When coaching a beginner, I focus on building comfort and confidence first. I start with simple hand-eye coordination drills and introduce basic grips, swing shapes, and footwork in a clear, encouraging way. We keep things fun and low-pressure using soft balls or mini tennis, focusing on contact point and consistency. My goal is to create a positive first experience that builds a foundation for long-term development and love for the game.
A beginner can expect to transition into a more confident, game-ready player. Lessons will focus on sharpening technique, improving consistency under pressure, and developing smarter shot selection. Players will learn how to construct points, handle different ball types, and recognize patterns in match play. Fitness, mental toughness, and match strategy become part of the training. The ultimate goal is to prepare them for competitive or recreational match play, where they can rally, serve, and compete with confidence and purpose.
Players can expect to progress from foundational skills to more consistent rallying and beginner point play. We’ll refine stroke technique (forehand, backhand, serve, and volley), improve footwork patterns, and introduce topspin and directional control. Players will start learning basic tactics—like hitting crosscourt, recovering to the middle, and keeping score. Drills will get more dynamic, incorporating movement and decision-making. By the tenth lesson, the goal is for players to feel comfortable rallying, serving, and playing short sets with basic understanding of strategy and court awareness.
Beginners can expect to build on the basics with more structure and repetition. We’ll reinforce proper grip, swing mechanics, and footwork, then introduce rallying with control using forehands and backhands. I’ll start adding serve fundamentals and basic positioning for simple point play. The focus remains on developing consistency, timing, and confidence, while keeping it fun and encouraging progress through small wins.
In the first lesson with an advanced player, I focus on evaluating their game in a live setting. I watch them hit all major strokes—serves, returns, rally balls, transition shots, and volleys—while assessing timing, decision-making, footwork, and shot patterns. I ask questions to understand their playing style, goals, and mindset. The goal isn’t to change anything right away, but to identify strengths, expose areas for growth, and build trust by showing that I see their game clearly and can help take it to the next level.
In the remaining lessons, the goal is to make their game match-ready at a high level. This includes refining identity-based tactics, improving performance under match stress, and mastering the mental and physical details that separate good from great. We’ll prepare for tournaments or college-level play with structured match play, video analysis (if available), fitness-specific movement training, and confidence-building reps in their weapon areas.
From the fourth through tenth lessons, the focus shifts to high-level consistency, adaptability, and shot variety. We’ll emphasize situational hitting (e.g. defense to offense, transition game), develop advanced patterns of play, and integrate decision-making under fatigue or pressure. Expect match-based drills, mental toughness training, and competitive sets with feedback. Strengths will be sharpened, and weaknesses turned into tools, with a tailored plan to elevate their match performance.
In the second and third lessons, an advanced player can expect a sharp technical and tactical assessment. We’ll refine key stroke mechanics under pressure, introduce live ball drills focused on pattern development, and begin layering in point construction scenarios. The goal is to identify areas for improvement, whether it’s shot selection, footwork efficiency, or tactical discipline, and start building intentional progressions from there.