How Much Motivation Should Come From the Coach vs. the Player?
By Jorge Capestany, RSPA Master Professional & PTR International Master Professional
One of the most common questions I get is this:
Who is responsible for motivation: the coach or the player?
The answer isn’t “either/or.” It’s both, but the balance shifts over time, and understanding that shift can make your coaching and your tennis drills far more effective.
Because here’s the reality: Even the best tennis drills won’t work if the motivation behind them is off.
Or worse yet, the players don’t know the drill’s intended purpose or the shot it’s designed to improve.
This often stems from the coach and typically happens when there’s little or no demonstration or explanation of why we are doing the drill.
If you have ever heard your player(s) say, “Why are we doing this?” it’s likely due to a poor drill setup or demo.
The Right Balance (And How It Evolves)
Motivation isn’t static; it changes as players grow. And your approach to designing and running tennis drills should evolve with it.
Beginner & Young Players
At the early stages, motivation is heavily influenced by the coach.
-
Coach: 60–70%
-
Player: 30–40%
Young players often don’t yet understand the value of repetition and effort in tennis drills. That means the coach must bring energy, creativity, and fun into every session.
The key here: Make your tennis drills engaging, competitive, and rewarding.
Competitive Juniors & College Players
As players improve, the responsibility starts to shift.
-
Coach: 40–50%
-
Player: 50–60%
At this level, players should begin to understand why specific tennis drills matter. They need to connect drills to match performance.
Instead of just feeding balls, start asking:
-
“How does this drill translate to your match play?”
-
“What are you trying to improve with this drill?”
Now your tennis drills are more than repetition; they are intentional.
High-Performance & Elite Players
At the highest levels, motivation must come primarily from within.
-
Coach: 20–30%
-
Player: 70–80%
Elite players don’t need to be pushed through tennis drills; they attack them.
Your role shifts to:
-
Designing high-level, purposeful tennis drills
-
Challenging decision-making
-
Refining details under pressure
If motivation isn’t coming from the player at this stage, no drill, no matter how good, will fix that.
The Coach’s Role in Motivation (and Better Tennis Drills)
Great coaches don’t just run drills; they create an environment where players want to engage.
A coach should provide:
-
Clarity: The purpose behind each tennis drill
-
Standards: Expected intensity and focus
-
Belief: Confidence during struggles
-
Structure: Well-designed, progressive tennis drills
-
Accountability: Effort and consistency
Great tennis drills aren’t just organized, they’re meaningful.
The Player’s Responsibility
Even the best tennis drills won’t produce results unless the player brings:
-
Desire to improve
-
Willingness to stay engaged during repetition
-
Ownership of their development
-
Mental toughness during difficult drills
-
Consistent effort, especially on off days
If players only give effort when pushed, your tennis drills will always have limited impact.
A Simple but Powerful Rule
Never work harder than your player.
This applies directly to how you run your tennis drills.
When coaches over-motivate during drills:
-
Players become dependent
-
Energy drops without the coach
-
Focus becomes inconsistent
When coaches under-motivate:
-
Drills lose intensity
-
Players go through the motions.
-
Development slows