A good coach can change how much you enjoy tennis. The right one for you depends on your level, your goals and how you like to learn.
Start with your goal
Be clear about what you want before you message anyone:
- Learning from scratch
- Fixing one shot, like the serve or backhand
- Getting fit and having fun
- Preparing a child for junior tournaments
- Competing in club or open tournaments
Coaches who are great with beginners aren't always the best fit for competitive players, and the other way round.
Questions to ask
- Who do you usually teach — adults, juniors, beginners, competitive players?
- Private lesson, semi-private or group clinic?
- Where do you teach, and who books and pays for the court?
- What's your rate, and is the court included?
- What happens if it rains or I need to cancel?
What a good first lesson looks like
A good first lesson starts with the coach asking about you and watching you hit. You should leave with one or two clear things to work on, not twenty. You should also leave having enjoyed it.
If you finish your first lesson confused, ask the coach to simplify. A good coach will.
Private or group?
Private lessons give you full attention and faster progress on specific shots. Group clinics are cheaper, more social and great for practising against different players. Many players mix both.
How to tell it's working
After four to six lessons you should rally longer, feel more confident on at least one shot, and understand why you're doing the drills. If not, it's fine to try another coach.
Find a coach
Browse coaches and academies on FlashCourt, or see coaches by city in our coach guides. Coaches who take lesson requests on FlashCourt reply with a time and a rate, and you pay the coach directly.