We would like to welcome Richard H. from Rochester, NY, to the MyTennisLessons team. We pride ourselves on bringing on not only quality coaches, but quality people as well, which is why we are so excited to have Richard on board. If you live in Rochester, NY, review Richard’s qualifications, teaching experience and hobbies below to see if they would be the right pro for you. Again, we are happy to expand our tennis lesson services in Rochester, NY, with the addition of Richard. Sign up with Richard H. today!
About Richard
Tennis has been a passion of mine most of my life. It has given me many physical, social and emotional benefits, outlets and entrees. I began my tennis career teaching all levels and ages for the Tennis Corporation of America at their local indoor club (Midtown Tennis Club) for two years where I learned the fundamentals of teaching the game. During this time I became a USPTA Certified Pro. Since then I have taught at many outdoor and neighborhood clubs in the Rochester area. Many of my junior students became competitive players for their high schools and colleges. I feel I have accomplished my goals of developing skilled players, all the while maintaining positive, comfortable rapport with them. Sometimes I would find myself in the middle of conflicts between parental and player expectations. Much of my ability for resolution has come over time and years of experience in teaching all age groups. Classroom teaching has also helped me resolve issues, especially between teenagers
and their parents, whether it is keeping an overly energetic parent from trying to push advice onto a son or daughter during one of our high school team matches, or an overly zealous parent setting too high expectations from the outset of a series of private lessons. Communication is so important for all parties involved.
I played Division I at Georgetown University for four years, having competed against a few nationally ranked players. I earned the Most Valuable Player award my senior year. While a lieutenant in the military stationed in Okinawa for one and a half years, I won the Inter-Services Championship my second year after losing in the finals to the same player my first year there. I competed in junior and adult tournaments in the Rochester and Western New York area, having been ranked in the top 10 at both levels in the Rochester, NY area, over the years.
Teaching Experience: 18 years
Teaching Style
As a teacher and coach by trade, I have found success developing a lesson plan with flexibility. I use the format of intros, input from my students and light stretching first. Next may come a hitting evaluation followed by the initial instruction phase. After explanation, I demonstrate by my shadow stroking followed by theirs, progressing to my ball feeding, or depending on their skill level, a fun drill which allows for active implementation. So it’s a two-part process — my explaining and showing the skill, their understanding and implementing the skill. Then we move on to the next skill to be learned with time for a short water break depending on need. Usually some conversation flows. I try to keep my voice tone upbeat, fun and exciting all the while. If time allows in a semi-private or group lesson, I try to set up some type of point or game competition, if feasible, for the last 10 minutes or so of the lesson.
Hobbies
I love dancing to a wide variety of music — rock, salsa, blues and waltz and are my favorites. Get me near a body of water, especially an ocean, and I can’t resist with my purple noodle in hand. When I have the energy I like to cook and eat outside on the patio. Walks around the block are relaxing. Meditation to relaxing music is growing on me. As I lived in South America for a few years, Chile and Bolivia, I try to keep abreast of Latin American affairs.
