tiate their own group lessons. They are not content with simply accepting
the class assignments given to them for existing programs. Some begin-
ner tennis pros think classes are initiated only by the director or program
coordinator, but this is simply not true. Tennis managers love new ideas
and appreciate pros who can take the lead on shaping new programs. In-
novative pros don't allow their busy schedules to stifle their creativity.
They know that creativity doesn't stop at designing new classes or events;
they constantly brainstorm new strategies to bring value to their current
programs and to engage more players on the court in fun and exciting
ways. They are proactive and they take the necessary steps to bring their
ideas to fruition.
including knowledgeable, enthusiastic, positive and professional. A tennis
pro who is considered successful also has good customer service skills and
has been able to develop a large clientele of players who take lessons regu-
larly. It certainly takes hard work and dedication to acquire these character-
istics and they are important factors in becoming a successful tennis pro.
Pros who are still trying to establish themselves and earn full-time status must
strive for these. However, the journey to becoming a well-rounded pro doesn't
stop with a full book of clients and good coaching skills. Well-rounded tennis
professionals possess skills and qualities that make them highly valuable, not
only to their clients, but to their colleagues and management as well. These
traits hold worth and marketability in the industry, making pros who posses
them more attractive and qualified than other candidates for tennis positions.
The following are five key traits of well-rounded tennis professionals.
only face-to-face on the court, but off court as well. Prompt communica-
tion with students, parents and fellow staff members, will take you a long
way. Digital communication is imperative. While some coaches are quick
to answer customer messages, email correspondence with team mem-
bers can sometimes be considered low priority and be left behind.
Well-rounded pros are exceptionally good at communicating through text
and email, as well as in person, not only with their clients but with fellow
pros and program directors. It's understandable that most full-time pros
have busy on court schedules that leave little time for administrative du-
ties, however, with today's mobile technology, this excuse for a lack of
communication is questionable at best. Although it should be done off
court, replying by phone to an email can be as simple as a swipe of the
finger and a voice-to-text message. A quick, simple 'Got it' or 'Let's dis-
cuss tomorrow' reply goes a long way, and good communicators use this
very efficiently.
When there's no time to go into detail, replies like these, at the very least,
acknowledge that the message was received and that the intention is to
following up at a later point. These quick email replies are a professional
courtesy to the sender, and take just a few seconds to ensure nothing falls
through the cracks. Digital communication keeps the dialogs going, and
are a key component in a properly functioning work environment. Every-
one plays an important role in fostering a communicative environment and
successful pros understand the importance of their part in it.
essential to continually expand what they know. Tennis pros who are
truly invested in education read articles and books, borrow ideas from
other coaches, and make the sacrifice it often takes to attend educational
seminars and workshops. These pros don't simply obtain certifications
for credential purposes or because it is required by their club. They do it
for themselves and their players. They continue to read, study, and earn
higher certification levels because they are eager to learn and develop
as professionals, regardless of their current status in the industry or the
success of their players.
There are so many resources from industry organizations, including PTR
workshops, symposia and conferences. These opportunities are readily
accessible for those who take the time to look for them. PTR offers hun-
dreds of hours of free education online that you can view on your own
timeline. Networking with fellow coaches and industry leaders is another
great way to learn. Pros who are passionate about education actively
seek opportunities to connect with others to expand their knowledge.
about the success of the club and fellow staff in addition to their own book
of business. While they understand the importance of growing their clien-
tele, a team oriented pro is mindful of the needs of others on the staff, as
well as program revenue goals. If they are not able to fit someone into
their schedule, they encourage players to join other classes and to par-
ticipate in programs with other coaches at their club. They also promote
club events and programs to their players. In a sense, they are a sales
person for the club and not just for themselves. Last but not least, a team
focused pro is always willing to help cover classes when there are staffing
emergencies, even if it's inconvenient.
for conducting classes, or a new approach to improve any aspect of their
coaching or player performance, pros who are open to change under-
stand that there are different ways to do things. They accept that change
may be uncomfortable, but don't shy away from it. This can be challenging
for experienced pros. Some coaches who have been set in their ways for
a long time, and have garnered success and possibly even accolades for
their approach, may be resistent to change. However, a need for change
doesn't mean that what you have been doing is wrong or that you have to
change who you are as a coach. It simply means that there is always
room for growth in our field and no one is exempt from improvement. Get-
ting out your `comfort zone' can be difficult, but it is something that well-
rounded pros embrace.
day, it's easy to disregard the value of small actions like volunteering, shar-
ing an idea, reading a tennis article, or promptly replying to an email, and
forget what these small efforts can do for your long term success. These
seemingly insignificant actions may not always be followed by immediate
praise, but their value accumulates over time and they will make you a
more appreciated, educated and ultimately sought after pro.
If you want to become an influential pro at your club and beyond, consider
weaving these behaviors into your everyday functions to help you step up
to that level. For those of you in the job market, emphasize these traits.
Employers see immense value in them and these attributes will increase
your chances of getting the job you are seeking. If you are already an es-
tablished pro, enhancing these characteristics will increase your value in
your club and you will be seen in a completely new light.