About
While I played tennis as a kid, it wasn't until my 20's that I dedicated myself to getting better at tennis. I competed in the 3.5's and worked my way up to the 4.5's where I currently compete. I learned tennis the hard way, trial and error (eg. I spent a year changing a forehand grip because I learned it the wrong way). I've made the mistakes so you don't have to. Let me share with you the progressions I made from 3.0 - 3.5 - 4.0 - 4.5, and let me help you make those leaps faster! I even taught myself to play lefty, just to make sure I could teach you!
https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-pros/westchester-ny/9734/
https://mytennislessons.com/profile/darnell-c#testimonials
I love the seeing the progress of my students... especially the satisfaction on a student's face when something clicks.
Highlights
Specialties
Experience level
Student age(s)
Reviews
sarah S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
In a typical lesson, I'll review your groundstrokes, volleys, serve and general strategy/tactics. I'll discuss with you the changes I'd like you to make, and why they will help, then ingrain the new technique strategy through repetition. At the end of the lesson, I provide notes of all the items we discussed, and give you "homework" you'll be required to do before our next lesson :)
This is not my primary income, so i'll never try to artificially extend a coaching relationship if i don't think i can help you.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
PTR certified https://www.ptrtennis.org/, currently play league and tournaments
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$50/h
+10/h per additional person
i've been criticized of always going over the hour, so you'll have to be mindful of the clock.
How did you get started teaching?
first motivated to teach when i had kids... got PTR certified, taught myself to play with my opposite hand, etc...
What types of students have you worked with?
mostly beginner to ntrp 4.0 level, from 7 to 70.
i prefer teaching 11-adults.
i don't have the equipment (shorter court/net) to teach 10 and under.
review from folks i've worked with:
- https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-pros/westchester-ny/9734/
- https://mytennislessons.com/profile/darnell-c#testimonials
- 9178822811
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
my favorite tennis event: us open quallifiers!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
make sure you and your coach are clear on your goals, and how he/she intends to help you achieve them.
try to match teaching styles with your learning style (auditory, visual, analytical, feel, etc...). the best coaches will be able to adapt to any learning style.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What i wanted from the best lessons i've gotten:
* Coach currently (or in the past) played at a level at or beyond the level i'm looking to achieve (or has coached others to achieve similar levels)
* Coach was very inquisitive about my background (sports, athletic, career, academic, etc...) because he was often able to relate lessons learned back to things i already knew.
* Coach ask my goals.... and realistic about what he thought i needed to do to achieve them
* Coach was transparent about how he intended to help (static/live drills? match play? teaching methodology? technique changes? historical time to make changes? etc...)
* Coach had high expectations of practicing between lessons (specifically practicing things taught in the lessons)... eg. "homework"
* Coach expected me to work hard during the lesson (when appropriate).
* Coach was ok declining the contract if he felt that he nor his student were able to meet either's expectations.