Mid-season presents a unique challenge for coaches: Should you push your players harder to maintain progress, or ease up to prevent burnout? It’s a delicate balance—push too hard, and you risk mental and physical fatigue; ease off too much, and players lose their competitive edge. The key lies in recognizing individual player needs and adjusting practice intensity accordingly.

Here’s a simple framework to help you navigate that balance and keep your players performing at their best.

1. Assess Player Readiness Daily

Start each session by gauging your players’ mental and physical state. Look for signs of fatigue, such as slower footwork, lack of focus, or increased self-talk after mistakes. Use a quick RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) scale, asking players to rate their energy levels from 1 to 10.

What to Do:

• High Energy (7-10): Push intensity with match-play scenarios, interval-based drills, or competitive games.
• Moderate Energy (4-6): Maintain skill-focused drills with variability but reduce overall volume.
• Low Energy (1-3): Scale back with recovery-based activities, like light hitting, mobility work, and mental skills training.

2. Balance Intensity with Recovery

Consistent high-intensity sessions can lead to burnout if not balanced with proper recovery. Use a 2:1 work-to-recovery ratio mid-season—two days of moderate-to-high intensity followed by one lighter day.

Example Weekly Plan:

• Monday: High-intensity, game-based drills.
• Tuesday: Skill acquisition with moderate constraints.
• Wednesday: Light exploration work and mobility.
• Thursday: Match play with mental challenge constraints.
• Friday: Recovery-focused session with reflection.

This structure keeps players engaged while allowing adequate recovery.

3. Adjust Based on Upcoming Matches

Periodize intensity around competition. Leading into matches, focus on sharpening skills while avoiding fatigue.

Match-Week Tips:

• 3-4 Days Out: High-intensity session to refine tactics.
• 2 Days Out: Moderate intensity with a focus on strengths.
• 1 Day Out: Light session emphasizing rhythm, confidence, and relaxation.

Post-match, prioritize recovery with light movement, stretching, and mental decompression.

4. Monitor Motivation and Engagement

Burnout often shows up as emotional fatigue—players lose excitement for training. Keep motivation high by rotating practice themes and introducing new constraints.

Quick Motivation Boosters:

• Challenge players to win points with specific shots.
• Add mini-games or point-based scoring systems.
• Offer player-led drills, where athletes design the task constraints.

5. Reflect and Adapt Weekly

End each week with a quick review:

• Did players maintain focus and energy?
• Did skill acquisition progress as expected?
• Are players showing signs of mental or physical fatigue?

Use these reflections to adjust the next week’s plan—whether that means pushing further or pulling back.

Find Your Mid-Season Balance

Balancing intensity mid-season isn’t about sticking to a rigid plan—it’s about staying responsive to your players’ needs. By tracking energy, adjusting workload, and maintaining engagement, you’ll keep your players performing without risking burnout.

Curious about more advanced coaching strategies? My Tennis Coach Academy enrollment is open—learn more here!