Russell Tennis Center Coach
About
My name is Dillon Piper, I'm 25 and have been involved in tennis my whole life. I was first coached by my current boss and the owner of the tennis club I work at Patrick Mlouzie. I have also been instructed by a former world number 14 and 1980s Australian open finalist John Sadri for multiple years as well as a former top 100 player named Toby Larson. I have coached kids as young as 7 years old all the way up to adults in their 60s. I offer detailed and informed instruction based off of the IMG/Nick Bolletteri acedemy system. Tennis is my true passion in life and being able to assist someone in improving is the most rewarding thing about the game to me and I look forward to getting more students for lessons as well as joining our growing junior program.
Everything. Tennis is the greatest game ever and teaching/playing/watching is just so much fun to me.
Highlights
Photos and videos
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I believe there are many ways to teach tennis but the trick is finding out the right way to teach each specific person as everyone learns and sees the game differently. I like to observe a players game and address strengths and weaknesses and improve both in a way that is both efficient and effective.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've trained as a top junior in Charlotte most of my teenage years and some of my preteen years. My education in the sport is all information I've absorbed from my former coaches who all have incredible resumes in the sport such as a head pro of multiple tennis clubs as well as my second coach who is a former top 20 player in the world who taught me quite a bit from a tactical and technical standpoint.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $20 for a half hour 1 on 1 lesson and $35 for a full hour.
How did you get started teaching?
I started coaching under a local coach named Surma who mainly had me teaching 14 and under juniors but eventually moved me into the adult lessons as well. I've recently been hired by my first coach when I was a junior and teach as his assistant at Russell tennis center where he runs the club.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with children as young as 7 and adults up to 60 with many different skill levels
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I love watching tennis on tv, so any time tennis is on I'm either watching it or busy coaching it.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure you are comfortable with their teaching style and who they are as a person as well. If you can get along well with someone and also be pushed to improve and notice improvement then you've found a good instructor.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
They should focus on where they struggle the most with their game and how to improve on it, everyone has strengths and weaknesses. The most important part of tennis is a solid foundation and not having glaring weaknesses in your game.