8. DON’T WASTE TIME! Most Juniors don’t have time to waste because of all the other things going on in their lives: school, tennis, fitness, family time, and unscheduled time to be a kid. Balance now will help avoid burnout later on.

9. CHAMPIONS ARE WHAT THEY EAT. Most coaches are parents too, so we appreciate on two levels how difficult it is to get teenagers to eat properly. But it’s critical for players – particularly Juniors — to understand that the right foods at the right time can actually give them a competitive edge.

10. CHAMPIONS ARE WHAT THEY DRINK.   In a similar vein, over the years I’ve seen gifted athletes cramp up and have to retire from a match due to  insufficient hydration.  Well conditioned players need more hydration than other people, and coaches and parents need to instill that knowledge in their players.