A few weeks ago, I received an email from a member of the ParentingAces Community asking if ANY coach can develop a champion if the family has enough time and money to invest in the child's tennis. I posed that question to one of my favorite coaches, Todd Widom, and in this week's episode we discuss the query in depth.

There is so much more to high-level junior development than simply time and money. The proper mindset, the proper work ethic, the proper attitude . . . all these things are contributing factors that affect how far a player can take his/her tennis skills. And do not underestimate the impact the right - or even the wrong! - coach can have.

Yes, it helps to have a player with unlimited financial resources. Yes, it helps to have a player who isn't bound by traditional school hours (however, please note, there are so many benefits to attending traditional school!). However, there are some players who are born with skills that can't be taught, regardless of time or money. There are some players who don't have the internal drive to succeed, and that can't be bought or taught.

It is crucial that parents understand the factors that go into high-level tennis development and make decisions impacting the family accordingly. This week's episode helps to shed light on many of those factors.

Thank you to my son, Morgan Stone, aka STØNE, for our 2019 intro and outro music this season! You can find more of his music at SoundCloud.com/stonemuzic. If you’re interested in House Music, please be sure to check out his social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

If you’re so inclined, please share this – and all our episodes! – with your tennis community. You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or via the ParentingAces website.

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