One of the most important lessons I’ve learned throughout my coaching career is the pivotal role that game awareness plays in a player’s success. It’s the ability to read the situation on the court, anticipate what’s coming, and make real-time adjustments. This skill doesn’t come from drilling techniques or being told what to do—it comes from experience, from being challenged to think critically, and from learning to make decisions under pressure.
Whenever I’m involved in player development, whether in talent detection programs or regular practice sessions, I’m not just evaluating how well young players hit the ball or how fast they move. I’m looking at how they think. I want to see them observe their opponent’s movements, pick up on patterns, and figure out how to respond strategically. The goal isn’t to hand them the answers but to help them discover solutions on their own, so they develop the problem-solving mindset that’s essential in tennis.
Early in their careers, many coaches tend to focus on giving direct instructions—”do this,” “hit that,” “move here.” Over time, however, it becomes clear that this approach, while it may deliver short-term results, doesn’t equip players to be self-sufficient. Too often, in junior tournaments, I see players relying heavily on their coaches or even parents to tell them what to do. This isn’t how tennis players are built. We need to shift away from over-instructing and instead guide players through consistent questioning, prompting them to reflect on their decisions. This method helps players take ownership of their game, rather than simply following orders.
Tennis is an unpredictable sport, and adaptability is what separates top players from the rest. A player who only knows how to follow instructions will falter when things don’t go according to plan. But a player who’s been trained to think critically, read the flow of the game, and make adjustments on the fly will thrive, no matter what challenges arise.
Tailoring problem-solving challenges to each player’s development is key. Every athlete is on a different journey, and not all players are ready for the same level of complexity. Some players may need to focus on basic concepts, such as how their opponent’s positioning impacts shot selection, while others are ready for more complex scenarios, like navigating tactical shifts during changing court conditions. As coaches, we should aim to develop players’ decision-making abilities and game awareness so that these skills last throughout their tennis careers.
For me, the most rewarding aspect of coaching is watching players grow into confident decision-makers, both on and off the court. Seeing them recognize patterns, analyze situations, and take control of their game without waiting for external guidance is the true measure of success. That’s what makes coaching so fulfilling—helping players evolve into not just skilled athletes, but into smart, independent thinkers who can excel in any situation.
