ONE ON ONE OR GROUP SESSIONS ?

The amount of Tennis balls hit in a one hour one on one session compared to an hour group session with 6 to 8 students would possibly be around 600 to 200. That's a huge difference.
I recently held a session with a junior and we concentrated on less pace with more spin, this was after 30 minutes of technique drills with the focus being on perfecting the swing and follow through.
I asked the student to simply 'get it in ', yet this appears to be a huge problem for most students as they seem to be more obsessed with hitting winners. The first rally we had lasted 85 shots, not bad for a kid who used to count to 4 then if he hadn't missed then it was time to hit that winner. The second rally lasted 96 shots, getting better, the third just 55 shots, still we were getting the required result, then the longest rally I have ever had with a student.
After going through 100 shots I thought the focus would wear off but this kid was really in the 'Zone', we got to 210 before he missed, the technique was outstanding and the desire to not miss was also evident.
Keep the ball in play and give yourself a chance.......
One of my touring buddies from our 1991 European Tour, Brett Patten who became World Number 1 two years ago for 35-40's hit the nail on the head when he reiterated a statement from Brad Gilbert, 'It's better to win ugly than to lose pretty'.
This refers to the player who is simply prepared to get the ball in play instead of playing 'flashy Tennis' which focuses more on a glamorous style and a desire to hit winners.
The most successful coaches are the ones who think outside the square with their routines and who make the game affordable to learn. If we keep it affordable then students keep coming back, simple.....                 

A TENNIS COACH'S OBLIGATION'

When teaching a game as complex as Tennis it would be an understatement to say that the parents are just as important as the student in the whole process of tuition. It is an obligation on the Coach's behalf to do a number of things for both the parent and student but honesty would by far be the best policy.
A fair assessment of how the pupil is progressing should be a necessity however in my years on court this seems to be neglected by some Coaches. When Tournaments are on offer it should also be talked about amongst all concerned just as to whether or not the pupil is 'ready' to play at certain levels. Local Tournaments are never really an issue, however sending kids to Perth to play against the State's best if they are not at the required level technically or mentally can be a huge mistake.
The Coach also has to consider price. In my situation I do not rely on the game for a living so therefore my pricing may to most people seem rather low. I am however no less committed than full time Tennis Coaches to see my students progress, I simply make the game affordable to learn.
It's a game that in the years to come may just be out of the reach financially for many if the progression of prices over the years is anything to go by. It is not uncommon in Perth to pay up to $100 per hour with the State's best Coaches.
Here in Albany you can be sure that learning the technical  and tactical side of Tennis under my guidance will be both educational and affordable.....