Group Lessons vs Private Lessons: Which Is Right for You? 

Choosing the right type of tennis lesson can make a big difference to how quickly you improve and how much you enjoy the game. Both group lessons and private lessons have important benefits, and many players get the best results by combining the two. 

This guide will help you decide what’s right for you or your child. 

What Are Group Tennis Lessons Best For? 

Group lessons involve training with other players of a similar age and ability. 

Group lessons are ideal if you: 

• Want to learn in a fun, social environment 
• Enjoy learning through games and match play 
• Are motivated by training with others 
• Want to build confidence, teamwork, and communication 
• Are looking for great value regular coaching 

For children, group lessons help to: 

• Develop coordination, movement, and basic technique 
• Learn how to play points and matches 
• Build confidence in a supportive group setting 
• Make friends and associate tennis with fun 

For adults, group lessons help to: 

• Improve consistency and tactics 
• Learn how to play smarter doubles or singles 
• Get a good workout while enjoying the social side of tennis 
• Group sessions are often the foundation of a long-term tennis journey. 

What Are Private (Individual) Tennis Lessons Best For? 

Private lessons are 1-2-1 sessions fully focused on the individual player. 

Private lessons are ideal if you: 

• Want personalised coaching tailored to your game 
• Have specific technical issues to work on 
• Want faster progress in a particular area 
• Are preparing for matches, trials, or competitions 
• Prefer focused, distraction-free learning 

Private lessons are especially useful for: 

• Correcting grip, swing, or footwork issues 
• Building confidence after time away from tennis 
• Fine-tuning serve, return, or match tactics 
• Players who learn best with individual attention 

Private lessons allow the coach to adapt every drill, explanation, and goal to you. 

Should My Child Do Group Lessons or Private Lessons? 

For most children: 

• Group lessons are the best starting point 
• They learn skills alongside others and develop a love for the game 

Private lessons can be added when: 

• A child needs extra confidence 
• They are progressing quickly and want more challenge 
• There’s a specific area that needs attention 
• They are starting competitions or squad-level training 

For many juniors, group lessons + occasional private lessons work extremely well. 

Should Adults Choose Group or Private Lessons? 

It depends on your goals: 

Choose group lessons if you want: 

• Regular play 
• A social environment 
• Tactical and match-based learning 

Choose private lessons if you want: 

• Rapid improvement 
• Help with a specific problem 
• Confidence-building or technique refinement 

Many adults enjoy group sessions weekly and book private lessons periodically to sharpen specific skills. 

Is It Better to Combine Group and Private Lessons? 

In many cases - yes. 

Combining both can help you: 

• Learn skills in private lessons 
• Apply them in group sessions and match play 
• Progress faster while still enjoying the social side of tennis 

Example combinations: 

• Weekly group lesson + monthly private lesson 
• Group programme during term time + private lessons during holidays 
• Private lessons before competitions alongside group training 

This approach offers a balanced long-term development. 

Still Not Sure What’s Best? 

Every player is different. Age, experience, confidence, learning style, and goals all matter. 

If you’re unsure: 

• Start with a group session 
• Or book a private lesson for an assessment 

We can then recommend the best pathway going forward.

Get in touch today to enquire about your coaching needs.