To Share the Story

    I have been asked by several parents over the past couple weeks when I started playing tennis. I have shared my story with them and that got me thinking how important it is to share the story of how I started playing tennis. I was entering the ninth grade and I found a tennis racket in our garage and started practicing with it. I can remember making a makeshift grass tennis court out of saw horses in our backyard. I ended up taking some tennis lessons over the winter and then went out for the high school tennis team. That first year, I lost- a lot.  The rest of the team had a name for the way I played because I would always hit the high moon balls. I finished the last man on the team ladder, two years in a row. 

      Some people may think that is not something to be proud of, but for me it is. Being last is what kept me working to prove to myself that I could learn this game. I went to summer tennis camps and played with a friend ritually over the summers. I began to craft my game and by my senior year I had earned a varsity spot, but played number one junior varsity. Even with my dedication, hard work, and passion our coach allowed me to play a varsity match. Something deep down on the inside of me wouldn't let me quit, it kept saying,"There is something more for you, this is just the beginning." I had a hard time listening to that. I wanted success now. 

       When I moved back to Phoenix for college I taught lessons and washed courts at a local academy to help pay my way through school. I would practice in the evening from 7-9 two to three nights a week. Two years after moving to Phoenix, I made my college tennis team after never playing varsity or junior tennis.  The next year I earned a college scholarship. Not only was I a scholarship player, but I had worked for a tennis teacher certification. I tell this story because it does not matter when you start playing as a high school player or the ranking you achieve. It doesn't matter on your talent. It matters on how much you are willing to go the distance and enjoy a journey. It matters not where you start, but how you finish. I may have started last, but now I get to give the instruction I needed when I was starting. I hope in some way I can make your journey just a little bit easier. 

Our Mission and How we do it

"To teach tennis to youth by using a standard teaching method that will allow them to develop the skills to last a lifetime."

Ten and under tennis lessons provides each student with a foundation in sound stroke production using a proven teaching methodology. Ten and under tennis lessons offers private and group sessions for children ten years and younger using the Learn to Rally Program, the Professional Tennis Registry Teaching Method, and the Teacher Advancement Program teaching methodology. We have been blessed to offer tennis lessons at three different locations in Phoenix. 

Control the center of the court

In tennis you need to keep the ball in play, otherwise you have to start over. The better you get you want to be able to keep the ball in play an force the other person to have to start over. One way we are teaching our students to keep the ball in play  is to have control over the center of the court. What that means is that you repeatedly hit from a stable position near the middle of the baseline while your opponent is pushed deep in the court and toward the corners. The size of the area you control expands along with your ability—the better you are, the closer your shots have to be to the lines. When you become skilled at controlling the center of the court, you will discover you are controlling the play of the ball on your terms.

(Adapted from Tennis Magazine Article referenced on October 10, 2016)

North Phoenix After School Tennis Classes Session 2

Registration for our Tuesday classes at North Phoenix Baptist are open. We start on Tuesday November 1, 2016


https://app.amstatz.com/p/business/tenandundertennislessons

The Choke Response

The person who uses this type of style to handle pressure has not learned how to control their nerves. They don't get angry or quit and always give their best effort.  They always have a good attitude. This person is teachable and easy to please. They work hard. The problem is they have a hard time beating people they are supposed to beat. This player often falls apart when the match is within their grasp and then is very hard on themselves when they lose. 

The player who chokes has the greatest battle to win, the battle with themselves. They must learn to simplify their strategy during difficult times. Stay the course instead of trying to do too much. Once the player learns to overcome the battle with themselves, they will develop the confidence and ability to become a real winner, not someone who compares themselves to others or focuses on results.