Coaching on Vacation

I retired from teaching tennis full time in 2019, but not from coaching—or traveling. In 2025, I’ve had more opportunities to take my coaching experience on the road, traveling to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands this spring and Hawaii in the fall.

My most recent trip took me to Nuevo Nayarit just north of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, with an ILT group organized by Scott Borowiak. This marked the sixth time Scott invited me on his Tennis Tour, working with forty players and four other coaches during morning clinics. Unlike previous trips to Mazatlán and Las Hadas—where I was the only coach and primarily played tennis—this group came specifically for an educational and joyful tennis experience. Many have been returning to Scott’s tours for years, drawn by the combination of learning, community and culture.

Why Coach Differently on a Tennis Vacation?

These players are tennis players—just on vacation. As their coach, introducing new ways to focus must make immediate sense. When I’m working with players for only a two‑hour clinic, and they rotate coaches daily, my approach must differ from coaching at home. Here are some of my dos and don’ts for coaching on a tennis vacation.

Most of the tips I share come from attending RSPA (formerly USPTA) conferences over the last 35 years—ideas that are tried, proven and effective. Correcting mistakes and reducing unforced errors are the two most important priorities in these clinics.

One of my favorite sayings is:
“I have learned so much from my mistakes, I’m thinking about making more.”
Early mistakes help reinforce corrections. The late Chris Bradley, NorCal RSPA coach, liked to say,
“Stealing from one expert is plagiarism; stealing from many is research.”

Fresh Focus, Not New Strokes

My goal is for players to return home with a fresh way of focusing when competing. Topics like watching the ball, using court targets, developing between‑point routines, and playing the score are where I stay focused.

Trying to change strokes or grips during a tennis vacation is a recipe for frustration—and not much fun. I leave technical changes to their home professional. Those adjustments take time and attention, especially when other players are waiting for action during a clinic.

Four Parts Receiving, One Part Sending

There are five parts to every shot. Four are receiving—ready position, preparation, movement to the ball and recovery. Only one is sending the ball.

Emphasizing receiving is huge. Watching an opponent’s racquet before contact and reading their comfort level allows players extra time to react. Is the shot offensive or defensive? Comfortable or uncomfortable? What spin are they using? These cues help anticipate how the ball will bounce and come off the strings.

Warm‑Ups with Purpose: Watch the Ball

Most problems come from not watching the ball through contact or not being ready to react. Why do players look away at the last moment? Because they look at where they want the ball to go. So what are they really warming up?

I begin by having players toss the ball underhand and observe whether there is more spin before or after the bounce. Even lifelong players are surprised to learn the bounce always changes the spin to topspin. Watching spin after the bounce—or even in the air before a volley—keeps players focused in the moment and off the result. Try it. It works.

On the short court, I point out how the right foot judges contact on the right side and the left foot on the left.

I want players to see what the pros see. The ball should disappear for a split second after contact. If they see the ball hit the net after a volley or overhead, they looked away too early. I’ll ask, “Did you see it hit the net?” Most players eventually see the bounce on the other side—proof of how much time they really have.

I also draw an imaginary clock on the ball, using 5:00 on the deuce side and 7:00 on the ad side to guide crosscourt returns.

Smarter Targets, Better Results

I encourage players to see the court differently. The service line becomes the “Continental Divide,” roughly halfway between the baseline and the net.

In doubles, the Side‑Tees and Middle‑Tee are the safest targets. In singles, the middle of the deuce and ad service boxes serve as reliable aiming points. Aggressive swings to conservative targets help players calibrate depth, width and timing—making the ball the target, not the outcome.

The Net Is an Optical Illusion

From the baseline, the entire court is viewed through the net. I call this the “Obstacle Illusion.” Instead of clearing the net, I tell players to use the top of the fence as their visual horizon.

Loose grips are key. Tight grips drive balls into the net because gravity can’t help the racquet drop. Loosening the grip in ready position becomes a powerful between‑point reminder. When approaching the net, timing the split step on the opponent’s contact—and moving through the volley—makes all the difference.

Why Tennis Has the Best Scoring System Ever

You can lose points and win the game, lose games and win the set, and lose a set and win the match. How you self‑correct after setbacks determines success.

Get to 15: One Point at a Time

When I ask players their goal, they say, “Win the match.” I suggest a simpler goal: get to 15. Then 30. Then 40.

Every point includes a plan, a deep breath and a renewed focus to watch the ball. Most points end in the first four shots—so play conservatively when ahead or tied, but change something when behind.

The Next Lesson Is the Best One Yet

These drills cover a lot, and many players take notes after clinics. Some even quote me later: “Did you see it hit the net?”

My coaching philosophy on vacation is the same as at home—I teach the person, not just the strokes. After 60 years of coaching, I haven’t burned out yet. There is always more to learn, and even more to teach, in the game we love.