Tennis is a journey, not a race. From the first time a player holds a racquet to their milestones on the court, it’s a process built on consistency, trust, and the guidance of a coach who truly understands them. Yet, one of the most common mistakes I see in tennis is players—and their parents—switching coaches too often. While this might seem like a way to fast-track improvement, it often does more harm than good.

Every player is unique, and it takes time for a coach to understand not just their technique but their personality, learning style, and goals. This relationship doesn’t form overnight. Imagine starting over every few months or even every year, with a new coach bringing their own methods and philosophies. Instead of building on what’s already in place, players are forced to adapt to something new—sometimes abandoning progress they’ve already made.

Think about the best athletes in the world. Their relationships with their coaches aren’t short-lived. They grow together, working through challenges and celebrating victories as a team. A consistent coach helps shape a player’s technical skills, mental resilience, and approach to the game. When a player constantly changes coaches, they lose that steady guidance and mentorship.

Parents often switch coaches because they’re chasing faster results. They hope that a new perspective or technique will be the missing piece of the puzzle. But tennis isn’t about instant fixes. True growth comes from patience, practice, and trust in the process. Changing coaches too often can leave a player feeling unsettled and confused, as different approaches clash rather than build upon one another.

Another issue with frequent changes is that it can shift the responsibility for progress away from the player. If things aren’t going well, it’s easy to blame the coach instead of focusing on what the player can do to improve. Accountability is a crucial part of becoming a successful athlete, and a strong, stable coach-player relationship helps instill that.

This isn’t to say you should never change coaches. There are valid reasons to make a change—if the player has outgrown the coach’s expertise or if the relationship no longer supports their development. But these decisions should be made thoughtfully, considering the player’s long-term growth, not as a quick reaction to frustration or slow progress.

At Tennis-Prime Academy, we focus on building lasting relationships with our players. It’s about more than teaching strokes or winning matches—it’s about helping them grow as athletes and individuals. Tennis is a sport for life, and the foundation we build today will carry players far into the future.

So, the next time you’re tempted to switch coaches, pause and consider the bigger picture. Is it about progress—or impatience? Often, the best results come from sticking with the process, trusting the coach, and embracing the journey.

By Ivan Krcelic,

Director of Tennis-Prime Academy