How to choose a tennis coach for your child: 7 questions to ask

The right coach does more than fix a forehand. For kids, a good coach builds sound technique early, keeps tennis fun, and teaches how to compete. Here are the questions worth asking before you book.

1. Are you certified?

Look for PTR or USPTA certification. It means the coach has been trained and tested on how to teach, including age-appropriate methods for young kids. Fawz has been PTR certified since 1996.

2. How much experience do you have with kids my child's age?

Teaching a 6-year-old (smaller courts, slower balls, games) is very different from coaching a 14-year-old for tournaments. Ask for specifics. Fawz has run mini-tennis camps, high school varsity practices, and junior programs at clubs in Philadelphia and Morocco, including championship-winning junior teams.

3. How do you measure progress?

A good coach can tell you what your child is working on this month and why. Expect clear, simple goals: a consistent rally, a reliable second serve, better movement to the backhand.

4. Will you support tournaments?

If your child is competitive, ask whether the coach will watch matches or help plan a schedule. One parent shared that Fawz "even attended a few tournaments that my son was in and took notes to help him improve."

5. Private, semi-private or group?

Private lessons are best for technique. Group clinics add fun, competition and friendships, and cost much less. Many juniors do one private lesson plus one or two clinics a week. See how the formats compare.

6. How do you communicate with parents?

You should get a short update after lessons and an honest view of what to practice at home.

7. Does my child enjoy it?

The best predictor of improvement is a child who wants to go back. Watch the first lesson. Is your child moving, smiling and getting lots of balls?