pened early in my career and has stayed with me ever since. A
sage older pro told me, "When you go on that court to teach, imag-
ine you are on stage acting like the best tennis pro on the planet."
ing, but then I took an acting class and it all came together. You
may have been the best tennis player in the world or coached top
players to championships, but still you could be missing the boat.
The three key elements that I find lacking in most lessons are pas-
sion, energy and creativity. If you're still reading at this point, stay
with me a little longer and I may win you over
energy, but after a few hours of saying the same thing over and
over, optimism goes out the window and energy starts to fade.
Let's be honest, by the end of the day (or week), you may be just
going through the motions. It's OK, we've all been there, especially
if you're old enough to remember wood racquets or started your
career teaching in tight white short-shorts. Or you may be a young
pro who spends all day grinding away hitting balls with anyone
who will write you a check.
day, then keep the following key points in mind.
2. Energy
3. Creativity
love for tennis or your enthusiasm to share the sport will get you through some of those
tough days or lessons. If you don't have passion for what you are doing, then why are
you doing it?
radio and they're playing your favorite Justin Bieber song. Energy is contagious and
the energy you put out can and will be picked up by your students. It can come in
many forms from playing music on court to that sparkling smile on your face when the
students or players walk on the court.
see the lack of creativity the most is in those coaches who walk on to the court with
a basket of balls and just start feeding away. No variety in activities, no targets and
no direction. Every tennis coach has a handful of their favorite drills or games that's
their go-to day in and day out. The most sought after items at conferences and work-
shops is always more drills and games. Get out of your boring box, step out of your
comfort zone and try something new because it just might work.
and I'll bring it all home. Those words of wisdom I got early in my career hold true for
me to this day and can for you as well. You will for sure have days (or hours) when
your mind is off somewhere else or you're just lacking one of the three key compo-
nents: passion, energy, creativity. If so, then imagine you are on stage and for the next
hour you're going to channel your inner Brad Pitt and do a little acting. Lights, Camera,
Action . . . You're a better tennis coach!
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