As the year comes to an end, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your child’s tennis journey and set a clear path for the year ahead. A year in junior tennis can be filled with highs and lows—tournaments, training sessions, school-life balance, and personal growth. Taking time to audit the past year ensures that you celebrate progress, identify areas for improvement, and create a strategy that supports both their short-term and long-term goals. Here’s how you can effectively evaluate and plan for success.

Step 1: Reflect on the Year’s Achievements

Start by looking back at your child’s accomplishments. Did they improve their UTR or USTA ranking? Were there key tournaments where they performed well? Achievements aren’t just about wins—consider moments where they showed mental toughness, overcame obstacles, or mastered a new skill. Celebrate these milestones together to reinforce their hard work and resilience.

Step 2: Evaluate Challenges and Setbacks

Every year brings challenges. Reflect on moments where your child struggled—whether with specific opponents, match pressure, or balancing school and tennis. What patterns can you identify? For instance, did they consistently falter in third sets, or was mental focus an issue? Recognizing these challenges helps you and their coach create a targeted plan for improvement.

Step 3: Assess Training and Development

Audit their training regimen. Did it balance technical skills, match play, and physical conditioning? Was mental training or recovery time prioritized? Speak with their coach to understand areas of growth and any gaps in their development. Also, consider whether their schedule allowed enough time for rest and personal life—it’s crucial for long-term success.

Step 4: Review Tournament Performance

Analyze their tournament schedule from the past year. Did they compete in the right mix of UTR and USTA events? Were there too many or too few tournaments? Look at their performance against higher- or lower-rated opponents. Striking the right balance between challenging matches and confidence-building wins is key to development.

Step 5: Plan for the Next Year

Based on the audit, set clear goals for the upcoming year. Collaborate with your child and their coach to outline:

• Skill Development Goals: Focus on areas like footwork, serve consistency, or mental toughness.

• Tournament Schedule: Plan a mix of UTR and USTA events that align with their growth trajectory.

• Training Adjustments: Prioritize areas needing attention, like fitness or match strategy.

• Personal Growth Goals: Balance tennis with school, friendships, and rest.

Step 6: Monitor Progress Quarterly

Don’t wait until the end of next year to reflect. Schedule quarterly check-ins with your child and their coach to track progress and adjust plans. This ongoing evaluation keeps them on track and motivated.

The Importance of Planning Ahead

Auditing and planning aren’t just about creating a winning strategy—they’re about building a foundation for growth and balance. Tennis is a marathon, not a sprint. By taking time to reflect and strategize, you’re giving your child the tools to not only succeed on the court but to grow as a person.

Written by Ivan Krcelic, Director of Tennis-Prime Academi