In junior tennis, one of the key ingredients for long-term success is finding the perfect balance between effort and enjoyment during training. As parents and players, you’ve likely experienced practices that feel either too intense or, at times, not challenging enough. Often, this is a result of coaches not fully understanding how to properly manage the training environment.
Recent studies, such as Brevers et al. (2024), highlight something called “prediction errors” when it comes to perceived effort. It shows that players tend to enjoy their sessions more when they expect a tough workout but find it less demanding than anticipated. This may sound simple, but it has a huge impact on how effective and enjoyable training can be.
Where Some Coaches Go Wrong
The truth is, not all coaches understand the importance of balancing intensity in training. Some push players too hard, too fast, leading to exhaustion or burnout. Others might go too easy, not providing enough challenge to help players grow. Both scenarios can lead to frustration for the player and a loss of motivation.
A coach’s job is to create an environment where players are challenged—but not to the point where it feels overwhelming. Training should leave players feeling accomplished and energized, not worn out. Finding that balance is what keeps players engaged and hungry to improve.
Letting Players Set Their Own Pace
One of the best ways to keep players motivated is by giving them a little control over the intensity of their training. Self-paced drills, where players adjust their own effort, have been shown to increase enjoyment. When coaches enforce strict, high-intensity sessions without any flexibility, it can actually harm a player’s motivation—especially for younger athletes.
In high-performance coaching, it’s important to remember that pushing players to their limits isn’t always the best approach. By letting them set the pace in some drills, players stay engaged, and they’re more likely to stick with the sport for the long haul.
How Good Coaches Manage Training
A knowledgeable coach knows how to structure a session that both challenges and motivates players. This often means starting at a manageable level of intensity and gradually building up as the player grows more confident. Avoiding too much exertion early on helps players find enjoyment in their training and prevents burnout.
Offering young athletes some control—like setting personal goals or choosing the intensity of a drill—makes training feel more rewarding. This sense of ownership over their progress keeps them engaged and helps them stay committed to their development.
What This Means for Parents and Players
It’s crucial to recognize that not every coach will understand how to balance effort and enjoyment in training. A good coach knows how to push for performance while ensuring that the player still enjoys the process. It’s this balance that helps young athletes develop both their skills and their love for the sport.
For players, remember that your progress in tennis isn’t just about working hard—it’s about enjoying the process. If training feels like a grind every time, it might be worth evaluating whether your sessions are being managed effectively. The more you enjoy your training, the more likely you are to keep improving.
In the end, successful tennis development is all about balancing hard work with enjoyment. When both are in sync, players thrive—and that’s what every coach should strive for.
