When I teach an advanced tennis player, the first lesson is all about assessment, fine-tuning fundamentals, and setting goals. I assume they already have solid technique and experience, so I use the session to evaluate their current level, identify strengths and weaknesses, and understand their playing style and mindset.
I start with a brief conversation to learn about their tennis background, what they’re currently working on, and what their short- and long-term goals are, whether it’s competing, improving specific shots, or becoming more consistent under pressure. I also ask about injuries, fitness level, and match experience. After a dynamic warm-up, I run them through a variety of hitting drills that cover all the key areas: forehand, backhand, serve, return, net play, and movement. I feed at different speeds and depths and have them rally with me or another advanced player if available. I pay close attention to their footwork, timing, recovery, shot selection, and body mechanics.
The rest of the lesson is customized based on what I see. For example, if their forehand is strong but breaks down under pressure, I’ll introduce high-tempo rally drills or pattern play to test consistency. If their serve lacks variety, I’ll work on placement, spin, or disguise. I also gauge their mental game, how they respond to mistakes, adapt, or compete. I end the lesson with a clear summary of their performance, immediate areas for improvement, and a training plan going forward. For advanced players, the first lesson is about showing them I understand the game at their level and that I’m there to challenge them, push their limits, and help them grow.
Starting from lesson 11 and beyond, the focus shifts toward fine-tuning all aspects of the player’s game to achieve peak performance. I work closely with the player to polish their technical skills, ensuring every stroke is efficient and reliable even under fatigue or pressure. Advanced drills emphasize precision, shot disguise, and varying pace to keep opponents guessing. We also integrate more complex tactical scenarios, such as playing against different styles or adapting mid-match to shifts in momentum. This stage is about sharpening the player’s competitive edge and helping them execute their game plan with confidence and consistency.
Mentally, lessons at this level place a strong emphasis on focus, resilience, and match preparation. I help the player develop routines for pre-match warm-ups, between-point focus techniques, and strategies to manage stress and frustration. We simulate high-pressure situations like tiebreaks or break points to build their mental toughness and decision-making skills. Video analysis and match review become important tools here, allowing the player to see patterns in their own play and identify subtle areas for improvement. I encourage self-awareness and autonomy so they can adjust tactics and mindset independently during competition.
Physically, I incorporate conditioning and injury prevention exercises tailored to the demands of high-level tennis. Footwork drills become more dynamic and explosive, emphasizing quick recovery and efficient movement. Flexibility, strength, and endurance training are integrated to sustain performance during long matches or tournaments. At this stage, training is highly individualized, focusing on maximizing the player’s unique strengths while minimizing weaknesses. Overall, lessons 11 and beyond are designed to elevate the player from solid competitor to confident, strategic, and mentally strong match winner.
From lessons 4 to 6, I focus on building the player’s consistency and expanding their tactical toolbox. We work on refining stroke production with varied spins, speeds, and angles to keep opponents off balance. Drills become more pattern-based, emphasizing point construction like setting up an opponent with deep shots before attacking the net or exploiting weaknesses in court positioning. Serve and return games become more detailed, with attention to serve placement, disguise, and aggressive returns. I also introduce transition drills to improve their approach shots and volleying under pressure, helping them move confidently from baseline to net.
In lessons 7 to 8, I emphasize competitive scenarios and match simulation to help the player apply skills under realistic pressure. We increase rally intensity and incorporate restrictions or objectives, such as limiting certain shots or forcing cross-court play, to sharpen tactical thinking and shot selection. Conditioning and footwork drills become more dynamic, preparing them for quick directional changes and endurance during long points. I also introduce more advanced serve variations like slice or kick serves, and work on serve patterns that set up easier next shots. Mental toughness and focus are stressed through point-play challenges that simulate match situations where the player must manage momentum swings and pressure moments.
During lessons 9 to 10, I hone the player’s ability to adapt and strategize against different opponents and playing styles. We work on identifying patterns in the opponent’s game and adjusting shot selection accordingly, practicing counter-punching and offensive tactics. Serve + volley and doubles tactics may be introduced depending on their interests and goals. Match play is recorded and reviewed for technical, tactical, and mental insights. The sessions become increasingly tailored, emphasizing the player’s unique strengths and addressing subtle weaknesses to ensure they are confident, well-rounded, and ready to compete consistently at their level.
In lesson 2, I begin by reviewing the key takeaways from the first session and incorporating feedback from the player. I structure the warm-up to transition quickly into live hitting, focusing on timing, rhythm, and footwork. During this session, I dive deeper into their baseline game, working on consistency under pressure and shot variety. I run drills that require the player to alternate between cross-court and down-the-line shots, while maintaining depth and pace. I also observe how they handle transitions, for example, moving from defense to offense, and start to challenge their decision-making in live ball scenarios. If any technical adjustments are needed, I keep them minimal and focused on efficiency rather than overhauling their natural style.
As the session progresses, I introduce more structured point play to assess how well they implement patterns and tactics. We might work on specific sequences, like attacking a short ball with an inside-out forehand followed by a volley, or running a forehand-dominant rally to open space. I also begin refining their serve, particularly second serve placement and spin, as well as return consistency. We work on serve +1 patterns and read-and-react drills to simulate pressure situations. Throughout, I’m assessing their footwork, recovery habits, and ability to stay balanced during high-intensity play.
In lesson 3, I build on the tactical foundation laid in the previous session and begin raising the physical and mental demands. I include more dynamic movement drills that simulate match conditions, like rallying while constantly recovering to the center or responding to sudden directional changes. I introduce more advanced return-of-serve drills, focusing on positioning, anticipation, and aggressive responses to second serves. If they’re comfortable, I start incorporating full-point scenarios with specific tactical goals, such as playing to a weaker backhand or constructing a point around their best shot. By the end of lesson 3, the player should be actively using strategy, showing mental discipline under pressure, and beginning to take ownership of their development with clear goals in mind.
