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hofertennis

69, Male

Visalia, CALIFORNIA

United States

Profile Information:

I am a:: Tennis Fan, Teaching Pro/ Coach, Racquet Stringer, Tennis Shop Owner
Neighborhood or other helpful location info:: Visalia, CA
Random things about me (hobbies, occupation, tennis history, favorite band, etc.):: Tennis Professional for 25 years. High School, College coach, City Tennis Director, Private Club Pro and Community Tennis Association Director.
Favorite pro tennis player(s):: Michael Chang, Andre Agassi, Tommy Haas, James Blake
My tennis skill (please check your NTRP if you know it):: I'm a pro!
Relationship status:: Married
Favorite website:: http://www.hofertennis.com

Comment Wall:

Mark / The Mayor

Hi Hofer,

It's great to have you here to share all your great knowledge. It looks like you have figured out how to customize your page just fine.

I had a thought you might like. You can create a Hofer Tennis group and invite your students. It's a good way to keep in touch with everybody in one place.

If you need any help or have any questions, let me know.

Welcome to Tennisopolis! We are all very excited to have created this "community-based" tennis website which puts the focus on the members. We launched Tennisopolis just a week ago, so you are a charter member.

First things first, invite your tennis friends!

You can also:
- add your own photos
- post your own blog entries
- talk tennis in the forum
- join or start a group

…and just hang out and meet great people.

Welcome aboard,
Mark

Jan 3, 2008
joe wright

yea it is theres just two shots that let me down would you be able to help me with them?

Jan 5, 2008
joe wright

My smash and back hand also as soon as i get a bit tired my backhand falls to pieces

by the way my name is joe sanders is just the name of my school.

Jan 6, 2008
joe wright

how can i improve them 2 shots?

Jan 7, 2008
Gwen

Thanks for the nice welcome. You're right - It really IS a big change to move from LA to the Windy City but fortunately I learned to play here in IL (wood Davis racquets back when I was 7 or 8) so I'm used to a litle wind. (I just consider it a good motivator to get me to the net and avoid those long, drawn out topspin rally's, eh Hofer? Well, that and I'M TOO OLD to endure them now! The net IMHO is all about survival of the less fit but smarter!)

I lived in Valencia and took lessons for years from Steve Starleaf (Burbank Tennis Center)who was convinced I was deigned to be a 4.5 singles player but my real life work schedule kept getting in the way. I also enjoyed membership at the Paseo Club in Valencia. (Desi and Steve did a really nice job there.)

You're in a pretty area, and seems like you're a great instructor - sharing your knowledge here. Thanks!

Jan 8, 2008
joe wright

erm the usual really i try 2 hit flat and topspin and i do the girp yu tell e to do but all my friends who play all have really good backhands.

Jan 9, 2008
joe wright

yes, i have aouble handed backhand

Jan 10, 2008
Mark / The Mayor

Take a look at our bracket challenge we're doing and join in.

Jan 11, 2008
joe wright

ok i done that and my backhand has obviously improved but if i try and hit it as hard as my forehand it goes 2 ieces and i have no control

Jan 11, 2008
hofertennis

Make sure your body is turning forward but your racquet is moving upward with the strings perfectly vertical. This is topspin, brushing up behind the ball with the racquet vetical. The slightest tilt of the racquet face and the ball will take off.

Jan 11, 2008
hofertennis

jun,
The USPTA is the older and first tennis professional trade association. To be PTR certified you must follow a standard teaching method developed by Dennis Van de Mere. Basiclly way back then it was Dennis' association. The USPTA feels there is not a specific standard of teaching since tennis mechanics has evolved with newer technology. Can you imagine the PTR 15 years ago when the only approved method of hitting a forehand was to step into the ball shifting your weight. Now we see the open stance with even more power because of the transfer of angular movement. That's how I percieve the difference between the USPTA and PTR. I know many PTR pros and have great respect for them. Having both would make you a more well educated pro but having a PTR is probably good enough for your students since.

Jan 14, 2008
joe wright

heya hofer thankx for the advice because im at the top of my game my shots have never been so good its all more pwer and more spin i cant believe it and im beating peole i have never dreamed of beating so thanks for the advice

Jan 23, 2008
hofertennis

I just glad I could help. Continued good luck!

Jan 23, 2008
Danny Tarpley

Hey Doug:
Yes I am a USPTA Pro-1 going for my Master`pro soon. Been a Pro-1 for 15 years and in the industry for 27. Was the Vice President of the USPTA in Southern CA. Looking to move back as well. Own www.TennisJobs.com and www.TennisShop.net.
Thanks for stopping by. Drop me a line anytime if you need anything.

Jan 23, 2008
Ashley

From the San Fernando Valley....

Jan 26, 2008
Amy

Hello! I just checked out your website and I love it.
Alot of great info! I am having trouble with the weight of my racket....9.5....I went and bought it without trying it...beginners mistake. Anyway, should I add the lead tape, and if so, how do I know how much to add?

Feb 29, 2008
hofertennis

Hi Amy,
What racquet are you using? If you add lead tape, it's best to add a little at a time until you get it where you like it. Add the tape to the 9 & 3 o'clock positions and if you can add the same amount under the grip to help keep the balance the same.

Feb 29, 2008
Amy

I have the Wilson Nano Hope....I like the head size at 113. but the weight is a problem. I will try the tape though. If you were recommending a racket to a beginner with "some" skill, what would you suggest?

Feb 29, 2008
hofertennis

The Wilson Nano Hope is a good racquet for beginners. I am not a big fan of large head, light weight , super stiff racquets. Keep the racquet add some lead tape. If you see my website then you know I sell and promote Dunlop racquets, but I don't think you need a new stick just some added weight.

Mar 1, 2008
Amy

Thank you so much for your help. I am heading off to the local tennis shop today to have the tape added. I am sure I'll be back with more questions in the future!

Mar 1, 2008
Mark / The Mayor

Hi Hofer, Do the Miami Tournament Pick-em contest. We need about 8 more entrants to qualify in the battle-of-the-boards. It makes following the tournament more fun. And will bring more eyeballs to Tennisopolis. Gotta sign up by late tonight. :-)
M

Mar 25, 2008
hofertennis

Thanks Mark, but I already did the Pick-em for the Tennisopolis team.

Mar 25, 2008
Mark / The Mayor

Hey Doug. Great job in the last Pick-em!
Just a heads up, we're going to do the French Open Pick-em contest, so get your brain working. You'll see the graphics on the main page soon-ish and keep an eye on this thread in the Forum. Good luck.
Mark

May 19, 2008
Mark / The Mayor

Hi Hofer, how's it going?

Just wanted to point you to a couple of fun groups that popped up.
My Racket, What's Yours?? is a place to show off your weapon of choice.
Prince Players, We Got Next set up by Prince, Inc.
Fans of Serena - obvious title, but I'm not joining. ;-)
To see a full list of the "internet-based" or "special interest" Groups that have been created over the last year, click here to check them out.
Mark

Nov 8, 2008
Mark / The Mayor

Coach, please join the Teaching Pros & Tennis Coaches group here in Tennisopolis to connect with other pros. I would like for all pros and coaches that are members to join this group to connect with other pros. Please click here to check it out and join.
Thanks,
Mark

Jun 19, 2009