One of Western Australia's most respected tennis players is a gentleman by the name of Brett Patten, a man who was ranked World Number 1 for the 35-40's age bracket in 2010. 'Patsy' as we like to call him runs a radio show called 'Court Talk' each Sunday morning over the course of each tennis season. Patsy is basically the voice of tennis in WA. I got to know Patsy on a European tour in 1991 where I travelled with him and another West Australian player Peter Gerrans to some rather obscure Money Tournaments around France. More on that later.
Brett invited me to fill in for his big brother Darren or 'Daz' as he is affectionately known by his younger brother on Court Talk in November 2015. We interviewed an Australian Tennis icon by the name of Glenn Busby or 'Buzz' as he is known by many in the Industry. Now Buzz knows his tennis and at the time of the interview was ranked World Number 1 for the age group 55-60. Buzz also is the leading coach at the Kooyong Tennis Centre in Melbourne which sees hundreds of students of all ages walk through the gates each day for tuition.
My one and only question to Buzz was rather simple yet it was rather well received by both him and Patsy as it may just have got a few people thinking about what they are in fact paying for when it comes to lesson time. " Hi Buzz, it's Glenn Thompson here how are you Champ " ? Very well thanks Glenn.
"I was just wondering what emphasis you put on point play in lessons and constructing a point as opposed to simply just teaching a student the technical side" ? That was it, my one and only question of a ten minute plus interview as I did not want to overstay my welcome, after all it was Patsy's show and it was his interview. The response however to that question was surprising to say the least as I received a big thumbs up from Brett as well as this from Buzz.
"It's a great question, it's probably THE most important thing when teaching students the art of playing tennis". Buzz gave some examples which was music to my ears because I had written many chapters on my Blog regarding that very same issue. I have always stated that tennis is a sport that is one of many perceptions however it is not one that is often taught realistically. By that I mean that many inexperienced coaches of the game will not delve into the most important part of the game and that is the THINKING part of tennis, the one where decisions are made.
My blog writing has in the past landed me in hot water with legal threats from certain individuals and tennis clubs which I have accused of 'lack of integrity' and lack of thinking regarding certain issues. My writing however is something that stems from my frustration that has built up over the years that has seen tennis and in particular tennis tuition turn into somewhat of a circus. Tennis indeed is a big business however the teaching side of the game I believe lacks the common sense required for players to become competitive outside of a practice court.
At the risk of enticing more legal action my way I almost liken some coaching programs to asking a Lawyer for help in clearing up an issue ( I speak from personal circumstances ). Many months later the 'problem' is still the same, minus a few thousand dollars of course. So does a good Tennis Coach and good Lawyer fix an issue as best they can or do they drag the problem on to the point that the unsuspecting customer is none the wiser ?
The question to Buzz on Court Talk was simple yet it typifies the sport of tennis now days. It quite possibly is over taught as far as the technical side is concerned but lacks scrutiny as far as the thinking side is concerned. You can only teach a student to hit a tennis ball for so long before they become a little suspicious to the whole process and some will ask the obvious question " So what's next" ?
I have many theories on tennis however I am no World beater, not now and not in my junior days but I can liken my tennis story to many who have also played and coached the game.
This book is dedicated to all of those players who tried to make a living out of it but didn't quite make the grade. It is also dedicated to the coaches of the 'Dionosaur era' who see the game just as I do and who go about their business without the gimmicks and bells and whistles routines.
This book is for the club player, the everyday hacker who perhaps is too frightened to play a tournament for fear of failure and for the player who has perhaps hung up the racket for good because they 'didn't make it'.
I can relate to all of the above because I went through all of those stages with my tennis however I now enjoy the game more than ever and I almost have found peace with it. I hope you can relate some of my theories and experiences to some part of your game.
Glenn Thompson
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