10 Reasons Why I Love Coaching Tennis

1. Rewarding

Seeing players improve their game and enjoying their tennis is very rewarding. It can be a player playing their first ever match, noticing that all of the tennis courts are full, a player achieving their goal, players smiling and laughing or making friends.

2. It improves my confidence

I have always been quite a shy person off the court and in my early years coaching I found it somewhat difficult. Over 20+ years helping players with their tennis has improved my confidence no end.

I have been making coaching videos on YouTube and various social media for the last 6 years. One area I never felt comfortable doing was speaking into the camera. Over the last year, I’ve set myself some goals. which I’m delighted to have achieved.

• do a voice over on a video (doubles tactics video presentation)
• do a live Zoom session (charity fundraiser video)
• speak into the camera for a coaching video (10 tips for nerves video)

3. I get to coach with a friend

In my current club and in my previous club, I have worked with my fellow coach Victoria Gaidau. She is a true friend, funny, hard working and a fantastic coach.

I look forward to going to work, having someone to chat to about ideas, have a laugh and knowing I can trust her to bring out the best in other players. Thank you Victoria. 🙂

4. It has helped me become more patient

I believe that coaching tennis has had a big influence in helping me become more patient. I have learnt over the years, that new initiatives can take time to implement and that it takes time for players to progress their game. One of my favourite quotes is by Carlo Ancelotti, the current manager of Everton football club. In his book “Quiet Leadership” he writes…

“My approach is born of the idea that a leader should not need to rant or rave, or rule with an iron fist, but rather that their power should be implicit. It should be crystal clear who is in charge and their authority must result from respect and trust rather than fear. If your natural inclination is to be quiet, calm and take care of others, it is unwise to try and be anyone else.”

Carlo Ancelotti

5. Every day is different

During each day, I get to coach players of different ages, abilities and personalities. You never know what to expect, it provides a challenge and helps keep interest and motivation levels high.

Some days I can have junior and adult groups, a private lesson and league coaching which gives a lot of variety to my day.

6. Keeping fit

I have really noticed a difference not coaching tennis on court during the lockdowns. In a regular day of coaching groups, I would normally do between 8,000 to 10,000 steps. If you add in a private lesson where rallying or points take place, this would add on at least another 5,000 steps.

I am in my early forties, (42). I put on weight more easily, especially during the first lockdown, eating the same as normal, and with less exercise. I have had to eat less and work out more to help substitute the lack of on court coaching.

During the last month, my wife, Dee and I starting running together. I only went for runs previously on a treadmill and Dee never liked running. We did our first 10k together in February this year! I have to say it is a lot more fun running outdoors and also running with someone.

7. Meet new people

Tennis coaching can result in anti-social hours, working late in the evenings and at weekends, but you also get to interact with a lot of people during your week. It can be new members that have joined or players new to coaching.

During the summer, there was a huge influx of new tennis members, with tennis being one of the first sports back after lockdown. We ran some free initiatives for the new adult and junior members and it was great to see a good mix of age groups joining.

8. Bringing people together

By setting up coaching programmes and social activities, a coach helps people meet others, make new friends and have lots of fun. It can be quite daunting for a person, especially for a new member where they don’t know anyone.

All it can take is for someone to make a friend or find someone they can play regularly with and they start to enjoy their tennis more and feel more involved in the club. The next thing you know they are taking part in all the activities and getting involved on committees!

9. I learn new things

As humans, we are all different. You can show a group of 8 players the same thing and they put their own style on it. Being different as a tennis player can be a good thing, your opponent may not have come up against your style of play.

When helping players, there can be so many things that they do different to others. As a coach, I have to try new ways of helping them with technique, or their game. It forces you to think outside the box, use your imagination. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t

10. I love tennis

I have always loved tennis, since I was first introduced to it by my parents aged 7. I started playing doubles with them along with my sister on public gravel tennis courts in Clarinda Park. I remember being hit in the head, falling over, lots of fresh airs and tennis balls constantly bouncing over my head out of reach of my racquet!

I was hooked!. I remember hitting volleys against my living room wall with a sponge ball, hitting groundstrokes using a ball and string on my road. When I joined a club aged 9, I spent most of my days there.

By coaching tennis, I get to introduce players to this fabulous game, which I have loved, from the first day I played it. It keeps you healthy, it’s great fun and you can play for life. Thank you TENNIS!

Rob Cherry
Be Gr8 at Tennis