Ya that's not too bad. You could tie lessons around the USTA's NTRP poster.
Wil, I hope you won't cave into the misconception that there are "beginning levels" that players need to develop then change to reach higher levels of play.
I've been impressed with your site and enjoy the detail and quality of instruction you are providing.
It is interesting that tennis is the only sport that promotes more mediocre methods first that MUST change for more advanced play. Your site very well documents and describes the elemenst of skilled shot making; by saying that beginners should learn certain grips, swing patterns or footwork patterns that are generally associated with low level/beginner levels, such players will be hard pressed to transition to more effective shot making.
The NTRP levels for the most part address the ability to execute certain shots, defend certain shots, and create variety in pace, spin, and execution. They DON'T address that lower level players should use certain grips or hit with certain footwork patterns or swing paths.
The truth is, (as I'm sure you know from your own experience), that an "Advanced Foundation" (as I call it in my two books and in my own articles at TennisOne.com) is achievable by all ages and abilities of players. From training 6 year olds to 86 year olds, I guarantee that players do NOT have to learn rudementary methods just because they are beginners.
In fact, the vast majority of the 3500 players I've taught over the last 36 years not only reached very high levels of skilled tennis (among those who stayed with the program and applied the methods taught), they progressed on a fairly equal level to those players being taught less challenging, more simplistic methods (just so they can "start playing tennis quickly"). And, of course, our players and those taught an advanced foundation soon pass up those using inferior--but still very comfortable patterns!
Let's face it: there are those people (kids and adults) who continue to progress and improve to reach 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and above levels, with no more athleticism or desire than others who stagnate at the 3.0 or 3.5 levels. What differenciates these two groups? I think you know the answer!
We employ a wide range of teaching "tools" (drills, exercises and progressions within the Advanced Foundation), that help players master those initially more difficult or challenging methods, which might be one area on your site to expand on--by extrapolating those methods that successful pros use to help players achieve these skills.
I suggest that within your excellent shot reviews and discussions, that you make sure you include ways in which the student can practice, train and execute such means.
Let's face it, many people can recognize proper shot concepts, but far less can emulate, replicate and execute them even when they understand them. Like any skilled activity, players must be trained to overcome natural tendencies and make the unfamiliar become familiar.
Too many say that if it is unfamiliar, than avoid it. This is a recipie for failure. (Or, at least limiting students from reaching their potential!)
We all know that skilled tennis strokes are seldom initially comfortable or familiar. (Other wise we would not have 12 million active tennis players stuck at the 3.0 or 3.5 level for life!)
Hope this is helpful. I believe in all things that help players improve. Your site is one of them, just as I know TennisOne and other tennis sites are great too.
Let's just say that thirty years ago I would never have dreamed of having the kind of information and resources that we have today!
Best of luck in your continued quest to bring skilled tennis to the masses!
