Steve B.

I've been playing tennis since I was about 8 years old, beginning with a wood Jack Kramer Wilson tennis racquet and tennis balls which were still sold in metal cans. I've played competitive tennis in schools and leagues for several decades and had my fair share of lessons from high caliber instructors from Arizona, California, and Florida. I trained my daughter, beginning at 10 years of age, who started playing varsity tennis at 15 in the 9th grade and, in that same year, her team won the Girl's Arizona State Championship. I'm currently working with my son, along with other juniors in the area, who are playing varsity tennis at a major Arizona high school.

Tennis is a life-long sport and, regardless of age, everyone can enjoy the thrill of hitting some balls across the net and watching an opponent scramble to return. Whether one wins or loses, there's that constant thrill of a hitting a clear cross-court, down-the-line, drop-shot, or lob winner!

I look forward to having some fun together.

First, I emphasize fun. I want each student, young or old, to leave my lesson feeling uplifted. That uplifting might be new knowledge or some physical change. "Value added" is my motto with instruction. And, since I'm focused on imparting value to the student, my approach begins with understanding their objectives and structuring my lessons accordingly. Generally, we'll talk 5 to 10 minutes before hitting and 5 minutes or so before the lesson concludes to review progress and accomplishments.

I emphasize simplification and repetition. That will lead any developing player, regardless of level, to control, consistency and, most important, enjoyment! We'll play simple "10 ball" routines to reinforce repetition and probability. It always amazes me to watch students track their statistics and improve consistency quickly.