Player Development Plan Example

Conclusion

This comprehensive development plan integrates current assessment with structured goals and a detailed training methodology. The approach is designed to bridge the gap between current abilities and targeted objectives through deliberate practice, strategic competition, and regular performance monitoring.

The success of this plan depends on consistent implementation, quality coaching, player commitment, and supportive parent involvement. Regular assessment will allow for adaptive adjustments to optimize the development pathway.

Developed by: Duey Evans
Based on 35+ years of elite junior development expertise# Elite Junior Tennis Player Development Blueprint

Note: This document is an example of a player development plan I created for a junior tennis player in late 2020. It demonstrates my structured approach to elite player development based on 35+ years of coaching experience.

Player Information

Academy: Austin Tennis Academy (ATA)
Competition Level: USTA Texas Super Champ Major Zone (SCMZ)
Assessment Date: May 20, 2025
Previous Assessment: October 2020

Executive Summary

This document integrates current performance assessment with goals and objectives to create a comprehensive development plan. The plan bridges the gap between current capabilities and targeted objectives through structured training, competitive scheduling, and regular progress monitoring.

I. Current Assessment Summary

Technical Skills

Tactical Awareness

Physical Attributes

Mental Game

II. Goals & Objectives (Integrated from Q4 2020 HP Document)

Short-Term Goals (3 Months)

1. Increase first serve percentage to 65%+ with maintenance of current pace
2. Develop more aggressive return positioning against second serves
3. Improve forehand consistency under pressure (reduce UEs by 15%)
4. Establish consistent pre-point and between-point routines
5. Reach semifinals or better in next 2 SCMZ tournaments

Medium-Term Goals (6-12 Months)

1. Develop reliable backhand down-the-line as an offensive weapon
2. Improve net game to confidently execute serve-and-volley on selected points
3. Increase second serve speed by 5 mph while maintaining consistency
4. Rise 10+ spots in USTA Texas Super Champ rankings
5. Qualify for Sectional Championships with improved results

Long-Term Goals (1-2 Years)

1. Develop complete all-court game with tactical variety
2. Build physical foundation to prevent injuries and maintain performance
3. Establish mental resilience for national-level competition
4. Break into top 20 in Sectional Rankings
5. Consistent performance at National Championship events

III. Development Plan

Technical Development Focus

1. Serve Development Program

   • Weekly dedicated 45-minute serve session
   • Focus on spin, placement, and disguise
   • Video analysis bi-weekly to track progress
   • Develop reliable kick second serve

2. Backhand Offensive Development

   • Dedicated practice drills for down-the-line backhand (3x week)
   • Progressive loading from controlled drills to match play situations
   • Technical refinement on preparation and follow-through

3. Transition Game Improvement

   • Pattern-based approach shot and volley combinations
   • Structured net play progressions
   • Dedicated doubles play 1x weekly for net development

Tactical Development Focus

1. Pattern Recognition Training

   • Video analysis of high-level matches with specific pattern focus
   • Simulated match play with predetermined scenarios
   • Coach-fed drills reinforcing common patterns

2. Strategic Decision Making

   • Pre-match planning routine development
   • Post-match analysis framework
   • Situational drilling with decision points

3. Adaptability Training

   • Practice matches against varied playing styles
   • Mid-session adaption challenges
   • Limited information scenario training

Physical Development Program

1. Weekly Schedule

   • 2x Strength & Conditioning sessions (scheduled sessions)
   • Movement/Agility work incorporated into technical sessions
   • 1x Recovery/Flexibility session (45 min)
   • Daily activation routine (15 min)

2. Priority Focus Areas

   • Lower body stability and power
   • Rotational power development
   • Deceleration control
   • Shoulder prehabilitation
   • Nutrition planning and hydration protocols

3. Performance Tracking

   • Monthly physical testing protocol
   • Training load monitoring
   • Recovery quality assessment

Mental Skills Development

1. Routine Development

   • Establish consistent pre-match routine
   • Develop between-point processes
   • Create pressure management strategies

2. Focus Training

   • Progressive distraction training
   • Concentration grid exercises
   • Mindfulness practice (10 min daily)

3. Competitive Mindset

   • Challenging practice scenarios
   • Process-oriented goal setting
   • Resilience training through controlled adversity

IV. Training Structure

Training Venues

• Academy Group Practice (weekday mornings)
• Academy Practice (afternoons, Monday-Thursday)
• Private Instruction (scheduled evening and weekend sessions)
• Strength & Conditioning (scheduled sessions)
• Local tournament facilities
• Supplemental training courts as needed

Weekly Schedule Template

Session Structure Guidelines

• All sessions begin with proper dynamic warm-up (15 min)
• Technical sessions include deliberate practice components
• Tactical sessions include competitive elements
• All sessions conclude with specific feedback and action items
• Weekly progress is documented and reviewed

V. Competition Schedule

Tournament Planning

• Prioritize 5-6 SCMZ tournaments per season
• Strategic selection based on:
  • Development goals
  • Physical readiness
  • Peak performance timing
  • Surface considerations

Performance Targets

• Focus on process goals for each tournament
• Track performance metrics beyond results:
  • First serve percentage
  • Return points won
  • Break points converted/saved
  • Patterns successfully executed
  • Mental performance indicators

VI. Progress Monitoring & Assessment

Regular Assessment Schedule

• Comprehensive assessment quarterly
• Technical video analysis monthly
• Fitness testing bi-monthly
• Mental skills evaluation monthly

Key Performance Indicators

• Tournament results and ranking progression
• Technical skill development milestones
• Physical performance metrics
• Mental skills application in competition
• Training adherence and quality

Adjustment Protocol

• Quarterly review meetings with coaching team
• Data-driven decision making for program adjustments
• Collaborative goal setting with player input
• Flexible adaptation based on response to training

VII. Support System & Resources

Coaching Team

• Primary Coach: Technical/tactical development lead
• Strength & Conditioning Coach: Physical development and nutrition
• Assistant Coaches: Additional technical support and hitting sessions
• Mental Skills Coach: Performance psychology support

Training Resources

• Academy Group Practice (weekday mornings)
• Academy Practice (afternoons, Monday-Thursday)
• Private Instruction (scheduled sessions)
• Strength & Conditioning (scheduled sessions)
• Dedicated hitting partners for quality practice
• Video analysis technology
• Physical therapy/injury prevention
• Nutrition guidance
• Academic scheduling coordination

Equipment Management

• Racquet Selection: Optimal frame selection based on player style and physical attributes
• Stringing Program: Customized string selection and tension
• Footwear: Appropriate shoe selection for foot type and movement pattern

Parent Integration

• Monthly progress meetings
• Clear communication channels
• Defined roles and responsibilities
• Support strategy alignment

IX. Equipment Management

Racquet Specification

• Frame Selection: Select appropriate frame based on playing style and physical attributes
• Quantity: Maintain 6-9 identical frames in rotation
• Customization: Weight, balance, and grip size customized to player specifications

Stringing Program

• String Type: Polyester-based strings for control and durability
• Hybrid Option: Consider poly mains/synthetic gut crosses for comfort if needed
• Tension: Determine optimal tension based on playing style and conditions
• Frequency: Restring based on hours of play rather than match schedule
• Provider: Establish relationship with reliable stringer familiar with player preferences

Footwear

• Selection: Choose models based on foot type, movement pattern, and court surface
• Rotation: Maintain 2-3 pairs in active rotation
• Replacement: Replace based on wear pattern before performance deterioration