Coaching

The recent rise of popularity in tennis is a positive sign for the future of the sport. As interest in the game increases, our main role as facilitators (parent or coach) is to create a welcoming environment that promotes life-long participation and enjoyment at both competitive and recreational...Read more

What happens when you show up to take a tennis lesson? Typically the pro will ask you what you want to work on. Being eager to improve your game you tell the coach that your backhand was off in your last league match. “Can you help me figure out what I am doing wrong with my backhand?”, you plead...Read more

At the beginning of this year, USPTA Eastern ushered in a new era in the organization’s history as Michael Smookler was named its new President. While Smookler is new to the role of President, he takes over the position with a wealth of experience on USPTA boards dating back to 2005. “Our goal is...Read more

Tennis has changed. The balls are traveling much faster than ever before. Even at the club level, it is difficult to sustain a longer rally due to the lack of time in between shots. This change means that players need to be able to hit their shots from many different positions on the court. Even...Read more

This article is Part Two in a 10-part series from Dr. Tom Ferraro. Click Here to read Part One . Over the years I have learned a key intervention that helps tennis players in their effort to win is anticipating any and all problems that will occur during an event and preparing a reaction to it...Read more

One of the biggest challenges of a tennis player is to compete at a high level in an official tournament match. Often there is a big drop, and the things that looked simple in practice at the local club all-week become harder. It seems to be more difficult when you play a Friday night match on...Read more

Sometimes stating the obvious doesn’t seem as important as some complicated strategy or game plan that the experts promote. In Brad Gilbert’s Winning Ugly , he basically encourages the player to make shots, especially at the beginning of the match. Most players are not at 100 percent mentally or...Read more

Effective coaches use words strategically so that their message has the greatest positive impact and throughout my career, I have looked to find a better cue or phrase to coach with clarity. Sometimes the improvements that I have found are subtle yet they can be meaningful. I've developed a better...Read more

There are usually a couple of days each year that you go out to play a tennis match and everything works well—your movement is great, your shots feel solid and your strategy is working to perfection. When you play a match on any other day, it is important to learn how to compete so that you give...Read more

One of the most difficult things you will encounter on the tennis court is the interference that your mind inadvertently causes when the match gets close. The best players in the world seem to be able to overcome this by reminding themselves of the successes they have had, and letting habit and...Read more