Frequently Asked questions Regarding tennis development

 It depends on the goal of the parent/child together.  In my eyes, there are a few "tracks" players can follow.

        -Track 1: Casual playing with friends (between $30 and $80 per week)- In this case, the player is pretty flexible in how they train.  One private per week + 1 group session or hitting with friends is probably enough.  You can even forego the private lesson for this and just play for fun. (playing 1-2 times per week)

        -Track 2: Playing on a school team (between $60 and $180 per week)- At most schools, getting on the tennis team is pretty easy and you can probably follow the above track.  For some schools, the standards are a little higher and you may need to do a little more. Perhaps 1 private and 1 group session. (playing 2-3 times per week)

        -Track 3: Average tournament player (between $120 and $200 per week)- For these players, we will need more structure.  Minimum once per week privately with a coach, 2-3 group sessions per week, and 1-2 hitting sessions with a friend. (playing 4-5 days per week)

        -Track 4: High end tournament player/Aiming to play for the college team (between $120 and $240 per week)- For these players, parent involvement is almost necessary unless you are willing to spend a lot of money.  Once or twice per week privately with a coach, twice per week with a parent who is guiding development, several hitting sessions including match play with friends or equivalent players, and a rigorous tournament schedule. (playing 5-7 days per week)

There is also a timeline here.  High end players almost always start at a very young age.  I started playing (for fun) around 5 years old.  So if your child is starting at 10 or later, and you have high aspirations, you'll have to accelerate their play time/training to catch up.

SO MUCH!  When I was young I would hit a foam tennis ball against my garage for hours.  You can do all kinds of ball control activities that help.  Throwing a football back and forth.  Playing catch with a baseball.  Doing footwork drills/activities.  Strength training.  ANYTHING athletic can help with basic development early on with kids.

From observation, currently kids are being asked to do a lot of things and spread themselves very thin.  So you have to make time for athletics if you are planning on taking Tennis or any other sport seriously.  Plan out your day hour by hour and set aside a specific window to train.