When I first started coaching, I said “yes” to everything.
Adults, tots, red stage, schools, performance, disability groups — if there was a session available, I took it. Not because I loved every type of coaching, but because I needed the income. Sound familiar?
But here’s the truth: coaching everyone wasn’t helping me become a better coach. It was stretching me thin, diluting my impact, and wearing me down.
The Turning Point
My first solo session? A disability group I wasn’t remotely trained to lead. I copied drills I’d seen other coaches use. It was uncomfortable, overwhelming — and a massive wake-up call. I realized quickly: you can’t copy and paste across age groups.
An 8-year-old isn’t an 18-year-old. A once-a-week rec player isn’t a national-level competitor. Their needs, motivations, and capacities are different. Yet so many coaches still run the same session regardless of the player in front of them.
Why I Chose to Specialize
Early on, I made a decision — I was going to specialize in under-10 tennis.
Why? Because I enjoyed it. Because I understood it. And because I wanted to go deep, not wide.
I studied child development. I learned what a red stage player could and couldn’t do. I understood why a seven-year-old can’t serve like Federer (no matter how many basket drills you give them). And I shaped my sessions accordingly — emotionally, physically, perceptually.
That focus paid off. Over time, I became known for my work with younger players. That led to mentoring roles, coach education opportunities, and eventually national recognition.
And here’s the kicker — I was happier, more confident, and more effective when I stopped trying to coach everyone.
💥 Why You Should Specialize Too
Many traditional coaches (especially in clubs) feel stuck. They coach “whoever turns up.” But if you want to:
- Avoid burnout
- Build a sustainable career
- Improve player outcomes
- Feel proud of your sessions again…
Then you need to find your coaching niche.
Ask yourself:
- What type of player do I actually enjoy coaching?
- What age group do I connect with best?
- What do I understand deeply — not just in theory, but in practice?
You don’t need to coach performance players to be a “real coach.” You don’t need to chase prestige. You need to coach the people who light you up and who you can serve best.
👇 Examples of Coaching Niches
Not sure where you fit? Here are some examples I shared on the podcast:
| Coaching Niche | What You Really Need |
|---|---|
| Performance Players | Psychology, behavior shaping, emotional insight |
| Schools Coaching | Big personality, adaptability, fun delivery |
| Adult Coaching | Tactical creativity, patience, communication |
| Recreational Juniors | Fun-first mentality, constraint-based design |
| Under-10 Tennis | Deep understanding of child development |
Each one has its own skill set — and none are more or less important. But they’re all different.
⚠️ A Word of Warning: Don’t Copy-Paste
One of the biggest problems I see in club coaching? Coaches delivering the same session to everyone.
If you’re coaching an under-10 red stage group like they’re under-14 performance players — with “discipline” drills and technical breakdowns — you’re not coaching what’s in front of you. You’re coaching a textbook.
Every session should be designed around:
- The player’s capabilities
- Their emotional state
- Their developmental stage
- And the demands of the game as they experience it
That’s how you create engagement, progress, and player retention.
✅ What Happens When You Specialize
Since choosing my niche, I’ve seen the benefits firsthand:
- My sessions are more effective and enjoyable
- My players are more engaged and adaptable
- Parents trust me more because I can clearly explain my methods
- I reclaimed more of my time — no more energy-draining sessions I dreaded
- I built a reputation and business that aligns with my values
And perhaps most importantly — I love coaching again.
🎙️ Final Thought
If you’re tired of being stretched too thin, of overdelivering and under-impacting, maybe it’s time to ask yourself:
“Who am I really here to coach?”
Pick a niche. Master it. Build your identity around it.
That’s not limiting — that’s liberating.
If you’d like help identifying your niche, structuring your coaching program, or applying modern methods like the Constraints-Led Approach with your players — check out my course or drop me a message.
Let’s stop trying to coach everyone.
Let’s start coaching with purpose.
