About
I'm the head tennis coach at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey. I take a very simple, friendly approach to the game of tennis.
The strokes that result in balls in play are good and need to be perfected. The strokes that result in errors are bad and either need to be improved or eliminated.
Most importantly, tennis is about fun and exercise. If you're not having fun and working up a sweat, we are doing something wrong.
I love coaching tennis because I have not yet met the person who can't find some success in tennis, can't improve their game, and can't smile on the courts. There's nothing wrong with seriously dedicating yourself to a sport, but celebrating subtle improvements and laughing are a huge part of this game, and that's the stuff I enjoy most.
Highlights
Reviews
Serina G.
Maxwell M.
Kevin K.
Ryan O.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to start players at the net and back them up after successful volleys. Volleys are a simple part of the game, and are the part of the game that are most often overlooked.
Successful volleys require a minimal ammount of athletic ability, but require hustle and concentration.
After volleys, we work on serve and return of serve, then court awareness, and then we move on to ground strokes.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've been coaching college tennis for over 12 years. Our teams are perenial playoff contenders. I've never cut a player based on talent. Our roster is made up of players who love to improve no matter what level they are at.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$65/hr. Bulk packages available upon request.
How did you get started teaching?
I've been an athlete my whole life and a coach since I was 15. A tennis opportunity came my way in 2004, and I grabbed it and fell in love with the sport.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with everything from complete beginners to all-conference players. My youngest lesson was 5 years old. My oldest was 83. I only work with people who love to improve and love to smile. Please don't ask me to babysit.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Let's work from your last point of success and build upon that. If today is your first day, lets try to make contact with the ball consnstently. If you've been playing for years, then lets attack a weakness in your game.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Time is money. Does your instructor care about your time or about their money? If the lesson doesn't focus on you and your ability, it's not the right instructor for you.