The Environment

Key Points

• Balanced Approach: Combine elements of academy and private training for the best results—neither fully group-focused nor entirely one-on-one.
• Small Groups: Training with 2–3 players per court encourages competition and stimulation, pushing players to improve through peer comparison.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Too many players on the court can create chaos and reduce the coach’s ability to focus on individual needs.
• Benefits of Competition: Small group settings drive players to challenge each other, such as competing on serve speed or consistency, which boosts motivation.
• Alternate Coaching Voices: Introducing another coach occasionally can help players absorb key messages differently and avoid stagnation from hearing the same voice repeatedly.
• Custom Focus: Coaches should provide overarching goals while allowing other coaches to deliver the same message in varied ways, offering fresh perspectives.
• Proven Results: This balanced and dynamic approach worked for top players like Naomi Osaka and is effective for fostering long-term development.