Tennis with Coach Philip Hodges

Tennis has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started playing competitively at a young age and have now been involved in the sport for over 16 years. I’ve had the opportunity to coach for the past 10 years, including four summers at the UCLA Tennis Camp—an experience that helped me grow as both a coach and mentor. Tennis also runs deep in my family. My aunt is the head coach of the UCLA Women’s Tennis Team, and my uncle won 14 Grand Slams on the professional tour. Growing up around them taught me not just the technical side of tennis, but also how to carry myself with integrity, resilience, and humility—qualities I try to pass on to every student I coach. Over the last five years, I’ve provided private lessons and worked as a hitting partner for adults, tailoring sessions to meet each player’s goals—whether that’s refining technique, building confidence, or simply enjoying the rhythm of the game. I also run my own youth tennis camp, where I focus on creating a positive, energetic atmosphere that makes learning fun and keeps kids coming back excited to play. In addition to private instruction, I also offer group lessons for both kids and adults. Group sessions are a great way to build skills in a social, dynamic environment, and I structure them to ensure each player stays active, engaged, and challenged—regardless of the group’s size or experience level. My Coaching Style I believe in creating a balance between hard work and enjoyment. I emphasize fundamentals and footwork early on, while also weaving in live ball drills, point play, and strategy discussions to keep things engaging and game-like. My lessons are goal-oriented and structured, but I always make room for flexibility depending on the player's energy, needs, and interests that day. I’m a big believer in positive reinforcement, and I strive to create a supportive environment where players feel encouraged to take risks, ask questions, and develop their own game. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build a foundation or an experienced player fine-tuning match strategy, I aim to make each session both productive and fun. Lesson Format Most lessons begin with a dynamic warm-up followed by technical work—like refining strokes, footwork, or serve mechanics. We then move into live drills or point play that simulate real match conditions. For younger players, I include fun games and challenges to build skills without overwhelming them. For adults or advanced juniors, I like to include tactical elements and mental game strategies as well. Tennis has shaped who I am, and my goal as a coach is to help others experience all the joy, challenge, and growth the sport has to offer.