The Teaching Program Initiative

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The focus is not on making players sweat through exhaustion but on providing high-quality scientifically validated  information that leads to faster, more effective learning.

• One of the core goals of our program is to break down common misconceptions that are widespread in the tennis teaching world. Many tennis programs focus on making players tired through exhaustive drills, equating fatigue with learning. However, our approach focuses on the idea that learning and understanding are the true measures of success. Most have heard that practice makes perfect.  If it were only that easy.  Perfect practice makes perfect. Many players put the needed time into improving their game but with insufficient information. 
• Physical law (the laws of physics) and court dimensions determine how a tennis ball is struck. Physical Law determines how a tennis ball reacts when struck, not subjective opinions or dated teaching techniques. The dimensions of the court dictate how a player swings the racket to achieve a desired result.  This scientific approach helps ensure players learn the most effective and efficient way to strike the ball. We use educational videos or articles that provide evidence and explanations of why certain common practices are ineffective or even counterproductive. 

• The TPI goes to great lengths in training teaching professionals to focus on providing quality information based on science rather than a coach’s unique theory or opinion.
• Parents are encouraged to evaluate programs based on the quality of instruction and player development, not solely how exhausted their child is after practice. Players and parents understand that exhaustion is not an indicator of a quality program and sometimes this means slowing instruction down for the student to learn faster.