Ask Three Simple Questions
Among the questions I regularly get, this one probably comes the most often. "What do you think is the best way to go about selecting a coach?" It is a very important decision, and one I don't take lightly. This relationship is vital to a player's development and success, and requires careful consideration. However, my typical response is pretty simple, yet quite thorough - and I will share it with you here.
I think the most effective way to resolve this issue is to simply ask yourself, (the parent), three questions regarding any potential coaching candidate.
1- "Does this Coach care about my child as a person, and not just as a tennis player? There are coaches out there who may want to add a given player for the "star power" attention that player can bring to their program. But tennis coaching can and should be a way to develop the whole person. Tennis offers many tremendous parallels to life, and a good coaching arrangement should help develop that child as a person, not just as a tennis player. The Coach in question should represent the kind of person with character traits that the parent wants to influence and help develop in their child.
2- "Does this Coach have the respect of his/her peers?" There would be no better judge of a good coach than a good coach. Seek out opinion and observation from respected coaches regarding the possible candidate. Talk to current and former students of the Coach, and to their parents.. Examine the coaches reputation within the Professional Coaches community,(USPTA, PTR) Has this coach received accolades for their coaching accomplishments? Have they regularly sought out and excelled at continuing education opportunities? Are they sometimes in a position to offer or teach continuing education opportunities? Of course, some competitive experience and achievement is a huge asset. There is little replacement for the experience of competing at a high level, but don't be swayed by a wall of trophies or photos. A good coach needs to know how to COMMUNICATE those experiences and processes, not just have them in their past. It is also worth noting that there are many excellent young coaches who may not have had the time or opportunity in their brief careers to have some of the aforementioned experiences, but they should be part of their long range plans.
3- Does this Coach have a track record of developing Champions?" It may seem obvious, but it is critical. Not only as an indicator that this coach has the knowledge and experience, but that other players of potential have stuck with them long enough to reap the benefits.. Of course, every player is different, and every coach-player relationship different; and an established record of developing Champions is an obvious and apparent indicator of quality and success. Take the time to talk to players and parents who have been with your potential coach, as they are a great source of credibility about a given coach.
There are many more methods and processes you may use to find and begin a relationship with a new coach. It is my feeling that these three questions go a long way toward providing the insight you need to make a good decision. Find the right coach, and you will quickly find yourself spending more time in each tournament, and holding the Champion's trophy.
