Junior Tennis Tournament Preparation: A Parent and Player Guide

Tournaments are where juniors either fall in love with tennis or quietly walk away from it. What happens in the two weeks before the first match matters more than most parents realize — and the difference between a great tournament experience and a rough one is almost always preparation, not talent.

Two weeks out: sharpen, do not overhaul

Two weeks before a tournament is not the time to rebuild a forehand or switch grips on the serve. It is the time to sharpen what already works. In lessons, we drill match patterns — first serve wide, second ball to the open court — until the player can hit them without thinking. We play practice sets against opponents at or slightly above their level. We do not experiment.

The week of the tournament

Volume drops, intensity stays. Two shorter, higher-quality practices beat one long grinding session. Sleep matters more than an extra basket of forehands. Screens off an hour before bed, especially the night before day one.

The morning of the match

Wake up at least three hours before the match time. Eat a real meal 2-3 hours before — not five minutes before. Pack the bag the night before: two racquets, extra grips, water, electrolytes, a snack for between matches, a hat, sunscreen, a towel, and dry clothes for after.

During the match

Between points, breathe. Between changeovers, drink. Between sets, adjust one thing — one tactic, one target, one intention. Do not try to fix five things at once. And do not look at mom and dad after every point.

After the match

Win or lose, ask one question: "What is one thing you would do differently?" Not five things. One. That is what we work on Monday.

Tournaments are a long game. The player who competes fifty times learns fifty times. Show up, compete hard, learn one thing, come home.