BIG NEWS

I've created the world's first video tennis lesson app for the iPhone/iPod Touch.

It's based progressive tennis. A teaching methodology endorsed by the ITF. It's the most modern, fastest way for beginners to learn the game...

Check out the website: iTennisPro.net

Here's a video by the ITF's Play and Stay initiative that explains progressive tennis in a little more detail... or check out the side bar, there you will see our promo video for the only DVD in the world about training children using half court progressive tennis.

Thanks for reading... I'd love to hear your thoughts.. Cheers, Neil

Model based coaching vs. performance/game based coaching

What is model based coaching? Model based coaching is taking one "stroke" (for example the full forehand with back swing, followthrough and all the biomechanics that go with it) and teach that stroke to every level of player. The player is expected to "model" or copy that stroke for every situation. One problem is teaching a full forehand to a novice player often leads to frustration for the player because tennis is an open sport. Diving coaches can teach a model successfully, tennis coaches however... Why is model coaching so prevalent? Model based coaching is easier, coaches have more confidence in what they are saying if they can fit everything into a "box". Check out Part 3 of my discussion with Louis Cayer, one of the top coaches in the world. He goes into detail about some of the differences between Model coaching and Performance/Game Base coaching..

Thanks for reading.. Drop me a line and let me know what you think!

Taylor Dent Advanced Split Step

If you're an intermediate level player looking to the next step in your ability to attack the net effectively, you're going to need to improve your split step. WHAT IS A SPLIT STEP? Why: A split step is an important skill for a tennis player. It will improve your ability to be prepared for your opponents shot and will allow you to change direction quickly will balance. How: With your legs at an athletic height, push off from the ground from the balls of your feet. Both feet should push off together, you won't need to come off the ground more than a few inches. When: The timing of your split step is crucial. Right before your opponent is about to hit their ball. As you do the split step, your body is weightless, when you see what direction the ball is going it's easier to move your body quickly in different directions as you touch the ground. My tennis tip for the day: improve your split step to take your game to the next level. Watch this clip in slo-mo of Taylor Dent's Selective split step.