Vasil O.

My tennis life began in 1980 in Kiev, Ukraine. Since that time, I've been practicing with and competing against junior Ukrainian and Eastern European players. After reaching a pro level age in 1989, I've been working as a hitting partner for many professional players. After receiving my bachelor's degree in physical education with an emphasis in coaching tennis from the Kiev State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports in July 1993, I've devoted myself solely to coaching. Before I moved to the United States in September 2007, I've worked with more than 150 students in different capacities including as a hitting partner, assistant coach, junior program director, head coach, summer camp director, private coach and high performance coach. Among my many successful students in Ukraine, both juniors and adults, there were some who achieved outstanding results. Elena Piliptchak played for Kansas State University in 1997 and 1998, received a full NCAA Division I scholarship, and was an All-American Scholar Athlete. Vladyslav Manafov played for the Ukrainian National Tennis Team in the Davis Cup in 2011, as a junior ITF player, he reached the doubles semifinal of the 2011 French Open, doubles quarterfinal at Wimbledon and doubles final at the US Open. Alexandr Dolgopolov was best ranked no. 13 in ATP ranking (January 2012). He has three ATP singles titles: Umag, Croatia, Washington D.C, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, and one ATP doubles title: Indian Wells. His best Grand Slam ATP record was reaching the quarterfinals of the 2011 Australian Open. Since I moved to the United States, I've been teaching more than 2600 students of all ages and playing levels, individually and in groups, and passionately enjoyed process of developing their game and character on a tennis court, as well as in life.

I believe in a holistic approach to coaching that encompasses each of the following areas: Technical Development: Acquiring a perfect foundation in technique at an early age maximizes a player’s potential and is essential for long-term success. Tactical Development: Smart tennis players are those who make intelligent strategic and tactical decisions at opportune times on the court. Footwork and Movement Skills: The best players are those who move efficiently and effectively with balance on the court. I teach the technique of footwork, movement and recovery to create better athletes. Mental Fitness: I believe in fitness training, not only to develop strength and stamina, but to increase mental concentration, focus, and self-confidence. Eating and drinking right is part of the fitness formula. Athletes must be properly fueled for peak performance. Professional counseling in diet is included as part of the training regimen my system offers.