About Gift of Tennis
This blog was inspired by my interaction with the Novice League tennis group that I coach at the Manlius YMCA.
In 2018, we created the Novice League for players who had learned tennis recently or who were returning to tennis after a long break. Players in the Novice League meet once or twice per week for doubles tennis match play. It was my privilege, as a newly certified tennis instructor, to coach the group. I would guide them through match play, helping them become familiar with the mechanics involved in scoring, playing sets, changing ends of the court, providing feedback about their strengths and weaknesses, and at times I would play in when needed to make up a foursome. Each week we focused on one new doubles tennis court thought, something they could practice and add to their knowledge or skills bank. I firmly believe in only one court thought at a time for best results.
All of the court thoughts generally fall into one of four categories: technical, tactical, mental, and practical. A few subjects span 2 or 3 categories. Most of them evolved organically during our time on the court, as it became apparent what advice would be helpful to them to elevate their game. Some of the content focused on where to stand and what area of court to cover. Some court thoughts focused on the “how to” such as how to hold and swing the racquet for the most effective shots. Some of it came about as clarification to rules and conventions. Some of it was inspired by my own tennis experience, especially the tips for a better mental game.
The information was enthusiastically received by the group, and a few of the players asked if they could share my court thoughts with their other tennis friends who weren’t part of the Novice League. I was pleased they found the court thoughts to be of value, and it is for this reason that I’ve decided to present the information to a wider audience via a weekly blog.
Over the year, the Novice League and I have grown together, and somewhere along the journey, a couple of them nick-named me “ #gift of tennis” out of gratitude towards me for their growing tennis experience. I can assure you, the feeling was mutual as this group has been a gift to me as well. They have helped me grow as a coach, and they have given me great pleasure as I watch them improve and discover the same joy of tennis that I feel.
It is for these reasons that this website has been christened Gift of Tennis, and it is my hope that you will feel it is a gift to you as well.
CLICK ON IMAGES ABOVE…
