“Don’t wait for the ball to come to you, go get the ball” and “Don’t let the ball play you, play the ball:” In my years of coaching tennis, this is the simplest, yet most meaningful piece of advice I’ve been given
I’m a PTR Certified Tennis Professional/Junior Program Director and I keep gaining more and more valuable experiences and life lessons as I spend more and more time on the court with my fellow professionals. I listen closely to all the experienced coaches and professionals that work/have worked with me and around me and I try to take the best elements of their coaching styles and apply it to my own on court style. As I’ve listened, absorbed and soaked in all their teachings, I noticed one common pattern, which is why I decided to start this site: A lot of the on court lessons we teach in tennis can be applied directly, not just on the court, but off.
The most influential and memorable coaches I’ve observed seem to have a unique skill in explaining the skills and mentality needed in tennis in a way in which, if applied off the court, could create a very proactive and positive thinking generation.
In my experiences in both my indoor and outdoor clubs as well as my adventures overseas, I’ve become intrigued by/interested in the implicit psychological benefits of tennis and how we can use the game and our teachings to not just create solid players who are determined and aggressive on the court, but also future leaders; people who not only set goals, but go out and achieve them. Whether its tennis matches, dating, jobs, internships or amazing life experiences. To achieve what you want both on and off the court, there is one main requirement: Be Proactive.
