Training vs. Practicing for Tennis: Why Your Mindset Matters More Than You Think 

When it comes to becoming a better tennis player, there’s a huge difference between training and practicing—and it starts with your mindset. 

Most players, coaches, and even parents throw around these words interchangeably. But understanding the subtle (yet powerful) difference between the two can change how players approach their development—and ultimately, how well they perform in matches. 

So, what’s the difference? 

Let’s break it down. 

Training: Going Through the Motions 

Training is often physical. It might involve hitting hundreds of forehands, doing footwork drills, or grinding through fitness sessions. 

It’s important—but it’s often less intentional. 

In a “training mindset,” the focus is usually on doing the activity rather than improving a specific skill for match play. Players may be sweating and working hard, but they’re not always working smart. 

Think of it like this: 
Training is what happens when you show up, tick the box, and move on. 

It’s useful. It builds base fitness and repetition. But without a clear focus, it can become automatic, robotic, and disconnected from performance. 

Practicing: Purpose-Driven Improvement 

Practice is different. It’s intentional. It’s strategic. And it’s aimed at improving specific aspects of your match performance. 

In a “practice mindset,” every drill has a purpose. You’re not just hitting balls—you’re working on hitting deeper returns under pressure. You’re not just running patterns—you’re training court movement to recover faster between shots. 

The best players—and coaches—build practice sessions around the demands of match play. That means working on shot selection, decision-making, movement efficiency, and mental routines. 

As Dr. Anders Ericsson, who popularized the concept of deliberate practice, said: 

“Purposeful practice has well-defined, specific goals and is focused on improvement.” 

And that’s exactly what a practice mindset brings to tennis. 

Why the Practice Mindset Wins 

Let’s be clear: both training and practicing have their place. But players who spend more time in intentional practice—with clear goals connected to match outcomes—tend to improve faster and perform better. 

Here’s why: 

• They understand what they’re working on—and why 

• They focus on quality over quantity 

• They stay more engaged and mentally sharp 

• They get better feedback (from coaches or self-reflection) 

• They develop skills that directly translate into matches 

Players who adopt a practice mindset also avoid the trap of “doing more” for the sake of it. Instead, they “do better”—with less wasted energy and more noticeable gains. 

What This Means for Players, Coaches, and Parents 

For players of all ages, the shift from “training” to “practicing” is a mindset upgrade. It’s about becoming more professional—even at a young age. 

For coaches, it’s a call to build sessions with match-based goals, feedback loops, and mental focus—not just volume. 

And for parents, it’s about encouraging your child to reflect on what they’re working on and how it’s helping them in matches—not just how long they’re out on court. 

Final Thoughts 

So, next time you hit the court, ask yourself: 

“Am I just training today, or am I actually practicing?” 

Because it’s not about hitting more. 
It’s about hitting with purpose. 

And in tennis—just like in life—intention beats repetition every time.

Want to Train With Purpose?

Our Tennis Fitness Programs are designed to bridge the gap between training and purposeful practice. Whether you're a junior or adult player, our programs help you:

• Build match-ready movement and fitness
• Train with specific outcomes in mind
• Improve faster and stay injury-free

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Train smart. Practice with purpose.