What makes a good tennis coach? You can answer this question in a myriad of ways from different perspectives. However, it is certainly something that you should ask yourself when you begin your search for a coach.
Finding a good tennis coach to improve your game and take it to the next level can be difficult, especially if you are new to this.
After all, there are plenty of coaches out there who can teach you the beautiful game of tennis. Still, not everyone is suited to your personality and requirements as a player. There needs to be a solid understanding between the player and the coach for a fruitful partnership.
That said, there are a few common denominators – specific characteristics, so to speak – that every tennis coach should possess. With that in mind, we have compiled this detailed article in nine characteristics which are a must-have for every tennis instructor.
An In-Depth Understanding of the Game
Aristotle once said, “Teaching is the Highest Form of Understanding.”
One cannot emphasise the importance of this attribute enough. For any tennis coach to be successful in their endeavour, he/she must have a detailed, solid understanding of the sport. In other words, a good tennis coach should know the game like the back of his hand.
Of course, this also includes rules as laid down by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the ability to shift, adapt and improvise on different surfaces – grass, clay, hard, the playing conditions, and possible effects of the game on body and mind.
Whether it is the fundamentals and beginner-level plays or the advanced strategies and tactics employed by the professionals on the WTA and ATP Tours, trainers must be aware of all the game’s nuances thoroughly.
Only then will they be able to teach this knowledge onto the players in a progressive, structured manner. Coaches should prepare a proper, balanced framework for the players to hone their skills and build their game.
A Strong Love and Passion for Tennis
Just like anything else in life, love and passion are the driving factors that allow us to excel at something. This holds good for tennis coaches too – it goes without saying that there needs to be a deep love and respect for the game.
Just think about it for a second – what good is a coach who does not love the sport at all? In such a scenario, do you think your tennis mentor would be able to do justice when it comes to teaching you this beautiful game?
If it helps, think of it along the lines of your favourite teacher in high school or college. Chances are, many students in your class would have done well in their subject (if not, at least passed with decent grades).
The reason for this is the teacher’s passion for the subject. This passion is mirrored beautifully in the way they teach and educate. These are the same teachers who would go the extra mile to help you and inspire you to attend their classes rather than trying to skip them.
We can extend the same analogy to the context of tennis coaching as well. The way they teach and impart their knowledge and experience onto you is very much a reflection of their passion for the game. They must have an undying thirst to learn more about tennis and then, pass on the same to you.
A good tennis coach must also be passionate about your progress and development.
They must care about your performance in the tournaments and matches. There needs to be a genuine interest from them to help you improve your game and grow better as a sportsman and as a person.
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Necessary Qualifications and Certifications
This one is so obvious; it goes without saying. A good tennis coach needs to have the right set of qualifications and certifications to reflect his/her skillset successfully.
Now, a coach may have the necessary knowledge and experience – possibly better than many other coaches in the field – but what good does it do when it can’t be portrayed and marketed in a way that’s appealing to prospective students and learners of the game?
That’s where coaching credentials come into play. Think of these as the guarantee – a seal of authenticity – that instructors have undertaken and learned the necessary attributes needed to teach the game successfully to others.
These programs cover various subjects, ranging from the fundamentals of the game to communication, monitoring progress, planning, and everything else.
There are various reputed bodies where coaches can get accredited and earn their certifications.
To become a tennis coach in the USA, there’s the United States Professional Tennis Registry (USPTR), the United States Tennis Association (USTA), and the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) where one can undergo an intensive course to become a coaching professional.
Similarly, in the United Kingdom, one can join the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to earn the credentials.
Whatever may be the case, your prospective tennis coach must have the right certifications for you even to start considering them.
Good Communication Skills
We know that Roger Federer and Serena Williams are among the best of the best in the world of tennis. Imagine for a second that years after they have retired, they decide to join the coaching fray.
Now, imagine the unimaginable – they don’t know how to communicate or impart their knowledge in the right manner. How far do you think they would go in emulating their success in their students?
It is often believed that just because one is extremely knowledgeable does not necessarily mean that they will be an equally good teacher.
Above all else, a good teacher needs to have impeccable communication skills. However, this is one trait that is often overlooked, but we are here to tell you that it should not be the case.
Just go back to that favourite teacher of yours in high school – think about the way they taught you the subject versus others, not-so-interesting-teachers who would just put you to sleep. Think of the impact that their teaching style would make on you.
The way a coach communicates with their disciples can make all the difference between success and failure. After all, you are likely to spend a whole season with him – it is only fair that you guys are able to communicate in a clear, transparent manner.
Suppose you are performing well in your matches and are improving. In that case, it must be the responsibility of the coach to tell the same and compliment you. Conversely, if your game needs work or you are slacking off, you need to be critiqued in an understanding fashion.
You should be able to discuss and voice out whatever concerns or questions you may have, without any hesitation.
Assume there is no chemistry or proper communication. In that case, there may be a bit of animosity between the two of you. Chances are, it will not be a beneficial partnership. To put it differently, you will not be inclined to learn from them if they don’t speak well.
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Past Experience and Recommendations
There are two ways to look at this – the playing experience of the coach and teaching experience. Whatever may be the case, there should ideally be a healthy balance of the two.
One of the best examples in this regard is Boris Becker – the German veteran who won 6 Grand Slams and is also the former coach of Novak Djokovic. During his 3-year stint with Djokovic, he guided him to 6 Grand Slams and 14 ATP Masters titles on the tour.
Now, a good tennis player may not become a good instructor too, but a decent career performance does help a great deal.
If the playing expertise is absent, then it should be made up for with teaching.
Look at their past performances and testimonials of other students; evaluate how long they have been in the coaching field and what kind of success rate they have enjoyed through the years.
You may also benefit from consulting the coach’s past students and see what they have to say about their former mentor. After all, nothing beats a good word of mouth, and if your coach is receiving flying commendations, it should make your decision all the more, easier.
While you are at it, you may also want to look at these students’ results and wins. If there is a precedent of victories – a winning pattern of sorts – then you can rest assured that you are in the right hands.
Ideally speaking, you are better off working with a coach who has been in the coaching game for a few years, rather than working with someone who is just fresh off the circuit. But of course, exceptions do exist and it may very well be the case here as well.
The Ability to Plan, Execute, and Monitor
This is something that may be tricky for you to gauge right off the bat, but it should be on your mind. When you are consulting with your potential tennis coach, be sure to ask about what kind of roadmap and game plan they have for you in the future.
Good planning can make or break your chances of reaching your desired objectives.
Realistically, you want them to be teaching you the different degrees of the game in a structured, well-planned fashion. In other words, you are better off getting the basics of the game right at first before diving into the advanced tactics.
Once the coaching plan is set, the next step is to execute it. We are talking about drills, building physical endurance and stamina, and getting accustomed to the sport. Eventually, you should also eye participating in local tennis tournaments – this is definitely something that your coach should have in the pipeline.
At every step of the way, your coach should be able to monitor and track your progress. Not only that, but they should give you the necessary feedback to improve your game further.
Remember – it is not just teaching that a good mentor must do – they should also look at how you are maturing in the sport so they can continue to nudge you in the right direction.
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The Level of Playing
A simple fact of life – one cannot teach you what they don’t know. The same fact is applicable to tennis as well – a good tennis coach can only teach you what they know.
That’s why, when you are evaluating a tennis coach, you must be certain to assess their playing level too. Ideally, the coach should have played at a higher level than what you are planning to reach in the near future.
If you are planning to go pro on the ATP/WTA Tours, then your mentor, in a very ideal scenario, should have spent a few seasons themselves on the tour in their prime.
That way, you can not only expect the best of knowledge, but you will also be learning from someone who knows what life is like on the tour. He/she may be well-versed with the different facets of playing the sport at a professional level – facets that are unknown to the common man.
Be sure to ask the coach the tennis level they have played themselves – if the answer is not what you are looking for, they should be making up for it with their teaching and coaching experience.
Character, Flexibility, and Patience
A good temperament can go a long way in determining the success of a tennis teacher. There needs to be mutual respect and understanding between the two parties.
Moreover, patience is of equal importance. If the desired objectives are not being achieved in one manner, then the coach should not be hesitant in trying out different approaches. At the end of the day, the coach must not lose their mind and give up on you for the lack of a better phrase.
It is also worth noting that a performance-driven plan may give better results than an outcome-driven plan.
Anything and everything can be achieved, as long as there is a love for the sport and a willingness to learn.
Good teachers should realise and adapt their teaching abilities to your personality. For example, screaming and yelling may work for one player but it may have a drastic, opposite impact on the others. Coaches should be aware of such instances right at the beginning and accordingly tweak their gameplan for best results.
In addition to this, traits like punctuality, discipline, dedication, and companionship also make a big difference.
Ability to Motivate
Motivation is a big factor when it comes to excelling at anything in life. Without motivation, there is nothing.
That’s why the ability to motivate is one of the most crucial characteristics that every tennis coach should possess. There will be days when things will not go your way, there will be times when you will want to give up – it is when your coach comes in the picture and pushes you in the right direction.
Motivation also entails keeping the practice and drills fun, engaging, and exciting. It should not be monotonous and repetitive, otherwise, you will lose interest quite quickly. In fact, good coaches will also spend time off-court with their disciples to discuss anything but tennis and keep things interesting.
If you have seen professional WTA or ATP games, then you know how often player looks at the coach during the course of the match, especially during the critical times. It is that non-verbal communication, that subtle push from the coach keeps driving the athlete forward.
Sometimes, it may be difficult to believe in yourself – that’s where coaches need to do their part and help you regain that confidence.
Parting Thoughts
So, there you go folks! The next time you find yourself seeking a tennis coach, be sure to look out for these traits and characteristics.
Ultimately, what matters the most if the love and passion for the sport, the technical knowledge, and the ability to pass on the same to you, clearly and effectively.
An excellent tennis coach will always go out of the way to help you realise your full potential and keep you motivated during your arduous journey. From pointing out flaws and helping you improve them to teaching you new skills and helping you ace your game, there’s a lot of things to consider here.
All said and done, these traits are general guidelines that will allow you to narrow down on your perfect tennis mentor with ease.