One of the most frequently asked questions from players and especially parents of younger players is “How much should I train? And how many competitive matches and tournaments should I be playing?”
I will break this into two sections for parents and players to understand 1.Training and 2. Competition
The information below is sourced from coaching industry consultation, the industry have come up with the following information in which I believe should be of use to you all. The table is reflective of a coaching and training pathway. Please remember all young players are different and have different needs. This is not just dependant on size and physical development, but technical ability, developing their gamestyle, and in terms of sleep patterns and recovery, so the tables are generalisations that are a guideline only.
Young Athletes need to develop all fundamental motor skills and movements in and out of the tennis environment.
As the athlete develops with age and ability, the athlete will need to work more tennis specific and within the tennis environment.
Sourced from ITF Tennis
PLAYING LEVEL (Guide only) * ON COURT TENNIS TRAINING ** OFF COURT PHYSICAL TRAINING TOTAL HOURS PER WEEK
Age 4-6 1-2 1-2 2-4
Age 6-8 4-6 4 8-10
JDS and OJT level Age 8-12 7-8 4 More tennis specific 12-13
Competitive OJT /National level Age 12-16 10-12 5 More tennis specific 15-17
*On court tennis, includes all coaching sessions – squad training, private lessons, and matchplay.
** Off court physical training includes tennis specific fitness, other sports, school P.E etc
COMPETITION
In addition to these training hours players should also be following a competitive schedule too.
Whether it be at coloured ball challenge at Hot Shots level, JDS tournaments, local club comps, schools competition or OJT tournaments these matches all form part of essential development weekly program – they are very important parts of a players pathway and future development
Sourced from ITF Tennis and converted to Tennis Australia structure
Level Practice matches and competition Matches per year
JDS 8-12 2 sets / 1-2 matches per week 30 – 40 matches per year
OJT 10-16 4 sets or 2 matches per week 50-80 matches per year
Performance OJT National level 6 sets or 3 matches per week 60-80 matches per year
As in any form of endeavours that you wish to take more seriously, there is no substitute for practice and persistence.
Time on the court – more specifically quality time on the court is paramount to achieving any milestones in the game of tennis. Like in anything there is no substitute for hard work. So continue to strive for your goals and climb the player pathway – and remember to
“be The Best You Can”.
The best programs and coaches will work with parents and players to develop a holistic training and development program for the Athlete and the family. This program should meet all the athlete goals and work to develop LTPD ( long term player development). There is no quick fix and player welfare and development has to be the number one GOAL of any program.
Below is two flow diagrams that explains what players are to acheive with training in Tennis.
Greg Gunn
Director of Tennis
Gunn Tennis