How to Choose a Tennis Academy for Your Child

Choosing the right tennis academy can define your child's sporting future. Whether the goal is to reach the professional circuit, obtain a university scholarship in the USA, or simply develop their game, the decision should be informed.

What to Look for in a Tennis Academy

1. Proven Experience and Results

An academy with a history of producing successful players demonstrates that the methodology works. Look for academies that have produced professional players, national champions, or athletes who have earned university scholarships.

2. Qualified Technical Team

Coaches should have certified training and competitive experience. Ideally, they should have worked with players of different skill levels and ages.

3. Coach/Athlete Ratio

A low ratio ensures individualized attention. Ideally, for high-performance training, there should be no more than 4 athletes per coach.

4. Training Methodology

The academy must have a clear methodology that balances technical, tactical, physical, and mental development. Each player is unique, and training must be personalized.

5. Conditions for Reconciling Studies

For young people of school age, it is essential that the academy has protocols with schools that allow for flexibility in schedules and assessments.

6. Infrastructure

Check if the academy has enough fields, different floor types, a gym for physical training and, if necessary, accommodation.

7. Location and Accessibility

A well-located gym makes family logistics easier. Proximity to airports is important for athletes who compete internationally.

Questions to Ask Before Registering

• What is the career path of athletes trained at the academy?
• What is a typical training day structured like?
• Is there any coverage of competitions?
• Is there a protocol in place with schools?
• What is the coach-to-athlete ratio in training sessions?

Conclusion

Choosing a tennis academy is an investment in the future. Visit the facilities, talk to the coaches and, if possible, to the parents of athletes who already train there. A good academy will be transparent about its methodology and results.

At Felner Tennis Academy, with over 17 years of experience and athletes trained like Frederico Silva (#168 ATP) and Jaime Faria (#85 ATP), we offer personalized programs for young people who want to improve their tennis skills without neglecting their studies.