Tennis Clinics and Tennis Lessons

[TagUrIt]

I’ve attended both and what I learned is that the clincs/lessons are only as good as the students or attendees. (Now of course the coach/instructor matters) I recently attended a 3.5 doubles clinic and I had to tell the instructor I wouldn’t be attending anymore of her classes (I’ve attended 3-4). I told her how much I appreciated her instruction, her experience and guidance. I also revealed to her that I hold back because I don’t want to injure any of the other students. She actually said she made this observation and appreciated my sportsmanship. Keep in mind the people (in class of 10-15) are 3.0 at best maybe one or two actual 3.5. I ended up finding a different clinic to attend and it’s a night and day difference, the people in class are 4.0-4.5’s. I feel I can learn a LOT in this environment and not hold back which in the other clinic was only hindering my progress. Just sharing my experience and wondering if anyone else has had a similar one.

 

[sureshs]

Don't waste your time and money on lessons and clinics. No one improves. Just watch free pro videos and lessons on the Internet, read the Tips section, and post your videos to get feedback.

 

[Raul_SJ]

Don't waste your time and money on lessons and clinics. No one improves. Just watch free pro videos and lessons on the Internet, read the Tips section, and post your videos to get feedback.

You're going to put tens of thousands of teaching pros out of work.

 

[Sudacafan]

Don't waste your time and money on lessons and clinics. No one improves. Just watch free pro videos and lessons on the Internet, read the Tips section, and post your videos to get feedback.

I will combine both strategies: I am only hiring pros to train and teach me.

 

[Deleted member 23235]

I’ve attended both and what I learned is that the clincs/lessons are only as good as the students or attendees. (Now of course the coach/instructor matters) I recently attended a 3.5 doubles clinic and I had to tell the instructor I wouldn’t be attending anymore of her classes (I’ve attended 3-4). I told her how much I appreciated her instruction, her experience and guidance. I also revealed to her that I hold back because I don’t want to injure any of the other students. She actually said she made this observation and appreciated my sportsmanship. Keep in mind the people (in class of 10-15) are 3.0 at best maybe one or two actual 3.5. I ended up finding a different clinic to attend and it’s a night and day difference, the people in class are 4.0-4.5’s. I feel I can learn a LOT in this environment and not hold back which in the other clinic was only hindering my progress. Just sharing my experience and wondering if anyone else has had a similar one.

of course. couple problems:
1. clubs/coaches don’t want to turn anyone away (more $)
2. fibbing about level

on the flip side the best clinics are when the coach is really getting similar level players together.


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[Deleted member 23235]

Don't waste your time and money on lessons and clinics. No one improves. Just watch free pro videos and lessons on the Internet, read the Tips section, and post your videos to get feedback.

I used to think this way, but a well run, and well vetted clinic will force you to practice shots and patterns you never practice (only come up in matches)....

and the arrhythmic nature of hitting different kinds of balls really forces you to focus.

problem is that most clinics i’ve attended really do suck.


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[TagUrIt]

I’m not sure if that comment about videoing and and posting here was serious or not. I’ve seen how this board full of 5.0 players that rips apart and harshsly criticizes anyone who dares post a video of themselves doing anything. I’ll stick with my fast paced, higher level drills class. I’ve already seen progress in my game and it’s fun to attend too.

 

[Raul_SJ]

The level of the attendees was pretty much irrelevant in the context of the clinics I've attended.

$20 for 1 hour. Typically 6 students. Typical drill would be feeding 4 balls: Baseline, approach, volley, overhead and then go to back of the line.

The coach would give feedback on your shots and therein lied the value, A private lesson with him would cost $125.

 

[heninfan99]

I’ve attended both and what I learned is that the clincs/lessons are only as good as the students or attendees. (Now of course the coach/instructor matters) I recently attended a 3.5 doubles clinic and I had to tell the instructor I wouldn’t be attending anymore of her classes (I’ve attended 3-4). I told her how much I appreciated her instruction, her experience and guidance. I also revealed to her that I hold back because I don’t want to injure any of the other students. She actually said she made this observation and appreciated my sportsmanship. Keep in mind the people (in class of 10-15) are 3.0 at best maybe one or two actual 3.5. I ended up finding a different clinic to attend and it’s a night and day difference, the people in class are 4.0-4.5’s. I feel I can learn a LOT in this environment and not hold back which in the other clinic was only hindering my progress. Just sharing my experience and wondering if anyone else has had a similar one.

I had this same experience this past summer but had paid for a bunch of sessions ahead of time. I hung in there and the pro would jump in and hit with me directly. By the end of the summer the group dwindled down to where it was just two of us and the pro.

I don't think I ever got better via group clinics but it's good exercise to get out there and do those drills & games.

For improvement I like observing better players and getting tips online and then doing tons of reps on the wall. Pros today charge outlandish fees for privates and guarantee nothing.

 

[dgold44]

The level of the attendees was pretty much irrelevant in the context of the clinics I've attended.

$20 for 1 hour. Typically 6 students. Typical drill would be feeding 4 balls: Baseline, approach, volley, overhead and then go to back of the line.

The coach would give feedback on your shots and therein lied the value, A private lesson with him would cost $125.

No way I would ever pay more than 65 to 75 an hr

125 is a big chunk after a few months

 

[Deleted member 23235]

I had this same experience this past summer but had paid for a bunch of sessions ahead of time. I hung in there and the pro would jump in and hit with me directly. By the end of the summer the group dwindled down to where it was just two of us and the pro.

I don't think I ever got better via group clinics but it's good exercise to get out there and do those drills & games.

For improvement I like observing better players and getting tips online and then doing tons of reps on the wall. Pros today charge outlandish fees for privates and guarantee nothing.

I used to have the same mentality.. but wall drills only gets you so far (ie practicing neutral ball rallies).

well run clinics force you to hit everything else (wide fh/bh, short low ball approach shots top/under, shallow oh, deep oh,sharp cc, etc,...) all the shots I find myself missing in a match.

that said, if you’re not seeing ROI then no point In continuing. by me it’s ~50/h.

@dimkin introduces me to a good one that’s 50 for 90 minutes + free indoor court time after. a lot of good players too.


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[heninfan99]

I used to have the same mentality.. but wall drills only gets you so far (ie practicing neutral ball rallies).

well run clinics force you to hit everything else (wide fh/bh, short low ball approach shots top/under, shallow oh, deep oh,sharp cc, etc,...) all the shots I find myself missing in a match.

that said, if you’re not seeing ROI then no point In continuing. by me it’s ~50/h.

@dimkin introduces me to a good one that’s 50 for 90 minutes + free indoor court time after. a lot of good players too.


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I don't doubt a quality group clinic can exist. In fact, this is how Brent Abel learned his all court forcing game via an elite clinic group. These are very rare. Typically, a clinic drill is a bunch of hacks flailing around and the pro doesn't have any time to give tips.

I agree wall hitting isn't great for movement but it's excellent for learning a new swing technique.