Opinion on Brad Gilbert as a Coach...

TXKiteboarder · 07-06-2006, 09:38 PM

Since i am new to tennis world, what is the opinion of the board about Mr. Gilbert as a coach?

Here is the link to BBC story about him with a deal with Murray:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/5156560.stm

he seems more like a party/joker type of person then a serious coach.

BaseLineBash · 07-06-2006, 09:59 PM

I can't really comment on how he coaches although I do know it's a bit unorthodox. The things I can tell are as follows, If it were not for BG talking him into and making him go to Roland Garros ,Andre would have missed the '99 French Slam opportunity, second If it were not for BG inspiring a down and out Agassi during the rain delay and being 2 sets down in the final, Andre would have had a better chance to lose than win. You yourself can check his record as it stands, look at the stats of Andre and Andy during their time with BG, it clearly speaks for itself. He knows strategy and how to get a K.O., he's a very perceptive and comprehensive when it comes to scouting out opponents and more importantly I think in my opinion he makes you believe and that is priceless. Good Luck to Murray in finding his heart and in his climb to the top, no matter what happens.

LuckyR · 07-06-2006, 10:19 PM

It depends on what your problem is. For a guy like J Blake or Roddick, he has a lot to offer. To a Nadal, Federer, Henin-Hardenne, Hingis etc he has nothing to add.

superman1 · 07-06-2006, 10:37 PM

He could improve Hingis' serve.

What's the general consensus on Brad Gilbert as a coach? He's the best coach out there for extremely talented players who aren't living up to their potential. Just ask Andre Agassi.

Buzzlightyear · 07-06-2006, 11:04 PM

Just see his influrence on Agassi's career. I think his records speak for themselves.

But I believe he's not that kind of technique and skill coach that can help to improve your basics. He's a tactician and he's the one who change Agassi from a flamboyance shot maker into a percentage player. He helps to put your games together and win matches.

Max G. · 07-07-2006, 06:33 PM

Look at the results. He turned around Agassi's career, and he got Roddick to #1.

knasty131 · 07-07-2006, 06:35 PM

it is my understanding that roddick said once that brad was a little too laid back...putting practice sessions off for too long, not being there, etc....but i may be mistaken...if anyone else heard this plz back me up here so i dont feel TOO stupid lol

superman1 · 07-07-2006, 07:02 PM

Maybe Roddick needed a little more guidance. Gilbert seems like a guy who just talks a lot and helps with the mental aspect of each match. You have to already have the talent and game at hand for him to be of any use.

Seems that Roddick used to just go out there and play and focus on his mindset, now he's more worried about improving the technical aspects of his game. Put the blame on Federer.

Soundbyte · 07-07-2006, 07:09 PM

I know a good Cypriot who could use a guy like BG...

ShcMad · 07-07-2006, 07:16 PM

I heard that Brad likes to talk a lot during practice sessions, and that seems to annoy a few players. I can see the possibility of him being too laid back sometimes, but I think overall, he's one of the greatest coaches.
Once I saw a video of Gilbert pitching tennis balls for Roddick to hit them to the stands with the racquet handle. Funny stuff.

RMac · 07-07-2006, 07:24 PM

Great coach. Horrible commentator.

Actually, I'll take that partially back. He can be a good commentator at times. But more often, he is bad, really bad, or atrocious.

When he is doing well you can see how his insights make him an awesome coach. When he's off, you just notice how sorely lacking his journalistic instincts are.

Tennis_Monk · 07-07-2006, 07:56 PM

With out a doubt one of the great coaches. Master tactician. He provided right strategies for Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick. The difference was Agassi was able to execute the strategy (owing to his superlative talents). Andy roddick was able to do it at USOPEN and he nearly did it at Wimbledon.

Personally Andy Murray doesnt have the kind of game/talents that would benefit from Strategy. However Brad gilbert can make him a far better player than he is and probably into a Top 10 material.

Players like Baghdatis, Andy Roddick himself and James Blake can benefit from having Brad Gilbert

Another great coach Darell Cahill is also available post September.

grind · 07-07-2006, 08:44 PM

Well, Cahill might be available. Chances are, however, Fedex has given him a call. Federer once said, although I can't remember the atribution, that Cahill or Annacone were coaches he was interested in working with when they became available. With regards to Gilbert, read his first book. Then play. Most players will find he has a lot to offer.

joeman957 · 07-07-2006, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tennis_Monk

With out a doubt one of the great coaches. Master tactician. He provided right strategies for Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick. The difference was Agassi was able to execute the strategy (owing to his superlative talents). Andy roddick was able to do it at USOPEN and he nearly did it at Wimbledon.

Personally Andy Murray doesnt have the kind of game/talents that would benefit from Strategy. However Brad gilbert can make him a far better player than he is and probably into a Top 10 material.

Players like Baghdatis, Andy Roddick himself and James Blake can benefit from having Brad Gilbert

Another great coach Darell Cahill is also available post September.

I agree, Baghdatis or Blake paired with Gilbert could make for a very good match. I'm still not sure why Roddick decided to fire Gilbert, his career seemed to go down right after.

LN_Dad · 07-07-2006, 10:08 PM

Gilbert can't even coach his own son to the top 100 in the B18s in NorCal.

OnceWas · 07-07-2006, 10:42 PM

Followed Brad's career semi-closely. He got the most out of his body as anyone. Smart, tough player. He's proven to all in tennis that he is an xlnt coach. But even a great coach is not necessarily the best coach for a given player. Ability to communicate, personalities, talent level, talent potential, all need to be factored in, in choosing the best coach for you. The best coach in the world is not going to make you a winner if you don't have the talent and determination to be a winner ..

skip1969 · 07-08-2006, 01:02 AM

i'd pay to get him back into coaching (so as to spare myself the annoyance of having him on tv) but i don't have the money.

OnceWas · 07-08-2006, 03:58 PM

Unfortunately, Brad does not come across on television as well as some others, but that does not detract from his coaching abilities.

The Pusher Terminator · 07-08-2006, 04:13 PM

You just can't argue with results. He helped Agassi get back to #1 in the world and win the French open. Agassi did not even want to play the French but Gilbert manipulated hin into it (winning ugly).

Take a look at Roddicks career:

Pre Gilbert: zero grand slams

With Gilbert: US open and. #1 ranking, Wimbledon final

Post Gilbert: I believe he has fallen or will fall out of the top 10.

OnceWas · 07-08-2006, 05:01 PM

You're right on

07-08-2006, 01:02 AM	#17
skip1969 Legend Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Flah-ri-dah Posts: 5,116	i'd pay to get him back into coaching (so as to spare myself the annoyance of having him on tv) but i don't have the money. __________________ "Monfils has game but no plan...." - kishnabe

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