What are some tips on finding the right instructor? I saw a few professionals on the USPTA website in my area but all it gives is their phone #, no information. What kind of questions should I ask when I call? Are there other resources out there for finding a tennis instructor? I can only afford 1 or 2 lessons so I want the best bang for my buck, basically help with proper form for my groundstrokes and serve.
How to find the right instructor?
- Thread starter bdaniels
- Start date
Bungalo Bill
G.O.A.T.
One of the best things you can do is watch a pro give a lesson. See if his philosophy is similar to yours.
Some pros believe that "old school" tennis is the way to go. You may not beleive that. SOme coaches are more drill instructor like. They like to mix in a solid workout while you learn. They push you to get in shape and play your best.
Some are more encouragers. They pat you on the back a lot, tell you how great you look and are always smiling. Some people like the social aspects of these kind of instructors.
You need to understand your own goals first. What kind of player do you want to become? Do you want to zoom up the ladder? Are you ready for the hard work and dedication to do that? Many people taking lessons only can afford a one hour lesson per week. That is only four hours a month. There are many more hours in the month that the player needs to devote themselves to practicing what the coach say in their own practice and match play.
So what are your goals? What areas do you feel you want to work on? What kind of stroke do you like? Twohanded backhand? Onehanded backhand?
Keep in mind, just because a pro has a twohanded backhand as his personal choice does not mean they can not teach a onehanded backhand. There are certain key areas or "frame shots" that need to be in place for a onehanded backhand to work. This is not rocket science and a pro can see where your having problems executing the key frames.
What style of play are you after? S & V? All-court? Ready for the work involved?
Once you got a good idea of what you want to be, then you can ask some of the pros to see if you can stop in and observe a lesson. Take notes aboout hwo they communicate ideas and analogies. Tell them you are looking for a pro and would like to observe a lesson they teach.
Be sure to also ask other players about their pros and if they like them and why. Do not accept things like "oh, he is a great guy" or "I like him because he is nice to me". Maybe you want that, I wouldn't. Most students dont know what they want in a coach. Ask specifics like "what kind of style of play does he promote. Is he, open minded or everything has to be a certain way".
You will want to see if you connect with them and if they are knowledgable about the game. Ask them question to see what kind of coach they are such as "I really want to learn a twohanded backhand, what do you think about that? What grips would you recommend? If he replies in a negative way or moves you to a style or stroke you dont want, then you move on to find another pro that will accomodate.
Remember it is not the pros responisbility for you to grow. You use a pro to help you uncover problems and solutions for your stroke. He/she is not there to make you famous overnight...that is your job.
Some pros believe that "old school" tennis is the way to go. You may not beleive that. SOme coaches are more drill instructor like. They like to mix in a solid workout while you learn. They push you to get in shape and play your best.
Some are more encouragers. They pat you on the back a lot, tell you how great you look and are always smiling. Some people like the social aspects of these kind of instructors.
You need to understand your own goals first. What kind of player do you want to become? Do you want to zoom up the ladder? Are you ready for the hard work and dedication to do that? Many people taking lessons only can afford a one hour lesson per week. That is only four hours a month. There are many more hours in the month that the player needs to devote themselves to practicing what the coach say in their own practice and match play.
So what are your goals? What areas do you feel you want to work on? What kind of stroke do you like? Twohanded backhand? Onehanded backhand?
Keep in mind, just because a pro has a twohanded backhand as his personal choice does not mean they can not teach a onehanded backhand. There are certain key areas or "frame shots" that need to be in place for a onehanded backhand to work. This is not rocket science and a pro can see where your having problems executing the key frames.
What style of play are you after? S & V? All-court? Ready for the work involved?
Once you got a good idea of what you want to be, then you can ask some of the pros to see if you can stop in and observe a lesson. Take notes aboout hwo they communicate ideas and analogies. Tell them you are looking for a pro and would like to observe a lesson they teach.
Be sure to also ask other players about their pros and if they like them and why. Do not accept things like "oh, he is a great guy" or "I like him because he is nice to me". Maybe you want that, I wouldn't. Most students dont know what they want in a coach. Ask specifics like "what kind of style of play does he promote. Is he, open minded or everything has to be a certain way".
You will want to see if you connect with them and if they are knowledgable about the game. Ask them question to see what kind of coach they are such as "I really want to learn a twohanded backhand, what do you think about that? What grips would you recommend? If he replies in a negative way or moves you to a style or stroke you dont want, then you move on to find another pro that will accomodate.
Remember it is not the pros responisbility for you to grow. You use a pro to help you uncover problems and solutions for your stroke. He/she is not there to make you famous overnight...that is your job.
