If you’re serious about improving in racket sports — whether squash, padel, pickleball or badminton — you’ve probably asked yourself this question:

Should I invest in private coaching or join group sessions?

Both options can help you improve, but they serve different purposes. Understanding the advantages of each will help you choose the approach that fits your goals, learning style and stage of development.

Let’s break down the pros and cons of both coaching options.

What Private Coaching Offers

Private coaching gives you individual attention and tailored feedback. Instead of splitting time across several players, the coach focuses entirely on your technique, tactics and development.

Benefits of Private Coaching

1. Personalised Feedback

A coach can analyse your technique in detail and identify subtle adjustments that might otherwise go unnoticed. This includes:

• grip changes
• swing mechanics
• footwork efficiency
• shot selection
• tactical awareness

Because the session is focused entirely on you, improvements can often happen faster.

2. Faster Technical Development

Private sessions are ideal if you want to:

• refine technique
• correct habits
• prepare for competition
• build advanced tactical awareness

The coach can immediately adapt drills based on how you respond, accelerating the learning process.

3. Targeted Goal Setting

Private coaching allows you to set specific development goals such as:

• improving consistency
• increasing shot accuracy
• building match strategies
• developing mental resilience

The session structure becomes fully aligned with your personal objectives.

What Group Sessions Offer

Group coaching focuses on shared learning, match play and social development.

Instead of individual attention, players learn through a combination of drills, games and tactical scenarios.

Benefits of Group Sessions

1. Match Simulation

Racket sports are competitive environments. Group sessions provide opportunities to practice against multiple opponents, which improves:

• reaction speed
• decision making
• tactical awareness
• competitive confidence

2. Social Motivation

Training alongside other players can boost motivation and enjoyment. Friendly rivalry often encourages players to push themselves further.

For many athletes, the social element of group sessions is a major reason they stay engaged with the sport.

3. Cost Efficiency

Group sessions typically cost less per player than private coaching. This allows you to access coaching regularly without the higher cost of one-to-one training.

For beginners or developing players, this can be an excellent entry point into structured coaching.

Which Is Better for Improvement?

The truth is that both private coaching and group sessions play important roles in player development.

Private Coaching Is Best For

• technical refinement
• correcting weaknesses
• focused development goals
• competition preparation

Group Sessions Are Best For

• match practice
• tactical awareness
• social engagement
• building competitive experience

Many players benefit most from combining both formats.

The Ideal Development Approach

If your goal is long-term improvement, a balanced approach often works best.

For example:

• Group sessions for match play and tactical scenarios
• Private coaching for technical refinement
• Solo practice to reinforce new skills

This combination allows players to develop both technical ability and competitive confidence.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing

Before committing to a coaching format, ask yourself:

• What do I want to improve most right now?
• Do I need technical correction or more match practice?
• Do I prefer structured feedback or learning through play?
• What fits best with my schedule and budget?

Your answers will guide you toward the most effective training structure.

Coaching Is an Investment in Progress

Whether you choose private sessions, group coaching or a combination of both, the most important factor is consistency.

Players who regularly train with guidance tend to improve faster because they receive:

• structured feedback
• purposeful drills
• tactical awareness
• accountability for progress

The key is not simply having coaching, but using coaching intentionally.

Explore More Tips from OLIVER

If you’re looking to improve your performance in racket sports, you’ll find more helpful articles across our resources:

👉 OLIVER Blog Hub
https://oliversquash.co.uk/blog/

👉 Mental Performance Tips
https://oliversquash.co.uk/category/mental-tips/

👉 Coaching Insights & Development Advice
https://oliversquash.co.uk/category/coaching-corner/

Final Thought

There isn’t a single “best” way to train — but there is a best way to train for your current stage of development.

Private coaching sharpens your technique.
Group sessions sharpen your competitive instincts.

Used together, they create a powerful environment for growth.

The most successful players don’t choose one or the other — they use both strategically.