How do you actually know a child is improving at tennis? Not by a vague sense that they're "getting better," but genuinely, specifically, measurably?

At PH Tennis, we use a clear system of competencies - defined skills a player works towards at each stage - so that progress is visible, structured and never left to guesswork. This article explains what competencies are, how they work, and why they matter for your child's development.

Quick Summary

Competencies are the specific skills a player works towards at each stage of our programme. As players master them, they progress through levels and earn their medals (bronze, silver, gold). It means development is structured and visible - you and your child can see exactly what's being worked on and what comes next - rather than being left to a vague sense of improvement. Competencies run through our mini tennis and junior colours, up to the top of the medal system at Green.

What Are Competencies?

A competency is a specific, defined skill that a player works towards and is assessed against. Rather than a coach simply deciding a child "seems ready" to move on, we have a clear set of skills that mark genuine progress at each stage.

As players demonstrate and master these competencies, they progress through the levels within their stage and earn recognition for it. It turns the abstract idea of "getting better" into something concrete: here's exactly what you're working on, here's what you've mastered, and here's what comes next.

How Competencies Link to Levels and Medals

Our competencies are built into the structure of our programme. Each colour stage has multiple levels, and each level has its own set of competencies to work through.

As players master the competencies for a level, they progress - and they're recognised with medals: bronze, silver and gold. It's a clear, motivating structure that gives younger players tangible goals to aim for and a real sense of achievement as they progress.

This medal system runs up to Green, which is the top of it. Beyond Green, the motivation shifts - older players are driven more by competition, level and genuine development than by medals - so the competency-and-medal structure is primarily a feature of the mini tennis and early junior stages.

Why a Structured System Matters

Having defined competencies rather than a coach's gut feeling matters for a few reasons.

Progress is visible. You and your child can see exactly what's being worked on and what's been achieved. There's no mystery about whether they're improving - it's clearly tracked.

Development is thorough. Working through defined competencies ensures players build a complete, well-rounded game rather than skipping foundations. It supports our core principle of developing skills properly rather than rushing ahead.

Motivation is built in. Clear goals and visible progress are powerful motivators, especially for younger players. Each competency mastered and each medal earned is a concrete achievement to be proud of.

Fairness and consistency. A defined system means progression is based on genuine, assessed skill rather than subjective judgement - so every child is developed and advanced on the same clear basis.

What This Means for You or Your Child

In our coaching, the competency system means:

•        Your child's progress is structured and visible, not left to guesswork

•        There are clear goals to work towards and real achievements to celebrate

•        Development is thorough, building a complete game rather than rushing ahead

•        Progression is fair and consistent, based on genuinely assessed skill

It's how we make sure every child is developing properly, and how you can see that development happening. Tennis progress doesn't have to be a mystery - with a clear competency system, you always know exactly where your child is and what comes next.

See It in Practice

Our competency system runs through our mini tennis and junior programmes. Our programme pages explain what's worked on at each stage, and you're always welcome to come and see how we track and develop your child's progress.