The following post is an excerpt from The Tennis Parent’s Bible. Thank you for visiting, Frank Giampaolo
How to Find the Right Professional?
Initial instructors are usually chosen by proximity, cost and availability. Once the athlete progresses into the competitive stage, it’s time to identify the styles and personalities of coaches that fit your needs. Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to have more than one coach. Listed below are eight specialized styles of coaches that you may be employing along your journey. Let’s call it your coaching menu:
- The Kind and Fun Loving Coach
- The Mechanical Technician
- The Tennis-Specific Off Court Fitness Expert
- The Hitter
- The Emotional-Psychological Coach
- The Mental-Strategizing Expert
- The Academy Recruiter
- The Clinic/Academy- Group Class Instructor
Employing the right professional will save you thousands of wasted hours, dollars and tears. Here are a few secrets to assist you when selecting a Pro:
- Great coaches were mentored by even greater coaches. Ask them who mentored them and/or who they trained under (as a teacher).
- Look for a coach who enjoys what they do, it’s contagious.
- Seek out a Pro that is so busy, that they don’t need your business.
- The 10,000 hour rule applies! Being a master coach is a specialized/learned experience.
- Be careful, a former college player or pro challenger player does not always translate into a great teacher.
- Seek out a Pro who understands their clients unique Brain/ Body Type and Personality Profile (Genetic Predisposition).
- Ask every player that beats you or your kid, “Great match…who is your coach? Where do you train?”
- Ask a prospective coach, “We’ve heard great things about you, may we come and observe a few of your lessons?”
- Pay the coach to chart a match and devise his game plan for improvement. Meet regarding his observations and suggestions.
- Make sure the coach is asking questions, customizing and targeting their lessons.
- Be wary of a Pro that discourages you from hitting with other Pro’s, hitters or trainers!
Match day failures almost always stem from the dozens of preparation failures. Simply put, the opponent found your weaknesses before you’ve even identified them. Uncovering the root of the losses is often done by charting.
CONTACT: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
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