How to choose a summer tennis camp for your child
Laguna Beach Tennis Academy · February 1, 2026
Summer is when many families try tennis in a concentrated block. A week or two can either build real momentum or leave a young player tired and unsure. The difference is rarely the brochure; it is how the days are built.
Start with the schedule, not the slogan
Ask for a real daily rhythm: warm-up, technical blocks, athletic development, lunch, match play or games, and recovery. Vague language about “fun” and “development” should still map to concrete blocks you can picture. If the camp cannot describe how much time is spent feeding balls versus playing points, keep asking.
Ratios and eyes on court
Younger players need frequent correction and safe supervision. A useful question is how many children are assigned to each coach on court, and whether that ratio holds during match-play portions when groups tend to drift. If your child is newer to the game, smaller groups usually mean cleaner habits.
Swim-and-tennis and full-day energy
If you are comparing a [swim-and-tennis camp](/camps) to tennis-only weeks, think about total load. Two physical disciplines in one day can be wonderful when pacing is intentional — and overwhelming when every hour is full tilt. Ask how the staff manages heat, hydration, and downtime.
Fit with the rest of your year
A summer week is not a replacement for a thoughtful [junior pathway](/programs?audience=junior), but it can align with it. If your child is already in a progression (red, orange, green, or yellow ball), ask how the camp places them so they are challenged without being parked in the wrong group.
What success looks like on Friday
You are not looking for a miracle in five days. You are looking for sound fundamentals, tired legs in a good way, and a child who wants to return. If you are local to Orange County, the next step after camp is often a [trial class](/trial) or a look at [seasonal schedules](/schedule) so the summer block connects to September.
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Choosing a camp is a parent decision; loving the game is the child’s. Give them structure, safety, and honest coaching — then let curiosity do the rest.