Private vs Group Tennis Lessons for Kids: What Parents Should Know

The best option depends on your child -  their personality, stage of development and what you want them to get out of the game. So, let’s break it down. What’s the difference between private lessons and group lessons, and how do you know what’s right?

The Case for Group Lessons

Group coaching is where most kids start, especially in our Red, Orange, and Green Ball programs.
And it makes sense.
Kids thrive on connection. In group lessons, they get to learn, laugh, and compete with kids at their level. They’re introduced to the game in a way that’s fun, social, and developmentally appropriate, and that’s huge for building a love of the sport.

 From a coaching perspective, group sessions are a brilliant way to:

• Introduce tennis fundamentals in a dynamic, play-based way
• Develop rally skills and court awareness through partner drills
• Build sportsmanship, resilience, and team spirit
• Help kids self-regulate in a group setting

Group lessons also take the pressure off. If your child is still warming up to tennis, this format allows them to ease into the game without feeling like the spotlight’s always on them.

💡 Best for: Younger players, social learners, kids new to tennis and anyone who loves learning in a group setting.

The Power of Private Lessons

Now, let’s talk 1-on-1.
Private coaching is where the deeper technical work happens. With undivided attention from the coach, your child gets tailored feedback and drills specific to their strengths and development areas.

Here’s what we see from kids in private lessons:

• Faster technical improvement (grips, footwork, serve mechanics)
• Focused mental coaching (especially around confidence and mindset)
• More structured progress tracking (what to work on, why it matters)
• Greater accountability - especially in older juniors competing regularly

These sessions are short, sharp and super targeted. If group coaching builds the base, private lessons refine the edges.

💡 Best for: Intermediate to advanced juniors, tournament players, or any child who needs focused work on technique, confidence, or strategy.

When’s the Right Time to Add Privates?

Parents often ask me, “Should we be doing privates as well as group?”

Here’s how I usually answer:

• If your child is loving group coaching but hitting a technical plateau, it might be time to add in a private every fortnight or once a week.
• If your child is prepping for matchplay or tournaments, 1-on-1 is a great way to sharpen specific skills and strategies.
• If your child is shy, anxious, or easily distracted in groups, private coaching can help build a foundation of confidence before transitioning into group sessions.

But you don’t have to choose one or the other.

The Sweet Spot

In my experience, the kids who grow the fastest, and enjoy tennis the most - are the ones who do both. Group sessions teach social skills, teamwork and real-game application, while private lessons provide personalised technical coaching. Together, they create the perfect blend for confidence and long-term progress. And because every child’s tennis journey is different, it’s always best to shape an individual plan that supports their goals and stage of development.

Think of it like this:

• Group coaching builds the foundation.
• Private coaching sharpens the tools.

When the two work together, your child doesn’t just improve, they flourish.

A Quick Word on Values

At Ready for Tennis, we’re not just coaching technique. We’re coaching humans.
Whether your child trains in a group or private setting, they’ll be coached in a way that encourages resilience, confidence, kindness and growth. That’s what matters most.

Our goal is to make sure your child feels supported, challenged and celebrated, no matter where they’re starting from.

If you’re still not sure, chat with your coach. We’ll give you an honest assessment based on your child’s stage and goals. 

• Every child is different.
• Some need more support.
• Some thrive in competition.
• Some just want to have fun and stay active.

The best coaching plan is the one that meets your child where they’re at, and grows with them over time.

Want to Talk Options?

Let’s figure out what works best for your child’s development, and make a plan that helps them enjoy the journey.
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📞 Call or text Reid on 0405 095 275
📧 Or email us at [email protected]
👟 Book a trial today and let’s get your child started!