Every junior tennis player wants to improve, whether the goal is making the school team, competing in tournaments, earning a higher UTR, or simply becoming more confident on the court.
The good news is that improvement doesn’t always require hitting harder or practicing longer. Often, the biggest gains come from correcting a few common habits that hold players back.
At Van Der Meer Tennis, our coaches have worked with thousands of junior players over the years, from beginners picking up a racquet for the first time to nationally ranked competitors. While every player is unique, we consistently see the same mistakes, and more importantly, we know how to fix them.
Here are five of the most common.
- Trying to Hit Every Ball as Hard as Possible
One of the biggest misconceptions among young players is that power wins matches.
While powerful shots certainly have their place, consistency almost always wins at the junior level. Many points end because of unforced errors rather than spectacular winners.
Instead of trying to blast every ball, players should focus on:
- Clean contact
- Good footwork
- Proper shot selection
- Hitting with controlled pace
- Keeping the ball deep in the court
As consistency improves, power naturally follows.
- Neglecting Footwork
Ask any experienced coach what separates good players from great players, and footwork will almost always be near the top of the list.
Even technically sound strokes break down if players aren’t in position before making contact.
Good footwork helps players:
- Reach more balls comfortably
- Recover faster between shots
- Generate more power
- Improve balance and consistency
- Reduce unnecessary errors
The feet often determine the quality of the shot before the racquet ever swings.
- Practicing Without a Purpose
Simply hitting balls for an hour isn’t always productive.
Every practice session should have specific goals.
For example:
- Improve first-serve percentage
- Hit crosscourt rallies consistently
- Develop stronger approach shots
- Work on transition to the net
- Practice returning different types of serves
Purposeful practice creates measurable improvement and helps players develop faster than simply going through the motions.
- Letting Mistakes Affect the Next Point
Tennis is one of the few sports where mistakes happen constantly, even at the professional level.
What separates strong competitors isn’t avoiding mistakes altogether. It’s how quickly they recover from them.
Junior players often:
- Replay missed shots in their minds
- Become frustrated after errors
- Rush the next point
- Lose confidence after one bad game
Instead, players should develop simple between-point routines:
- Take a deep breath
- Reset mentally
- Focus on the next point
- Maintain positive body language
The best competitors understand that every point is a fresh opportunity.
- Playing Too Few Matches
Practice builds technique. Matches build competitors.
Many juniors spend most of their time drilling but rarely play sets or tournaments. Match play teaches lessons that can’t be replicated in practice, including:
- Decision making under pressure
- Shot selection
- Emotional control
- Strategic adjustments
- Confidence in competitive situations
The more players compete, the more comfortable they become handling different opponents and situations.
How Van Der Meer Tennis Helps Juniors Build Better Habits
Developing strong fundamentals early makes a tremendous difference in a player’s long-term success.
At Van Der Meer Tennis, our junior tennis camps are designed to help players correct these common mistakes through structured instruction, purposeful drills, and supervised match play.
Unlike simply hitting balls for hours, every session is built around progressive skill development. Players receive individualized coaching while working in groups that challenge and motivate them. Whether they’re learning proper footwork, improving consistency, developing tactical awareness, or building confidence during match play, each day provides opportunities for meaningful improvement.
Our experienced coaching staff emphasizes not only technical skills but also the mental aspects of the game teaching juniors how to compete with confidence, stay positive under pressure, and develop the habits that lead to long-term success.
From beginner juniors discovering the game to advanced tournament players preparing for their next competition, Van Der Meer Tennis offers programs that help every player continue progressing.
Great Tennis Starts with Great Habits
Every junior player makes mistakes. That’s a natural part of learning. The key is recognizing those habits early and replacing them with sound fundamentals, smart decision-making, and consistent practice. With quality coaching, structured training, and regular match play, young athletes can build a strong foundation that will benefit them for years to come.
Whether your child is just beginning their tennis journey or striving to reach the next level, the junior camps at Van Der Meer Tennis provide a fun, supportive environment where players develop the skills, confidence, and love for the game that last a lifetime.