here’s the truth most people don’t want to say out loud:
Your child’s improvement isn’t just about the club, the coach, or the group. It’s about consistency, clarity, and time. You can train at the most prestigious academy in the country…
But if your child is only playing once or twice a week, they won’t catch up to someone who trains 4–6 times consistently.
That’s just reality.
Progress Has to Match the Commitment
Sometimes parents tell me, “But my child plays great at the other clinic!”. Or I hear a player say, “I don’t like this clinic because I feel like I play horribly here, but better somewhere else.”
Often, what’s really happening is: They’re playing in a group where the level is higher than theirs, so they’re receiving a cleaner, easier ball. It feels like they’re playing better, but it’s actually the environment that’s making it more comfortable.
But comfort doesn’t push growth. Challenge does.
And my clinics, while full of players who compete, who play tournaments, who show up weekly, are intentionally built with variety. Here, players face all types of ball styles: spin, slice, high, heavy, soft, clean, messy.
It’s not always pretty. But it’s real. That’s what actual tournament play looks like.
And I’d rather prepare your child for real matches than create a false sense of confidence.
The Problem Isn’t the Program
I’ve had players thrive with me for years. And I’ve had players outgrow my program and I let them go with full support. Because a good coach isn’t territorial. A good coach knows when a player is ready to fly. I’m not afraid to say:
“Your child is ready for more.” And sometimes, I tell parents directly: “My program is more development-based. If your child is at a point where they need more intensity, more hours, or more competition, I’ll support the transition.”
But if a child is playing 2–3 times a week and not doing additional private lessons, match play, or fitness… Switching groups or clubs won’t be the thing that helps them improve. Their results will always match their level of commitment.
Development First, But That Doesn’t Mean Easy
My academy offers tournament-level groups. Many of my players compete regularly. We teach strategy. We track progress. We push players. But what we don’t do is sell dreams with no structure. What we do is coach the whole player.
We develop skills, mindset, and discipline. Because while not every player will go D1 or turn pro, every player can learn how to push themselves, build confidence, and grow into the best version of themselves on and off the court.
If we ever expand into high-performance training one day, maybe with more courts and a larger facility, I’d love to offer something even more competitive.
But I’ll never offer that lightly. Because high-performance training isn’t just about more clinics. It’s about personalized structure, fitness, recovery, mental work, hitting partners, and sacrifice.
I lived that life as a junior player. I know what it really takes.
So Before You Ask, “Why Isn’t My Child Improving?” — Ask This:
• How many hours are they actually training each week?
• Are they working with a coach one-on-one?
• Are they getting match experience?
• Are they consistent in their routine?
• Are they being challenged or just being comfortable?
Because ultimately, your child’s improvement doesn’t depend on the coach’s magic wand…
It depends on what they’re willing to do with the time they have.
Final Thoughts
There will always be another clinic. Another coach.
Another program that looks shinier from the outside.
But the truth is: There is no shortcut to growth.
And no perfect group will make up for lack of time, consistency, or commitment.
If your child is training 2–3 times a week and playing tournaments, that’s amazing. They’re right where they should be for that level of training.
But if they want more—more wins, more progress, more confidence, then the answer isn’t elsewhere. It’s in the daily decision to show up, stay patient, and put in the work.
At my academy, we’re here for that. To teach not just tennis, but resilience, confidence, and growth that lasts far beyond the court.
By Michelle Okhremchuk
