At Southern Pacific Tennis, our programs are based on a play and learn philosophy - the understanding that in
order to improve in a certain skill, a player needs to practice that skill in a realistic environment.
We have all experienced it at some point in our tennis lives……………in coaching we hit the shot with seeming perfection only to find the ball disappearing into the back fence when it comes to game time. The earlier we learn to cope with and understand the competitive environment, the faster we learn to really enjoy Tennis and do away with the constant frustration.
All SPT programs follow the same philosophy. It may be an 8 year old beginner learning to play a simple skills game with another student or an adult setting goals to achieve in a practice session. The same rule holds true.
We also believe that as a player improves and enters a more competitive environment the need to be more self-reliant becomes crucial. This means the student is taking responsibility for their own improvement. This is especially true for advanced players who will need to cope with the pressure of stressful situations on court.
High Performance players are encouraged to keep a diary of their progress and to set realistic goals for their own improvement. In this way the role of the coach becomes that of a facilitator. The student also learns to be self sufficient when playing at competitive events. They become a player who is able to carry out a match plan and will work through problem situations as they arise.
As Tennis evolves and overlaps into the business world, we all need to keep in mind that balance is crucial in our playing and working lives. Avoiding 'burn - out' of younger players is paramount when we consider the scheduling of our 'future stars'.
Tennis is a game to be played and enjoyed throughout our lives and learning to appreciate the game begins at an early stage. Of course the main philosophy of all coaching should be creating a fun and enjoyable learning environment which in itself facilitates rapid improvement.
