We at MyTennisLessons are excited to announce Douglas M. as our instructor of the month for April. He is doing a fantastic job teaching his students. We were able to find some time between lessons to ask Douglas a few questions.
How did you find your way to the game of tennis and what made you decide to become a tennis instructor five years ago?
I started playing tennis, competing and attended tennis academies at a young age. I enjoy working with people and find it satisfying helping others grow and develop. Each and every student is different and brings a new set of challenges, and I embrace taking on challenges. I have found that I have a natural teaching ability; I can easily translate my knowledge into understandable instructions.
What do you think is the most important advice you can pass along to your students?
That understanding basic laws of physics and geometry play a large part in one’s success with the sport.
What is your favorite student success story?
Watching a 10 year old girl I worked with develop a feel for the kick serve and become consistent with it.
Having played tennis for your college team, what steps did you take to go from a recreational player to a college player?
Tennis provides challenges on many different levels – technical, mental, emotional to name a few. Seeking out proper guidance from a coach to help myself overcome the obstacles was key in my transition from recreational to college player.
What advice would you give an ambitious young tennis player who is looking to try out for their high school or college team?
Keep a positive mental outlook and to try to learn from mistakes and not dwell on them, as Billie Jean King once said “shake it off”
