The Time Commitment: How Many Hours Do You Need To Train to Be Good At Tennis?

Training Time Commitment

Let’s take a look at how many hours a typical teenager has left for tennis training during a day.

Typical Weekday:

• School: 7 hours
• Sleep: 8 hours (crucial for teens!)
• Homework/Studies: 2–3 hours (can vary greatly)
• Meals: 1.5 hours
• Social/Activities: 2–3 hours
• Commute/Downtime: 1–1.5 hours (this is important too!)

Total: Around 21–23 hours accounted for.
This leaves roughly 4–7 hours on weekdays for potential tennis training.

Weekends:

Weekends offer more flexibility, but you’ll still have homework, family time, and other commitments.
Realistically, you might have 6–10 hours for tennis-related activities (including matches).

A Breakdown of Training Hours:

Professional tennis players typically dedicate 30–40 hours per week to training. This includes:

• On-Court Practice (15–20 hours):
  Covers hitting drills, match play, and specialized sessions focusing on serves, returns, and volleys.
• Fitness Training (5–10 hours):
  Strength and conditioning are vital. Players engage in gym workouts, agility drills, and speed training to enhance their physical capabilities.
• Mental Conditioning (1–2 hours):
  The mental game is crucial in tennis. Players work with sports psychologists to develop focus, resilience, and strategies for handling pressure.
• Recovery and Rest:
  Adequate rest is essential for preventing injuries and optimizing performance. This includes sleep, physiotherapy, and active recovery techniques.

If you have only 10 hours of training per week, your schedule should still incorporate all of the above components.

Factors Influencing Training Hours:

• Age and Stage of Development:
  Younger players may train fewer hours to avoid burnout and prioritize physical development.
• Individual Needs:
  Some players may need more time to refine specific skills or address weaknesses.
• Tournament Schedule:
  Training intensity and volume often adjust based on upcoming tournaments and travel.

The Bottom Line:

Becoming a college or professional tennis player demands a significant investment of time and effort. Aspiring players must be prepared for the rigorous training schedule and the dedication required to reach the top. While the journey is challenging, the rewards of competing at the highest level can be incredibly fulfilling.