Thanks for visiting my website. Over the years I have been asked to write books, host radio shows and speak and I developed this website to provide similar access to topics in which people in the tennis industry have expressed interest. The technology of the web provides a phenomenal platform in which to do this. So on this site you will find, or soon will find, podcasts of some of my shows, books, videos, discussions etc, in addition to many links of interest.
I aim to equip, encourage, and educated players, parents, and coaches in the competitive world of tennis. As a collegiate coach, educator, tennis teaching professional, player and lifelong learner I truly believe this: tennis and its many unique aspects is a microcosm of the world, how we deal with success and failure, and develop as people. Coaching tennis is not just the technical, tactical, emotional and other aspects, it is developing people which in truth develops great players. A dear friend of mine (whom I started an endowment after at UC Irvine when I coached there), Myron McNamera, who, with other good friends such as the Great Jack Kramer, started the ATP tour as we know it, said,
“The Characteristics needed to produce champion players are the same as to become a champion person and 1st class human being.” –Myron
So is my desire to encourage, inspire and equip players, parents, and coaches, who in turn inspire and equip others to promote tennis, foster sportsmanship, and develop greater players and people.
Players
Some may say what level. All levels of players can learn from what is on this site. From ATP statistical analysis to club pointers, from junior competition to collegiate aspects, the principles are the same, the execution ability is just different. Whether it is tactical, technical, emotional, pre-game/game and post game management, momentum management etc., all levels can learn.
Parents
Parents, who in some cases are coaches and in some cases have admittedly have little knowledge about tennis, want access to become better coaches or parents of players. The parent-coach relationship is a tough one (I am one) and I want to encourage, inspire and educate those parents as well as those who do not know much or anything about tennis.
Coaches
Having been a collegiate coach for over thirty years (most at the elite Division 1 level, meaning I have had the pleasure of producing players in the top 5 NCAA and teams in the top 16 NCAA), as well as coaching players that went on to the elite ATP levels (top 3 ATP doubles) and numerous in the top 500 singles, I have a lot to share from my experience and more importantly from SO MANY others in the “brotherhood” of coaches. The coaching world, the tennis world, is very close and small. We all learn from each other and can encourage each other. Great coaches are lifelong learners and truly teach their players to be lifelong learners, people who are passionate to enjoy the process be it on court, professional business world after college and tennis, etc.
So I desire to encourage, equip, and educate coaches be they collegiate, private, high school, local city, club, parent-coaches etc. There is something for everyone. Here is a clear and simple example. A dear friend of mine, Carl Neufeld (Head Men’s tennis coach at SMU) mentioned to my guys after I introduced them (networking and meeting others in the tennis world is key), told them how important the .01 is. If we just get 1/10 of 1% better everyday, the principle of compounding interest kicks in. You will get better significantly. This can apply to every coach as they remind their players. Great reminder Carl.
So Welcome and enjoy reading and visiting various pages, links, etc. Please see my contact page and contact me if you have thoughts or questions that I might address.