Inexperienced coaches are failing the players who need their help the most

Steve is a tennis coach and a leading authority on methods of learning. He wants to challenge perceptions and ask coaches to think about their own methods whilst detailing an alternative option that he believes will improve you as a coach

The red stage in tennis—where our youngest players begin their journey—is arguably the most critical stage of development. It’s typically the largest age group in group programs, the first experience of tennis for many players, and a vital opportunity to introduce children to the joy of the game.

At this level, players are still learning how to move, interact with their environment, and process the world around them. Their physical, psychological, and emotional development is in its early stages, requiring a nuanced, tailored approach from their coaches.

Yet, in the UK (and beyond), these pivotal sessions are often led by the least experienced coaches.

The Problem: Low-Experience Coaches for Low-Experience Players

Let’s take a step back and think about this:

• We recognize that the red stage is foundational for players.

• We understand that if we fail to provide a positive experience at this stage, we risk losing players forever.

• And yet, we assign the most inexperienced coaches to work with the least experienced players.

Can you see the issue here?

Why This Happens

This isn’t an attack on young or inexperienced coaches. They’re doing their best, often following lesson plans provided by national governing bodies (NGBs). They set up the equipment, follow the plan, and deliver the session as instructed. But there’s a problem:

• The Lesson Plans Aren’t Enough: Most NGB plans are generic and not tailored to the unique needs of individual red-stage players.

• Lack of Understanding: New coaches often don’t yet understand the physical and psychological development of an 8-year-old—or how to adapt sessions accordingly.

• Panic Leads to Tradition: When things go off script (as they often do), inexperienced coaches revert to what they’ve seen or been taught: lines, basket feeds, and rigid control.

And so, the cycle of traditional, outdated coaching styles continues.

Why This Approach Is Failing Players

At the red stage, players are:

• Developing Basic Motor Skills: Running, jumping, balancing, and coordination are still works in progress.

• Learning Through Play: Kids this age thrive in environments that encourage exploration, creativity, and fun.

• Emotionally Sensitive: A single negative experience can deter them from wanting to play tennis ever again.

These players don’t need technical overload or repetitive basket drills. They need:

• Coaches who understand how to design sessions that align with their current abilities.

• A safe, fun, and engaging environment that inspires them to love tennis.

• Sessions that allow them to explore movement, solve problems, and develop at their own pace.

The Solution: Start with the Right Mix

As a coach with over 24 years of experience, I’ve come to think of myself as a DJ, constantly adjusting the “mix” to create the right energy on court. Every session is a delicate balance of physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges tailored to the players in front of me.

But a young coach stepping onto court for the first time doesn’t have the knowledge or experience to find that mix. They’re simply trying to survive the session.

What if, instead of assigning inexperienced coaches to red-stage players, we flipped the script?

A Better Path Forward

1. Inexperienced Coaches Start with Experienced Players Assign new coaches to work with older, more experienced players who can follow structured lesson plans and provide clearer feedback. This allows coaches to:

   • Build confidence in their delivery.

   • Learn how to adapt sessions and manage behavior.

   • Develop their own “mix” of coaching styles without the pressure of working with beginners.

2. Experienced Coaches Work with Red-Stage Players Our youngest players deserve our most experienced coaches. These coaches understand:

   • How to tailor sessions to the physical and psychological development of young children.

   • How to create engaging, fun, and exploratory environments.

   • How to set the foundation for a lifelong love of tennis.

3. Mentoring and Support for New Coaches Pair inexperienced coaches with mentors who can guide them through the challenges of working with beginners. By observing and learning from experienced coaches, they’ll gain the tools they need to succeed when they eventually take on red-stage sessions.

The Ego of Tennis: Why Change Feels Impossible

So why don’t we do this? Why do we continue assigning inexperienced coaches to the most important stage of development? The answer, unfortunately, lies in tennis’s ego.

• “We’ve Always Done It This Way”: The assumption that tradition equals quality has held tennis back for decades.

• Protecting Business Interests: Experienced coaches often prioritize higher-level players and advanced sessions because they’re seen as more valuable or prestigious.

• Lack of Accountability: If players drop out of the red stage, it’s often blamed on the kids themselves—not on the quality of their coaching experience.

This mindset needs to change.

The Impact of Getting It Right

When red-stage players are coached by experienced, knowledgeable professionals, the results are transformative.

• Players improve at a faster rate because sessions are designed around their actual needs.

• Kids enjoy their sessions more, leading to higher retention and participation.

• Coaches at all levels become more confident, skilled, and adaptable.

Most importantly, tennis thrives.

Final Thoughts

The red stage is the foundation of tennis. If we get it wrong here, we risk losing players before they’ve even had the chance to fall in love with the sport.

By rethinking how we assign coaches and prioritizing the needs of our youngest players, we can break the cycle of traditional coaching, inspire a new generation of players, and set tennis on a path for long-term success.

Let’s stop putting our least experienced coaches in charge of our most vulnerable players. It’s time for tennis to check its ego and do what’s best for the game.

If you’re ready to question the traditional norms and move beyond confirmation bias, I invite you to check out my “From Drills to Skills” course. Designed with modern skill acquisition theories in mind, this course will guide you in creating practices that focus on adaptability, decision-making, and real-game scenarios. You’ll learn how to implement representative learning environments and challenge players in ways that traditional drills can’t.

Breaking free from confirmation bias isn’t easy, but it’s essential if we want to develop players who can thrive in the dynamic, unpredictable environment of competitive tennis. With the right tools and an open mind, you can make coaching decisions that truly benefit your players and bring fresh insight into the way tennis coaching is approached.

https://mytenniscoaching.com/drills-to-skills-fast-track-to-match-success/