Choosing the Right Coach for You

When it's time to pick a coach, make sure they know their stuff — strategies, strokes, how to actually hit the ball — but just as important, find someone who has your personal needs and interests in mind. There are plenty of great players out there who can also teach beautifully. And there are plenty of players with great skills, and plenty who've had to work hard to build the skills they have. Either way, when it comes to picking a coach, look for someone who meets your needs, keeps your interests front and center, and builds the lesson around you — not a canned clinic where everyone runs the same drills because "that's what the book says to do next." This should be a personalized lesson plan built to fit you.

Here's my take: not every coach needs to be a 5.0 player, and not every 5.0 player is a good coach. Some people are blessed with both. Most people have one or the other.

Yes, the basics are the basics, and they should always be part of any lesson. But every player is different, and no one fits neatly into one mold. Your coach should be tailoring the lesson to fit you.

Having a coaching certification is a good starting point — but again, make sure it's the right fit for you. I'm not knocking certification programs; I just want you to know who you're trusting with your game. Anyone can pay for a piece of paper that says they're qualified to coach. But coaching is its own skill and talent, just like any profession. What are that person's actual credentials, background, and real teaching experience? Can they actually get their point across to you? Make sure the credentials match your expectations — it's your dime.

Plenty of coaches are good players, but not every good player is a good coach. Looking back on my own athletic career, from childhood through college, some of my best coaches had very modest success as players themselves — but wow, could they teach. They could break a skill down piece by piece, task by task, and show you the good, the bad, and the ugly of what you were doing.

Here are some questions worth asking yourself when deciding whether to take a lesson from a coach:

Questions to Ask Before You Commit to a Coach

What's their actual background in teaching or coaching?

1. Have they truly taught before, or are they coaching simply because "they play, so they must be able to teach"?

2. What credentials might they hold?

3. Do they carry insurance? Is that something that matters to you?

4. Do they show up with the tools of the trade — an ample supply of balls — or just a few balls and a paddle?

5. Are you comfortable with their teaching style?

6. Are you comfortable with them, period?

7. Do you ever feel intimidated?

8. Is their instruction positive?

9. Is their feedback constructive, or is it negative — or missing altogether?

10. Are they open to reviewing your play, or do they use video analysis?

11. Do they reinforce what you're learning, or is there little to no follow-through?

12. Do they explain things clearly, in more than one way, so it actually makes sense to you?

13. Do you find yourself constantly asking for clarification?

14. Are you comfortable asking questions, or does it feel stressful to speak up?

15. Do you walk away feeling like your questions were actually answered?

16. Do they talk more than you play?

17. Are the drills moving too fast, or dragging too slow?

18. Are they sacrificing proper technique just to speed up your progress?

19. When the session ends, are you hungry for more, and did you enjoy the experience?

20. Do you feel like your needs are being met?

21. Is there any follow-up after the session?

There are plenty more questions you could ask, but above all, be comfortable with your instructor. When the session's over, you should be itching to get back on the court to try what you learned, or already counting down to the next lesson.

Whoever you choose, stick with them. Bouncing between coaches isn't an effective way to learn — too much conflicting advice doesn't make for a good coaching relationship.

You and your chosen mentor should be working together on the skills that enhance your style and elevate your game. Find the right coach, and give them the time to actually help you. But if the fit isn't right, it's okay to walk away and find someone who is. 

Best of luck, and keep drilling!