10 Tips to Becoming a Better Tennis Coach

As a tennis coach, your success depends on your ability to connect with your students, earn their respect, and attract more clients. In this article, we will discuss ten tips that will help you achieve these goals and become a better tennis coach.

1. Make eye contact and be approachable
When meeting your students for the first time, or greeting them as they come to your classes, do not wear sunglasses. You should be able to see their eyes, and they should be able to see yours. By taking off your sunglasses and showing your eyes, you will create a good connection with them.

2. Maintain a positive attitude
Your students should not know that you had a sleepless night because of your newborn baby or had a tough lesson with another client. Always reset and put on a smiling face for the next student or class. Keep your attitude positive and show that you are excited to see them every time.

3. Remember and use your students’ names
Learn your students’ names and say them a few times during their lessons. Everyone enjoys hearing their name mentioned, and it shows that you respect and value them.

4. Stay focused during lessons
Never pick up or talk on the phone during your tennis lessons. Imagine that you are a parent who is paying for their child’s lesson, and you see the coach talking on the phone instead of interacting with and instructing your child. Always give your undivided attention to your students during the time they employ your services.

5. Be punctual and respectful of your students’ time
Never be late for your lesson; otherwise, it should be free for your client. If you know you will be late, find a way to let your student know ahead of time. Always arrive at the court at least 15 minutes before your lesson to get the court and any teaching aids that you will be using for the class ready.

6. Avoid negative talk
Do not gossip or talk negatively about your other clients, fellow coaches, or competing tennis clubs/organizations. Negative talk will reflect on you, and your clients will associate what you say with the feeling they have toward you. Keep your actions and words as positive as possible.

7. Show appreciation
Show respect for your tennis students, even those who have stopped taking lessons with you. They can be great ambassadors to promote your services to their friends and families.

8. Organize get-togethers
Offer free lessons to those who cannot afford them, and organize weekly get-togethers where your students and their friends can play together. It is an excellent way to meet their families and spread the word about you and your services.

9. Present yourself professionally
Always look clean and smell nice. As a coach, you may need to rally with your students, so it is important to have spare clothes and a way to take care of your appearance before and after each lesson.

10. Keep learning and sharing knowledge
Find ways to constantly improve your tennis knowledge about the latest teaching techniques and share what you know with your younger fellow coaches. Be available to share your experience, not only with your students but with their parents or anyone who is willing to learn.
Knowledge should not be kept a secret. It should be shared so that others benefit from it.

By following these ten tips, you can improve your coaching skills, connect with your students, gain their respect, and attract more clients. Keep these tips in mind, and you will become a better tennis coach.

Cosmin Miholca

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Check out my work at WebTennis24 where I share with you my best video tennis lessons, drills and tips for players, coaches and tennis parents.