Development or Results? It Depends.

This is one of the biggest questions in junior tennis:

Should we focus on development or results?

The truth is — it depends.

Development Comes First

When players are young, the main priority must be development.

At this stage, the goal isn’t to win tournaments — it’s to build a solid foundation.

That means learning correct technique, developing coordination, understanding tactics, and building the emotional resilience needed for competition.

If a player wins a lot at 8 or 9 years old but has poor technique or relies on inconsistent patterns, they’ll eventually hit a wall.

That’s why experienced coaches and parents need to be patient — long-term development always pays off.

But Results Still Matter Sometimes

Even at younger ages, results can play a role.

Certain development programs, ranking systems, or representative events use match outcomes to determine eligibility.

For example, to qualify for a regional squad or Tennis Australia pathway, players often need to show a record of competitive success.

So while we shouldn’t chase trophies for the sake of it, results can open doors and provide valuable experiences.

They can also motivate players to train with purpose — as long as the focus stays on growth, not pressure.

As Players Get Older

As players move into their teenage years, the balance begins to shift.

Results start to matter more, not because they define a player’s worth, but because they reflect readiness for higher competition levels.

A strong foundation allows results to come naturally — the product of years of consistent learning and hard work.

The Real Goal

The best development programs — and parents — understand that tennis is a journey.

There are times to focus purely on learning, and times to embrace competition and perform.

Both are essential.

The key is knowing when to emphasise each, based on the player’s age, stage, and individual goals.