How serious are we ??

[Misterbill]

You have no other option but to defend your position because you're not going to turn your kid over to another coach...period. If you did, even though it might help DB, you wouldn't be Number 1 Coach anymore.

Fixed it for you

 

[Number1Coach]

You are not developing a junior anymore. You are taking a pro to the next level. Gilbert could figure out exactly what your player has to do. A dad can take a player to the highest level in juniors. To be a pro, you need a pro. Sorry but you are not a pro, you are a Dad.

The Definition
In sports, a coach is a person involved in the direction, instruction and training of the operations of a sports team or of individual sports person

Now this is what I have been doing and no matter what you want to conjure up in your mind this is the meaning of the title you say I am not !

The great part is I am a dad also and anyone who has met my kid will tell you he is polite ,courteous, nice and intellegent which shows I know what I am doing there also .

So when you say I am not a pro what does that mean ? Cause as I showed by definition I am a coach, so please explain remember I already warned you in and earlier post no generics <You havent been there , you dont know the pressure ,ect .

 

[Number1Coach]

Imo stick to what you have done so far. Don't change a thing until you stop improving and stagnating. Those high dollar academies have nothing on a dedicated, informed and fanatic parent coach. I'd bet on a Richard Williams over bolleteri any day of the week.

I get to spend time with Nick if not in person then on the phone and he is a solid coach and a great manager same as Richard who I consider one of the great managers of our time .

 

[Number1Coach]

Fixed it for you cause I like to get involved !!!


I fixed it for you also haha.

 

[NLBwell]

H.S. graduates get 1 semester off before the D1 tennis eligibility clock starts. That's why every now and them you'll see a top American Freshman start in January.

Thanks.
Something to think about. Also, even if he loses a semester of eligibility by taking a full year, I'm sure he would be recruited if he could contribute immediately.

 

[WoodIndoors]

One can make much more money teaching tennis than playing on the pro circuit if ranked over 300 ATP. The life won't be easy even for players ranked 200 ATP. The following lists 10 players ranked #201-210 ATP. They have to pay for a coach and spend $20,000 a year traveling.

Rank Age Name Career Earning Year Turning Pro
201 28 Kirche $117,002 2003
202 23 Young $1,376,011 2004
203 23 Trungelliti $95,785 2008
204 26 Farah $345,816 2010
205 26 Ward $411,824 2006
206 26 Baker $376,728 2003
207 27 Millot $288,922 2007
208 25 Ilhan $617,578 2006
209 32 Robert $760,477 2001
210 32 Yani $397,821 2003

Yes, Life won't be easy, moneywise, but what if not using that as a meter?

There is plenty of sports where there is no (real) possibility whatsoever to make serious money and despite of that many young athletes are investing all their time and energy trying to succeed. not going to college, or postponing that several years...

For example how many world class wrestlers, boxers or track and field athletes make serious money, really? Some do of course but most of the Olympic level athletes are making very little, even olympic gold metal leads no real income in most of the countries (US not included perhaps) most of the time. Succeeding olympic athletes finance their hobby (?) with the help of relatives etc.

If Deit and his dad went all in and ended up top 287 atp with minus balance tennis account, who considers that as a failure? I'd still think that as a heck of an accomplishment considering how difficult it is.

Being former atp 278, knowing you went all in can be a satisfying starting point for the rest of your life. People can waste their youth years for much stupid things I think. No college graduate but so what, there is plenty of other options still available...

If choosing college leads thinking afterwards you've made heck of a compromise, then I'd choose all in, no college, even 5 years futures and challengers, if thats financially possible.

Trying to reach a goal, even with no guarantees succeeding, even when odds are against it, can be a satisfying life. If you see the beauty of it. And yes, I've heard what the reality is there chasing points, I know many personally who ended up 150-300, made no money whatsoever are family werent rich. for some spoiled brats probably that kind of life is too much ofcourse but I don't think thats the case here.

If thinking tennis as a financial investment, like some of here seems to think, then of course prolonged futures and challenger route in tennis (or selecting 'wrong' sport) is not wise.

 

[coaching32yrs]

You have no other option but to defend your position because you're not going to turn your kid over to another coach...period. I'm not knocking you, I'm just trying to save everybody some time here. Let's move on already.

You are right chalk. Move on. Our mission on this Board is to help junior players and parents. Many of us firmly believe that you need a pro to make a pro. So we are trying to move Coach #1 in that direction- to help a young American player, not to argue. Mission failed. Time to move on.

 

[Misterbill]

The Definition
In sports, a coach is a person involved in the direction, instruction and training of the operations of a sports team or of individual sports person

Now this is what I have been doing and no matter what you want to conjure up in your mind this is the meaning of the title you say I am not !

The great part is I am a dad also and anyone who has met my kid will tell you he is polite ,courteous, nice and intellegent which shows I know what I am doing there also .

So when you say I am not a pro what does that mean ? Cause as I showed by definition I am a coach, so please explain remember I already warned you in and earlier post no generics <You havent been there , you dont know the pressure ,ect .

Change your screen name to "Coach" or "Dad" from "Number 1 Coach" and then maybe I'll start to buy this.

Deflect rather than accept credit for your son's success.....make your posts about "him" rather than "me" or "we".......and I might start to become a believer.

Start to realize that professional caliber players and coaches don't make excuses.

The thing is, as long as you continue to defend your reputation as a (Number 1) coach, there is a potential conflict of interest between message board campaigns to maintain your reputation and doing what's best for your player............as highlighted in this thread

 

[WoodIndoors]

Start to realize that professional caliber players and coaches don't make excuses.

Sure about that?

 

[Misterbill]

Sure about that?

Good one!!!

 

[WoodIndoors]

You are right chalk. Move on. Our mission on this Board is to help junior players and parents. Many of us firmly believe that you need a pro to make a pro. So we are trying to move Coach #1 in that direction- to help a young American player, not to argue. Mission failed. Time to move on.

Just curious,in what category Nick B belongs as a coach in your opinion? Or is he a coach at all?

I find this whole discussion very interesting because there is some examples in different sports of coaches who were not 'pro' when they started but ended up being leading experts of the sport in question. Some of whom were not much of athletes themself either.

But it takes a humble attitude (at first at least) to be able to do that I think. You should be like a sponge.

 

[coaching32yrs]

Just curious,in what category Nick B belongs as a coach in your opinion? Or is he a coach at all?

I find this whole discussion very interesting because there is some examples in different sports of coaches who were not 'pro' when they started but ended up being leading experts of the sport in question. Some of whom were not much of athletes themself either.

But it takes a humble attitude (at first at least) to be able to do that I think. You should be like a sponge.

Not an expert on Nick. I've read the "system" he wrote along with a co-author. I thought it was brilliant. Some of the videos I have seen him on are very good. Sounds like a good motivator as well. Some of the technical stuff I have seen him teach in videos I do not agree with. As far as I know Nick has been a teacher and player his entire adult life.

 

[chalkflewup]

Not an expert on Nick. I've read the "system" he wrote along with a co-author. I thought it was brilliant. Some of the videos I have seen him on are very good. Sounds like a good motivator as well. Some of the technical stuff I have seen him teach in videos I do not agree with. As far as I know Nick has been a teacher and player his entire adult life.

A player? LOL - yes that too. Wife #6 or #7 now.

 

[Soianka]

Yes, Life won't be easy, moneywise, but what if not using that as a meter?

There is plenty of sports where there is no (real) possibility whatsoever to make serious money and despite of that many young athletes are investing all their time and energy trying to succeed. not going to college, or postponing that several years...

For example how many world class wrestlers, boxers or track and field athletes make serious money, really? Some do of course but most of the Olympic level athletes are making very little, even olympic gold metal leads no real income in most of the countries (US not included perhaps) most of the time. Succeeding olympic athletes finance their hobby (?) with the help of relatives etc.

If Deit and his dad went all in and ended up top 287 atp with minus balance tennis account, who considers that as a failure? I'd still think that as a heck of an accomplishment considering how difficult it is.

Being former atp 278, knowing you went all in can be a satisfying starting point for the rest of your life. People can waste their youth years for much stupid things I think. No college graduate but so what, there is plenty of other options still available...

If choosing college leads thinking afterwards you've made heck of a compromise, then I'd choose all in, no college, even 5 years futures and challengers, if thats financially possible.

Trying to reach a goal, even with no guarantees succeeding, even when odds are against it, can be a satisfying life. If you see the beauty of it. And yes, I've heard what the reality is there chasing points, I know many personally who ended up 150-300, made no money whatsoever are family werent rich. for some spoiled brats probably that kind of life is too much ofcourse but I don't think thats the case here.

If thinking tennis as a financial investment, like some of here seems to think, then of course prolonged futures and challenger route in tennis (or selecting 'wrong' sport) is not wise.

You make a great point.

 

[andfor]

Thanks.
Something to think about. Also, even if he loses a semester of eligibility by taking a full year, I'm sure he would be recruited if he could contribute immediately.

Taking off 1st and 2nd semester during the first year in D1 tennis would leave a player with 3 yrs of eligibility. A full year or two on tour may be tricky to maintaining NCAA eligibility. I'm sure it could be done.

 

[jgmellor]

Taking off 1st and 2nd semester during the first year in D1 tennis would leave a player with 3 yrs of eligibility. A full year or two on tour may be tricky to maintaining NCAA eligibility. I'm sure it could be done.

Thanks for bringing this up. I've been wondering about the application of the new rule.

Usually you get five to play four (4 + redshirt). If you delay enrollment and have to sit a year is it now four to play four, or four to play three?

 

[andfor]

Thanks for bringing this up. I've been wondering about the application of the new rule.

Usually you get five to play four (4 + redshirt). If you delay enrollment and have to sit a year is it now four to play four, or four to play three?

D1 tennis eligibility starts 1 semester after H.S. graduation.

I.e. H.S. graduate Spring 2013, sit out fall semester 2013, eligibility clock begins spring 2014. Probably then have 4.5 yrs to complete 4 yrs. As always, consult with a coach or NCAA for rules and regs. I used to look up the rules and post them. Don't have time any more.

 

[jgmellor]

D1 tennis eligibility starts 1 semester after H.S. graduation.

I.e. H.S. graduate Spring 2013, sit out fall semester 2013, eligibility clock begins spring 2014. Probably then have 4.5 yrs to complete 4 yrs. As always, consult with a coach or NCAA for rules and regs. I used to look up the rules and post them. Don't have time any more.

...Thanks!

 

[TCF]

==========================

 

[TCF]

==========================

 

[Number1Coach]

Not an expert on Nick. I've read the "system" he wrote along with a co-author. I thought it was brilliant. Some of the videos I have seen him on are very good. Sounds like a good motivator as well. Some of the technical stuff I have seen him teach in videos I do not agree with. As far as I know Nick has been a teacher and player his entire adult life.

I have had the honor of being on court with him and within a few moments he pointed out 2 things DB was doing I was trying to change , he spotted it and was around 3 other coaches who never saw it , The man has a great eye and that is why we do spend time with him and when he talks I do listen .

Most on here are jealous of him cause of his sucsess and what they have not done , Nick is a great coach period >

 

[TCF]

==========================

 

[Number1Coach]

BB....like others said, time to move on. Yes, you can be an authority on developing a JUNIOR, not a pro, a junior player. No one takes that from you. Sekou Bangoura Sr. can also be considered an authority on developing a junior as his kid reached #1 USTA 18s.

You are certainly free to give credible advice on that topic, as are many other parents and coaches.

Producing a money making pro is a totally different subject though. You have not done so, Sekou Sr. has not done so. John Tomic has done so. Uncle Toni has done so.

As you take credit for the player's success, you will also get the blame if he does not have a money making career. If he fails, it could be said that you did not know enough about tennis tactics and strategy to help him reach the top 75 level, you did not seek out the proper coaches, etc.

So this is quite simple....it remains to be seen if you are a success or a failure at developing a money making tennis player.

You have a valid point about me but be honest when you first ran into me on here did you ever think DB would be where he is now ?

We are just starting to venture onto the futures give us time will get it done , also best to you and your girl and as for other coaches well they are "other coaches" you stick to it yourself your the only one that really cares cause there is no $$$ money involved with you only heart !!!

 

[TCF]

==========================

 

[Number1Coach]

Thanks BB. I think I have said this before, what you have accomplished with DB is epic as both a kid and a player.

We can go back and forth all day long but the proof will be whether any of our players make money in tennis.

Trust me the road will be tough and all your points are valid it seems crazy to just go for it and yes DB will now have to really step it up and he knows it , no more getting a little angry like he did in the jrs where he could blow a couple games and roll back ,

He learned a tough one in Mexico the guy he was playing double faulted match point ,everybody started clapping ,both players started walking forward only to have the ref overrule , DB began arguing with the ref and had and exchange where he fronted the other player up and look to throw blows with him for taunting him over the call then came out in the 3 rd crushing the ball and lost the match , 7 5 in the 3rd ,"anger" and power don't mix , to add insult to injury the other guy went on to win the tourney ,he was able to see this guy had no fear of him like most jrs do on court.

This i heard from the coach who was with him down there ,kinda funny to me but the other coach said had he got through he was home free and these are the lessons I hope don't have to be learned over and over and will be good .

 

[TCF]

==========================

 

[Tennishacker]

Yes, Life won't be easy, moneywise, but what if not using that as a meter?

There is plenty of sports where there is no (real) possibility whatsoever to make serious money and despite of that many young athletes are investing all their time and energy trying to succeed. not going to college, or postponing that several years...

For example how many world class wrestlers, boxers or track and field athletes make serious money, really? Some do of course but most of the Olympic level athletes are making very little, even olympic gold metal leads no real income in most of the countries (US not included perhaps) most of the time. Succeeding olympic athletes finance their hobby (?) with the help of relatives etc.

If Deit and his dad went all in and ended up top 287 atp with minus balance tennis account, who considers that as a failure? I'd still think that as a heck of an accomplishment considering how difficult it is.

Being former atp 278, knowing you went all in can be a satisfying starting point for the rest of your life. People can waste their youth years for much stupid things I think. No college graduate but so what, there is plenty of other options still available...

If choosing college leads thinking afterwards you've made heck of a compromise, then I'd choose all in, no college, even 5 years futures and challengers, if thats financially possible.

Trying to reach a goal, even with no guarantees succeeding, even when odds are against it, can be a satisfying life. If you see the beauty of it. And yes, I've heard what the reality is there chasing points, I know many personally who ended up 150-300, made no money whatsoever are family werent rich. for some spoiled brats probably that kind of life is too much ofcourse but I don't think thats the case here.

If thinking tennis as a financial investment, like some of here seems to think, then of course prolonged futures and challenger route in tennis (or selecting 'wrong' sport) is not wise.

Beautiful!

 

[Tennishacker]

Just curious,in what category Nick B belongs as a coach in your opinion? Or is he a coach at all?

I find this whole discussion very interesting because there is some examples in different sports of coaches who were not 'pro' when they started but ended up being leading experts of the sport in question. Some of whom were not much of athletes themself either.

But it takes a humble attitude (at first at least) to be able to do that I think. You should be like a sponge.

I don't consider Mr. B a coach, but rather a world class motivator.

 

[Tennishacker]

By the way BB, I am with you in many ways. I took back over my kid's coaching after letting another work with her for a few months. She gives me better effort than she gives the other coach, I look to develop her unique strengths rather than making her a cookie cutter player, and I got tired of the other coach checking the time so the practice did not run a minute long.

So in my opinion, she has a better chance of hitting it big with me as the coach. And just like with you, if it fails, I will take the blame.

TCF, wrong path, best for you to act as a manager/hitter/dad for your daughter's pro aspirations.
Don't be fooled by BB, he went to a lot of different coaches here in Socal.

If you can afford it, get coaches for; ground strokes, serve & volleys, foot work and since you were in the fitness business, you can take that roll.

 

[Number1Coach]

TCF, wrong path, best for you to act as a manager/hitter/dad for your daughter's pro aspirations.
Don't be fooled by BB, he went to a lot of different coaches here in Socal.

If you can afford it, get coaches for; ground strokes, serve & volleys, foot work and since you were in the fitness business, you can take that roll.

Really who have I opaid a dime to and who has coached DB other then I and a guy named Bijon Naroozi ?

No one has ever instructed him since he was 7 or 8 when I was still gaining knowledge and the coach that helped me then was Rance Brown of UCLA so where your coming up with your flawed thoughts is interesting !

 

[Number1Coach]

Well it should be quite a journey BB...the futures circuit is quite an adventure from what guys have told me!

Tcf get a on the videos on you tube pick the player you want your daughter to hit like , have her study that players strokes over and over , a mental picture of those stroke then work relentlessly to get her to that , you dont need a so called pro_coach thats hog wash ,

Maintain your relationship with her off court be dad hugs and kisses and slowly turn the court into a cage of work and intensity over the next few years , explain to her over and over what you 2 are after , let her know its a team her and the family the most loyal fans she will have ,.

Once again you can do it and your always welcome to contact me through my youtube account , if you are wanting to go pro then you have me backing your daughter a 100% to put and American back on top I am there for you guys and would share with you what I did with my girl and boy at her age to advance them physically >

 

[Number1Coach]

I don't consider Mr. B a coach, but rather a world class motivator.

please go look up the definition of what a coach is before you make statements like that ! Mr.B is the best coach out there >

 

[TCF]

==========================

 

[TCF]

I==========================

 

[tennisfan69]

Tcf get a on the videos on you tube pick the player you want your daughter to hit like , have her study that players strokes over and over , a mental picture of those stroke then work relentlessly to get her to that , you dont need a so called pro_coach thats hog wash ,

Maintain your relationship with her off court be dad hugs and kisses and slowly turn the court into a cage of work and intensity over the next few years , explain to her over and over what you 2 are after , let her know its a team her and the family the most loyal fans she will have ,.

Once again you can do it and your always welcome to contact me through my youtube account , if you are wanting to go pro then you have me backing your daughter a 100% to put and American back on top I am there for you guys and would share with you what I did with my girl and boy at her age to advance them physically >

But then you need to also let the player have some Originality. Tell us in the entire pro circuit which two players hit/move the same way. everyone is different. there has to be much room to let the individuality play out.

 

[TCF]

==========================

 

[coaching32yrs]

woods...lets put a real face and name to your thoughts of the pros vs college. Sekou Jr. went all in, dropped out of a full ride at U of FL, smart kid, great academics.

This is where he is years into the futures route....and this is the most likely outcome for the others who go this route.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Ba/S/Sekou-Bangoura.aspx

Nothing would have changed had he skipped the year he spent in college and gone all in right away. He should have stayed in college, he should go back to college for the academics at this point.

Like I said, a tennis player who has trained full time for 10-12 years hits the ceiling. I personally saw Sekou's ceiling at age 16-17. Dang good junior player. Its not rocket science, I knew he would never make a living on tour. And he will not ever make a living on tour.

Sorry, tennis reality is what it is. Once they train full time for 10-12 years, the only improvements are small and come from maturity and experience. No player, unless they have a late growth spurt, magically improves by leaps and bounds once they train full time for 12 years.

Coach- What happens to highly ranked juniors living in cold weather climates training 5-6 hours a week when they go to college and train 15-20 hours a week. My experience has been 1 of 2 things. They either get a lot better, or get injured, about 50-50. What do you think?

 

[GRANITECHIEF]

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Ba/S/Sekou-Bangoura.aspx

I personally saw Sekou's ceiling at age 16-17.

Doesn't the link show a rising trend on the rankings graph?

And it also shows that he's made $30K and is just getting started.

Have you called him and told him that he should just quit now, stop wasting time and money competing in all those silly tournaments and travelling to all those new places?

I think you should let him know whats up, you know, to save him so much grief.

 

[TCF]

==========================

 

[Chemist]

Yes, Life won't be easy, moneywise, but what if not using that as a meter?

There is plenty of sports where there is no (real) possibility whatsoever to make serious money and despite of that many young athletes are investing all their time and energy trying to succeed. not going to college, or postponing that several years...

For example how many world class wrestlers, boxers or track and field athletes make serious money, really? Some do of course but most of the Olympic level athletes are making very little, even olympic gold metal leads no real income in most of the countries (US not included perhaps) most of the time. Succeeding olympic athletes finance their hobby (?) with the help of relatives etc.

If Deit and his dad went all in and ended up top 287 atp with minus balance tennis account, who considers that as a failure? I'd still think that as a heck of an accomplishment considering how difficult it is.

Being former atp 278, knowing you went all in can be a satisfying starting point for the rest of your life. People can waste their youth years for much stupid things I think. No college graduate but so what, there is plenty of other options still available...

If choosing college leads thinking afterwards you've made heck of a compromise, then I'd choose all in, no college, even 5 years futures and challengers, if thats financially possible.

Trying to reach a goal, even with no guarantees succeeding, even when odds are against it, can be a satisfying life. If you see the beauty of it. And yes, I've heard what the reality is there chasing points, I know many personally who ended up 150-300, made no money whatsoever are family werent rich. for some spoiled brats probably that kind of life is too much ofcourse but I don't think thats the case here.

If thinking tennis as a financial investment, like some of here seems to think, then of course prolonged futures and challenger route in tennis (or selecting 'wrong' sport) is not wise.

My apology for bringing up the money/earning issue that must be very disrespectful to you and thousands of professional tennis players including two coaches whom my son was/is working with. I am sure that the years of experience on the pro tour should make you a terrific coach for many juniors or even the current players on the tour.

 

[NLBwell]

How come your kids all go to college and are not 'living out their dreams' on your dime?? Lets see you let your kid or nephew travel the world "seeing new places" and you foot the bill. Why indulge just tennis playing guys? Lets indulge every kid....no need for college, just travel, do your thing, and send the bills to Uncle granitechief.

One of my kids lived out his dream, traveled the world, saw exotic places like Iraq and The Philippines and sent the bill to Uncle Sam.

Now that he's out of the army, he works in Africa and enjoys it there. Not everyone needs or wants to go to college. Other son went to college and is doing fine in New York City. For some people, it is the right thing.

 

[Chemist]

No player, unless they have a late growth spurt, magically improves by leaps and bounds once they train full time for 12 years.

Haha, this would mean that my son, who is 16 and started training after 11, should have 7 more years to improve his game.

Its great to see #1Coach and TCF start to show mutual respect and even share coaching tips and philosophy. But the race for the title of the Best Parent-Coach is still on!

 

[Chemist]

Coach- What happens to highly ranked juniors living in cold weather climates training 5-6 hours a week when they go to college and train 15-20 hours a week. My experience has been 1 of 2 things. They either get a lot better, or get injured, about 50-50. What do you think?

Just add 5-6 hrs of fitness training plus 2 tournaments a month so they will have 90% chance of getting better in college.

 

[andfor]

please go look up the definition of what a coach is before you make statements like that ! Mr.B is the best coach out there >

I like how Brad goes back to being the massage therapist every now and then. I hope he's ok.

Hey BB....funny you mention watching her favorite players and emulating them, she definitely does that.

Another strange thing is she recently found my Top Spin 4 video game laying around and started getting into it, making players, etc.

I may be nuts, but I swear she is improving in her strategy and overall game from playing that game!

Hope you're joking.

woods...lets put a real face and name to your thoughts of the pros vs college. Sekou Jr. went all in, dropped out of a full ride at U of FL, smart kid, great academics.

This is where he is years into the futures route....and this is the most likely outcome for the others who go this route.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Ba/S/Sekou-Bangoura.aspx

Nothing would have changed had he skipped the year he spent in college and gone all in right away. He should have stayed in college, he should go back to college for the academics at this point.

Like I said, a tennis player who has trained full time for 10-12 years hits the ceiling. I personally saw Sekou's ceiling at age 16-17. Dang good junior player. Its not rocket science, I knew he would never make a living on tour. And he will not ever make a living on tour.

Sorry, tennis reality is what it is. Once they train full time for 10-12 years, the only improvements are small and come from maturity and experience. No player, unless they have a late growth spurt, magically improves by leaps and bounds once they train full time for 12 years.

Thought his deal to his folks was he would continue taking classes online and complete his degree. He really has not be at it very long. 2 years?

 

[high and deep]

I have to weigh in on the merits of topspin 4. One of my son loves the game and it has definitely helped him in the strategy department. ( he is 9) He understands the importance now of "hitting the ball where they ain't". It has encouraged him to add more variety to his game because he sees the effect of slice and how it can be easy to win points when shortening the rallies by attacking the net. My only problem is that he has become addicted to slice and coming to the net.... to the point where he loses matches. I don't really care that he loses the matches because he is trying new strategies, but the odd thing is that he does....even though he knows he can probably win playing his old game.

 

[chalkflewup]

Its great to see #1Coach and TCF start to show mutual respect and even share coaching tips and philosophy. But the race for the title of the Best Parent-Coach is still on!

The best? The best coaches or parent-coaches for that matter don't advertise or proclaim to be all knowing. And the biggest downfall to being a parent-coach is typically the parent won't fire the coach even if it's in the best interest of the player.

 

[coaching32yrs]

The best? The best coaches or parent-coaches for that matter don't advertise or proclaim to be all knowing. And the biggest downfall to being a parent-coach is typically the parent won't fire the coach even if it's in the best interest of the player.

Agree. I believe there are coaches out there that will give 100% to the player, have incredible knowledge of the game, and are not in it for the money. I know they are few and far between, but I am an optimist.

 

[WoodIndoors]

woods...lets put a real face and name to your thoughts of the pros vs college. Sekou Jr. went all in, dropped out of a full ride at U of FL, smart kid, great academics.

This is where he is years into the futures route....and this is the most likely outcome for the others who go this route.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Ba/S/Sekou-Bangoura.aspx

Nothing would have changed had he skipped the year he spent in college and gone all in right away. He should have stayed in college, he should go back to college for the academics at this point.

Like I said, a tennis player who has trained full time for 10-12 years hits the ceiling. I personally saw Sekou's ceiling at age 16-17. Dang good junior player. Its not rocket science, I knew he would never make a living on tour. And he will not ever make a living on tour.

Sorry, tennis reality is what it is. Once they train full time for 10-12 years, the only improvements are small and come from maturity and experience. No player, unless they have a late growth spurt, magically improves by leaps and bounds once they train full time for 12 years.

Not confronting, just curious, you say you saw he had hit the ceiling...

were those lacks of skill (compared to pro-potential) technical, physical, tactical, mental, or all of them?

Generally speaking...you think there´s no chance getting big leaps for example tactically and/or stroke wise for a 16 years old (who has 10-12 years full time training) with better coaching at that point in any circumstances?

I mean...`Full time` training does not necessarily always equal to best possible training in my opinion

Also...I´ve found that some athletes get (self)motivated quite late, maybe 15-16... so if there is a solid base (good strokes, athletic enough etc after that 10 years of `full` time), no chance to a big leap after couple of years of serious Full time dedication for the first time? ( I`m just wondering if that´s possible in tennis... I know that in some other sports it is)

Thinking about Mr B`s situation here also...if his player is not playing like he should (for that size), like some of you have suggested, if that´s the case here (Mr B doesn´t agree of course), if getting some guru NOW (mr Gilbert for example), what would happen? I write this because I´m not sure if it´s possible to understand this game fully tactically (I mean pro level) without enough insiders, felt, knowledge of the game

(I´d find it very difficult to coach pro level chess for example no matter how much I´d try emulate best coaches...)

 

[Chemist]

Both TCF and #1 seem to be really good tennis coaches. Both have unique ways of training their kids to be professional tennis players. Debating who is a better coach would just go nowhere - the tennis community seems to be widely divided... So, I propose that we stop predicting which kid shall fail, stop making fun at each other for now. Let's start a real race between #1 and TCF. The winner shall be determined by their kids, yes, by how well they would do in professional tennis (no, Jr results won't count). How about comparing their highest ATP/WTA ranking? It may take 10-15 years to see the outcome of the race that would crown the title of #1 parent-coach in USA! Well, if another American kid is doing better as a pro and is coached by their parents, then the title would be changed to the 2nd, 3rd... best parent-coach in USA. In any case, we shall know who is a better coach, TCF or #1?

We will be cheering for the race and rooting for both kids.

The best? The best coaches or parent-coaches for that matter don't advertise or proclaim to be all knowing. And the biggest downfall to being a parent-coach is typically the parent won't fire the coach even if it's in the best interest of the player.

Please see my earlier post above - We wanted to have some fun for the next 10-15 years, cheering a race between TCF and #1Coach. If #1Coach wins, he retains the title of #1Coach; if TCF wins, he shall take over the title of #1Coach from Brad.

 

[andfor]

Tell me the name of a 14, 15 or 16 yr. old with no ATP rank or a very low one that will make it? Then let's track it.That will be impressive. Other than knowing the pitfalls of trying to play any professional sport when on emarks on that path, I see very little value in tooting that horn.

Saying (insert players name) won't make a living on the pro tour is like saying you won't win the lottery.