Keith Kovach Tennis

First I want to find out what their background is-How long have they played? What kind of tennis background do they have? Do they compete? What do they see as their primary problem? What are their goals?

I am USPTA certified and have been teaching tennis for over 30 years. My competitive experience gave me an excellent window into what works and what doesn't, including separating the unrealistic and spectacular from the simple ideas that make good players successful. Remember, we're not talking about going on tour here. If we are lucky, we play at the best level possible considering our time avaialable, fitness level and experience.

Doubles and singles strategy is just as important as stroke production. How you think is equally important as how you hit.

My lesson rate is 80.00/hour. Travel time must also be taken into consideration. Group lessons can lower the rate and increase the experience. If you have some friends to join you, we can get a lot done. Remember, a common level makes this work even better. In a group setting doubles strategy becomes a theme from beginning to end.

I am a product of the tennis boom and I have been riding the wave ever since. I got jobs at clubs right out of college and was very comfortable working my way into teaching tennis after playing for many years as a junior. In the 80's south Florida was really happening for tennis. We stayed very busy. Tennis is still very popular today.

In my long career it has been my pleasure to work with every type of student imaginable. Beginners to tournament players and everyone in between. I've helped people rehab tennis elbow and correct the action that caused it. I've got lots of hours with senior players. I've worked with upcoming club players who were very interested in becoming competitors. I've helped players understand the nuance of competitive doubles. I've had the pleasure of playing with and against some of the best professionals in the state.

Like most everyone, I'm glued to the Grand Slam events. I enjoy tournament play in any form, but to see the best players in the world improve to new levels match by match is really thrilling.

Recently in enjoyed watching and participating as my ladies teams at Parkland GCC worked the home stretch into one championship, two second place finishes, a third and a fifth. I love overseeing meaningfull matches at the end of the season.

Two pieces of advise:

1) Define yuor own goals. What are you trying to achieve tennis-wise?

2) Ask your perspective professional lots of questions about qualifications, experience, competitive background, etc. See if they have a teaching philosophy. Overhauling your game to reflect their style may be problematic, even impossible.

Once again, wholesale changes to an already existing game may not be possible. Also, opportunity is important. A professional needs to understand that a once a week player will require a different approach than someone who can play almost every day. A professional should be able to explain his approach to the game in simple terms. Comparisons to Pete Sampras or Roger Federer could be misplaced.