“And the never-ending saga of tennis continues” – that’s my tagline for the end of all my group classes. I was once told, “If you want to get somewhere fast, go alone. If you want to go somewhere far, go in a group.. Tennis has always been known for its one-on-one battles on the courts, but lately, there’s been quite the racket about the rise of group and social tennis activities. What’s behind this shift? Let’s take a swing at it.
By embracing the power of community and collaboration, players can unlock their full potential on and off the court.
The Power of Community: Imagine this: a doubles mixer where rivalries are set aside for high-fives and friendly banter. It’s not just about the game; it’s about the community. Group and social tennis activities bring together players of all stripes, from the casual weekend warriors to the die-hard enthusiasts. It’s like a family reunion, but with a lot more backhands. These activities foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among participants, creating an environment ripe for learning and growth.
Coaching in a Group Setting: Coaching in a group setting is like being the conductor of chaos and the maestro of mayhem. Unlike individual sessions where it’s all eyes on one player, coaches in group settings must juggle the needs and skill levels of multiple players on the court. It’s a delicate balance of instruction, motivation, and maybe a touch of crowd control. Think of the coach as the ringmaster of this tennis circus, keeping the show running smoothly while tossing in a few tricks of their own
Development Through Collaboration: One of the best things about group and social tennis activities is the chance to learn from each other. Whether it’s picking up a killer serve tip from your doubles partner or mastering the art of the drop shot from the resident slice aficionado, there’s always something new to learn. Like “two heads are better than one”, and “four hands are better than one” and can help keep learning fun.
Skill Development Beyond the Court: Sure, we’re here to improve our technique and tactics, but let’s not forget about the real MVPs: sportsmanship and teamwork. Through friendly competition, players learn vital life skills like sportsmanship, perseverance, and leadership. It’s a crash course in life, served with a side of exercise and a dash of sweat.
The Role of the Coach: Coaches in group and social tennis activities are more than just instructors; they’re mentors, motivators, and part-time comedians. A well-timed joke can work wonders for morale, especially when it distracts from that double fault. As John McEnroe famously said, “You can’t be serious!” But in all seriousness, coaches create a positive and supportive environment where players feel empowered to push their boundaries and reach their full potential.
Conclusion: As the tennis world embraces the social side of the sport, these programs offer not only a chance to connect and socialize but also unique coaching and development opportunities. By embracing the power of community and collaboration, players can unlock their full potential on and off the court. Coaches find themselves at the forefront of this new era, shaping not just tennis skills but also fostering a sense of camaraderie that keeps players coming back for more. So, grab your racket, join the fun, and remember: in tennis, the only thing more important than your backhand is your backhand compliment. Let’s keep swinging, together.
Tony Huber
Head Professional & Adult Program Director
Tony Huber brings impressive coaching credentials with both adults and juniors. Before coming to Advantage Tennis Clubs, Tony was the Director of High Performance at the Cary Leeds Tennis Center in The Bronx. Tony is a PTR Certified Professional and started his coaching career in 1993, at Van der Meer Tennis on Hilton Head Island.
His accomplishments include coaching Liezel Huber to #1 in the world(doubles) for 199 weeks, as well as numerous other top players during his 15 years on the WTA Tour. He coached in two Olympic Games (Sydney and London) and developed many top juniors who earned college tennis scholarships.
As he always does, Huber will be personally leading his signature Adult Program at Advantage Tennis Club’s Roosevelt Island Racquet Club all year round.
Register now to be a part of his progressive curriculum which develops:
- stroke technique
- doubles strategy
- conditioning
- teamwork and socialized fun!
Whether it’s technical, tactical, or mental, Tony has a knack for finding the most efficient way to help players at any level improve their game. Tony has been named PTR Touring Coach of the Year and PTR Humanitarian of the Year.
Learn, Practice, and Perfect your tennis skills with Tony Huber and our full pro team at the Roosevelt Island Racquet Club! Register today at 212-935-0250.
