Tennis is one of the world’s most popular sports, and more people than ever enjoy the game. Whether it’s a young child starting out or an adult who wants to improve their game for the weekends, having the right instructor can make all the difference. However, knowing how to choose the best instructor can be confusing. To make the process easier, here are some steps to follow when choosing the best tennis instructor.
Experience Counts
It’s important to choose an instructor who has previous experience on the court. In many cases, former professional tennis players choose to become instructors after completing their playing careers. However, it’s not imperative that your instructor be a former pro. Some of the best instructors are ones who never played at the professional level, but instead played on their college tennis teams and then chose to become instructors full-time rather than pursue pro careers. Whatever background you prefer from your instructor, make sure you ask plenty of detailed questions about their experience prior to signing up for lessons.
Accreditation
Many of the best instructors, along with having a background in college or professional tennis, also work hard to gain accreditation as coaches or instructors. If this is important to you, make sure you ask about this at your initial meeting. According to ESTA Florida, “Most of the best instructors usually gain accreditation from the United States Tennis Association as certified instructors, so be sure to ask for their credentials before starting to work on your forehand.”
Attitude
Not only do you need to be able to respect your instructor, but they also need to show respect for their students as well. An instructor’s attitude can go far in determining the success or failure of students, so it’s very important to choose one whose personality fits well with your own. Some people prefer an instructor who is all business and pushes them to the limit, while others who are simply wanting some informal lessons may prefer a more laid-back approach.
Club Pro?
Many people who choose to take tennis lessons already belong to a tennis club or country club, so they have access to the club pro for lessons if they so choose. However, just because you belong to a club does not mean you’re obligated to use the services of the local pro. If your personalities don’t blend well together or you’re not satisfied with their approach to your game, feel free to look elsewhere for the best instruction.
Age-Specific Instruction
When seeking instruction for children, parents should make sure the instructor they choose has the ability to work well with children of various ages. Some parents want an instructor who will help their child reach the finals of Wimbledon someday or become good enough to obtain a college scholarship, while others simply want their children to be able to enjoy the game as much as they do. While most instructors work with people of all ages, some specialize in working with children who may be looking to become professionals themselves someday. Whatever your goals may be, make sure you and your child are comfortable with whomever you choose for instruction.
Whether the goal is to win a Grand Slam event, the club championship or simply beat your best friend on a Saturday morning, having the right instructor can work wonders on your game. Improving your serve, getting more power with your forehand, or making sure you can hit the perfect drop shot can all become reality with the right instructor. For more information on choosing the right instructor for you or your child’s game, visit http://www.usta.com/Improve-Your-Game/Instruction/Youth-Development/Choosing_a_coach.html.
