A Work Phone for Tennis Coaching — Yes or No?

In tennis coaching, the idea of having a separate work phone is rare but it’s something more coaches should probably think about. Since stepping back from running my own business, I’ve been questioning whether I still need one. Coach wellbeing has become a bigger talking point in recent years, and how we manage our time off the court is a big part of that.

I first got a work phone to make things simpler. It helped with admin, tax, and business management, but more than anything, it allowed me to switch off.

Communication & Organisation

Most coaches handle every messages from the same phone, whether it’s a parent asking about Friday group times or a mate sending memes. It works, but it’s chaotic.

Having a separate phone creates a clear divide. During the day, my personal phone sits in my bag on “work mode”, while my work phone keeps me connected to players, parents, and the team. For iPhone users, having a second iCloud account is a game-changer for keeping coaching resources and admin tidy, though it does mean another subscription.

Blending everything into one device creates problems: constant notifications, storage issues, and that sense you can never quite switch off.

It’s hard to rest when your work and personal life both live in your pocket.

Professional Boundaries

Personal Phone When I’m on court or working, my personal phone is in “work mode”. In that setting, all notifications are muted. Only certain contacts can get through if they call in case of emergencies. I’ve even set the wallpaper to a plain black screen so it doesn’t distract me. That phone stays in my bag unless I’m checking the Liverpool score at lunch.

Work Phone Most coaches will recognise the habit of replying to parents’ messages mid-dinner. Having a work phone that automatically shifts into “personal mode” at night has genuinely improved my downtime. Only certain contacts can break through if something urgent happens and even then, chances are they won’t reach me.

Players often joke about it (“two iPhones, lucky you!”), but I think it looks more professional. I don’t have a flashy business number, just a standard 07 mobile but in 2025 that’s normal. I'm sure most people have it saved as Tennis Tom anyway.

Professional boundaries aren’t about being unavailable — they’re about being more present when you are.

Business Pros & Cons

From a business point of view, having a work phone makes life easier. Everything’s in one place, group chats, lesson bookings, social media accounts, and admin. It also makes tax simpler: I didn't have to guess how much of my personal phone use was business-related.

The downsides? The obvious ones, another bill, another device to carry, and occasionally missing something urgent when the work phone’s off. But that’s a trade-off worth making for clarity and peace of mind.

Two phones might sound excessive, but it’s a small price to pay for balance.

Practical Considerations

I mainly use my work phone during set hours, rarely on court, except for checking attendance or filming short clips. Group chats are useful, but I mute or leave them if they get noisy. I’ve set certain numbers to override my “Do Not Disturb” mode in case of cancellations or emergencies.

Keeping two phones charged is easy these days, chargers in the car, office, and bag keep things running smoothly. When I go to bed, both devices still have around 50% battery left.

Best Practices & Alternatives

Could modern apps replace a second phone? Possibly. Platforms like WhatsApp Business, Focus Modes, and dual-SIM phones make it easier to separate work and personal life without carrying two devices. Apple’s “send later” feature is also handy, ideal for when you’re up late doing admin but don’t want to message parents at 10pm.

If you stick with one phone, use the tools you have. Keep it in your bag during sessions. Schedule notifications for when you’re finished coaching. Small tweaks go a long way.

Technology can’t give you balance — but it can make it easier to find.

My Experience

For me, getting a second phone was one of the best decisions for my wellbeing. Sure, the extra cost stings a bit, but when that one late-night message comes through after seven hours on court, I’m reminded why I separated the two.

My advice to new coaches: work out your finances, then decide if the benefits are worth it. If you can, set up clear focus modes and boundaries so you’re not constantly switching between devices during the day.

Final Thoughts

So... is a work phone a must or just a nice to have?

I’d lean towards must, but only under the right circumstances. If you’re running your own business or working full-time as a self-employed coach, it’s worth every penny. If you’re just starting out, give it time, you’ll soon know whether it’s something that could make your coaching life smoother.

A second phone won’t make you a better coach — but it might help you stay one.