Indoor vs Outdoor Coaching

Comparing indoor and outdoor coaching is something I’ve wanted to explore to help coaches and players better understand the differences. After joining Team Bath last year, where there are eight indoor courts, I suddenly had a lot more experience to reflect on. Most of my career has been based outside, but I’ve also coached in sports centres, school halls, and even squash courts, so I’ve seen both sides of it.

“The essence of coaching doesn’t change with the environment — energy, organisation, and being a role model are the constants.”

At the core, good coaching looks the same whether you’re indoors or outdoors. You plan ahead, you know your players, and you find ways to keep the sessions engaging. Progress isn’t defined by the setting either — children and beginners can learn the fundamentals in both environments.

Where things shift is the environment itself. Indoors, courts are more consistent no wind, no rain, no blinding sun but the speed can vary. At Bath, for example, the indoor courts are on the slower side, whereas the outdoor artificial clay is much quicker. Indoors, you can rely on predictable bounce and conditions. Outdoors, you deal with the elements.

And yet, that challenge is part of the job. As coaches, we ask players to adapt, so we should do the same. If it’s windy, or if you’d rather be outside on a sunny day, you don’t complain you just crack on and make the session work.

“Evenings outside in the summer are unbeatable — that mix of tennis and sunshine lifts everyone’s energy.”

Players’ moods often reflect the environment too. A sunny outdoor session feels different, more positive, more upbeat. Indoors, players get reassurance knowing the weather won’t ruin their training. Both settings have their benefits.

Preparation is also a big factor. Outdoors, I’d check the weather apps constantly, always thinking about backup plans, squash courts, sports halls, or sometimes cancelling if courts were unplayable. Clothes matter too: layers for cold starts, caps and sunscreen in summer, waterproofs when the rain rolls in. Indoors, it’s simpler. No weather stress but hydration and managing the heat inside is still key.

Communication is another big difference. Outdoors is usually straightforward unless you’re next to a busy main road. Indoors, the echo makes it tricky. You have to keep instructions short and sharp, use body language, and avoid over-coaching. Sometimes less talk, more play, is the answer.

Equipment can also change. Indoors, sponge balls for younger players work well because they’re slower and easier to control. Outdoors, red felt balls hold up better. And while balloons can be brilliant inside with mini reds, they don’t work outdoors.

From a business perspective, indoors gives reliability, 99% of sessions go ahead and parents appreciate the comfort of watching from inside. Outdoors usually means lower costs, better visibility, and that natural pull for adults who’ve been stuck indoors all day at work. But with both, there are challenges. Finding courts indoors can be tough with so many competing demands while outdoors you’re always at the mercy of the weather.

“Prepare, have back-up plans, and make a decision — don’t sit on the fence when the weather turns.”

Personally, I’ll always prefer coaching outside on a sunny day. Nothing beats it. But indoors makes life simple. You can turn up and know your session will run as planned. Both have shaped me. Coaching outdoors for 15 years built my natural style. Coaching indoors has forced me to improve my communication — keeping things concise and clear.

In the end, the best advice for coaches is simple: enjoy where you work. The fundamentals don’t change, but learning to adapt will only make you a better coach.