The ATA staff strives to make communication, both internally and externally, a top priority. The weekly staff meetings, with on-court and off-court components, are an example of the internal communication. This week the ATA coaching staff met as a team to review technical information on forehands and serves. 

 

 

“When working with a large group of players in group practices and lessons, it is very important that the coaches share a common language and a common philosophy,” Coach Jack Newman said. “The Austin Tennis Academy coaches have gone through training with the USTA national coaching staff to learn Coach Jose Higueras coaching philosophy, and we are constantly working with each other to make sure we are presenting a common language to ATA students, no matter whom their primary coach may be.” 

 

ATA students Hunter Goertz, Landon Weiss and Jonah Kral served as demonstrators for the hour, allowing each coach input on their strokes under the supervision of ATA Head Coach Doug Davis.

 

Coach Davis, beginning with the forehand, explained that there are certain technical components that are crucial in properly developing a player. First and foremost, he stated, is the grip. 

 

 

“The grip is vitally important,” Coach Davis said. “You can’t allow things that make a player inefficient.” 

 

Coach Davis talked about the importance of the correct ready position, take-back, contact point and follow-through in developing an efficient forehand. 

 

 

After looking at forehands, the focus shifted to the serve. The coaches all agreed that the base element of the serve is the throwing motion. Beyond that, Coach Davis explained, the serve allows for slightly more variety in technique. 

 

 

“ The serve allows for more individuality that any other shot in tennis,” Coach Davis said. 

 

The coaches critically analyzed the serves of each player, giving them suggestions on how to improve. While it was an extremely productive hour for Landon, Hunter and Jonah, it was more important for the coaches to ensure they are communicating the same information to make retention easier on the players.