About
Hi my name is Steve Dubin. I am a USPTA professional and have been coaching for over forty years. Believe it or not I still have the passion today as I did when I first started many moons ago. I have grown through tennis as a coach and individual. I have kept up with the game as it has transformed from the old wooden racquets to the newest technology and from grip changes , to swing patterns, from closed stances to open stances. I can change you from old school to new and even make some of your old school habits work more efficiently.I love working with total beginners just as much as high calibar tournament players. If you have a goal we can as a team accomplish that.
-My students learn and have fun at the same time. They all have success!
-USPTA Certified Professional with over forty years teaching experience.
-5.0 player/undefeated at USTA Nationals.
-Won state championship in college at number 1 singles.
-Played high school tennis, college tennis, and extensive junior and adult tournaments.
-Author of instructional articles for Tennis Magazine
-Member of the Head-Penn Advisory staff
•Developed HHF (head, hands and feet) a proven system that incorporates the mental game, stroking techniques, and footwork.
•Developed “Stations” a methodology that produces sound, effective strokes at an early stage of learning. •Developed: “Zonal Tennis” series of drills and games devised to increase confidence and prepare player for successful match play.
As a coach I am constantly trying to improve and think of new ways to help my students achieve their goals. I believe this is what has kept me fresh and excited about teaching after so many years. I work hard on staying current with our ever changing game as I believe this crucial.
I consider myself a student of the game, teacher, coach, mentor, and a friend to all my students.
It has been a privilege and an honor to be a part of so many players lives through teaching tennis all these years.
Learn, have fun, and I'll see you on court!
Coach
Watching students grow through the sport of tennis. Our sport is truly way more about just hitting a yellow fuzzy ball.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I access where the student is at from the first lesson. I do this by having them fill out a questionaire to get to know more about them upfront.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been teaching for over forty years and have been playing for longer. I have played extensive junior and adult USTA tournaments. I played four years of high school tennis and four years of college tennis. The highest playing level I have acheived was 5.0. I was undefeated at the nationals and won the state tournament in college and went to the Jr college nationals.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My most influential tennis mentor was the late USPTA Master Tennis Professional Alan Carvel. As Alan’s protege at Saddle and Cycle Club in the early eighties, I learned that creativity and visual techniques were crucial to effective teaching. While working with AIan, I picked up many valuable tricks of the trade that I still utilize in my teaching today. I will always be greatly indebted to Alan and the time I spent with him.
In my formative years of teaching I was fortunate enough to work with and under some of our countries finest tennis educators. My philosophy and teaching style was greatly influenced by all of them and I thank them for their kindness and generosity. I would not be where I am today without them.
In the nineties I taught at Score Tennis Academy in Countryside, Illinois under former Italian Davis Cup coach Jim Fannin. Jim’s highly successful teaching system incorporates (S)elf Discipline, (C)oncentration, (O)ptimism, (R)elaxation, and (E)njoyment also had a positive impact and influence on my teaching.
How did you get started teaching?
I got started at a young age. I was seventeen when I first started teaching, I have always had a passion for teaching tennis and this passion still remains!
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with all types of students. I still love starting kids and adults start out in the game and mentor them as they progress.
Many of my students have succeeded at a high level in junior tournaments, high school tennis, college tennis, and at adult USTA leagues at the local and national level.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Davis Cup in Austin even though we didn't pull it off :)
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Get someone who truly cares.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Define your goals. What would they like to get out of your lessons. Most of all be open minded as change is a way of life.