my coaching philosophy
individuals > tennis players
My coaching philosophy is simple:
You come first.
It starts with you.
WHY DO YOU PLAY TENNIS?
Far more important than the forehands and backhands are the individuals–the people themselves. What I really care about is YOU—who you are, what makes you tick, and most importantly, why you play tennis in the first place.
Whether the goal is to ascend the pro ranks, get a college scholarship, improve a stroke, or simply to get exercise, the beauty of tennis is that it offers something for everyone. My goal—to help you hone in on why you play tennis, so that I can best help you pursue your goals.
I realize that not every student of mine will be a professional, but everyone has the opportunity to tap into the endless offerings this sport has.
YOUR Game. A Customized Action Plan.
Tennis is not one-size-fits-all
Once the “why” becomes clear, we (coach and player) build an action plan, channeling our energy toward specific goals. Each player has his or her unique track, and the entire coaching approach (drills, progressions, etc.) is tailored to that individual’s particular needs.
The Why and How
For me, context is everything. Rather than just feeding balls and shouting orders, I work to communicate the function of each tip, technique, or drill, often demonstrating how exactly implement it. A true understanding of the concepts yields better results, and allows for more ownership and satisfaction in the learning process.
Patterns and Habits
We’re all creatures of habit. I make sure to point out the good ones, so that my players remember to embrace the things they’re already skilled at. Conversely, I identify the weaker points, knowing that to make meaningful changes, the poor habits need to change. To me, every ball matters–there are no shots off. I constantly remind my students to practice the right habits, all the time.
Adopting a Growth Mindset.
Tennis is a window into Life
Our experiences on court–the habits we form, relationships we build, lessons we learn–they translate to life outside the lines. Moreover, the adversity–the constant challenges that tennis throws at us–prepares us for the inevitable struggles we face in life. A growth mindset allows us to use tennis as a teaching tool for the real world (and visa versa). Far more important than the wins or losses, are the lessons gained.
Process > Outcome
Fun, Safe Learning Environment
I promote a fun, positive environment for my students, where they are challenged, but are also able to fully enjoy themselves. Furthermore, I aim to create a safe, pressure-free environment. I understand there are numeorus stressors (parents, work, rankings, etc) and work hard to let players know that I have their best interest in mind. Lastly, I expect a high level of integrity where I coach. This means respecting each other and the sport, putting in a solid effort, and demonstrating good sportsmanship on court.