Regardless of the level of knowledge reached by any parent-coach, there's still a critical component of daily competition and training that must be undertaken by every player. Finding other players with whom to practice and compete against is one of the most difficult aspects for a player or parent-coach. Some players may be able to arrange local competition with other players, and some attend academies run by teaching professionals to participate in organized practices. Obviously, the latter is easier and more consistent. However, it is often too expensive for some families to sustain, especially when their players reach a level that requires practice five to seven times a week.

High school tennis

Of course, playing on a high school tennis team often provides inexpensive practice and a certain amount of training. But if competitive players have serious ambitions, talent and playing potential, they may quickly surpass the abilities of high school teammates, who can no longer offer them strong enough competition to consistently challenge them.

The role of the parent-coach in finding practice partners

Therefore, unless the player is attending an academy or some form of group practice where he or she can easily find competition, part of the responsibility of finding games will likely fall into the hands of the parent-coach. Often times, the child cannot deal with the mental stress of organizing a tennis schedule to the same degree that would satisfy the parent-coach. For instance, the child might have a lot of school work or might be going through emotional and social issues. For the parent-coach to expect the child to also create a schedule to include practice matches may be asking a little too much of some players. Therefore, the parent-coach may have to help organize the player's tennis schedule. This includes arranging practices, signing up for tournaments and making all the preliminary arrangements for both (i.e. finding competition or making travel reservations for an out-of-town tournament). Though it is not a fun job for any player or parent, it is necessary for the player's development.

Challenges of finding practice partners

While there are bound to be a number of other players at the child's level that find themselves in the same situation as far as finding practice opponents, the job of finding those players and "breaking into" their schedule is difficult and frustrating. Not everyone is easily accessible and willing to work around your schedule. And while it is natural for players to want to practice with the best opponents they can find, some opponents may feel that they are stronger than your child, and therefore might choose not to practice with him or her.

Benefits of paid practice groups

Given these difficulties, it is best that a parent-coach place his or her child in camps or group practices regularly, if possible. This allows the child access to a number of other players at his or her level with whom to practice. It also takes the pressure off the parent-coach to find an available opponent.

Generally, there are training groups or academies in every city. You simply have to find them and become convinced that they can help your player. In many cases, parents allow their players to attend elite academies away from home that have a strong reputation for developing top players. Some avid parents have actually moved their homes and jobs to be in an area closer to these academies for the benefit of the child's playing career.

It's ultimately up to the parent to determine just how far his or her child should progress as a player. Following the chart, "Levels of Competitive Tennis," will help parents and coaches understand how to navigate the tennis hierarchy, from Little Tennis to the professional level, and make sound decisions on behalf of their players.