Random things about me (hobbies, occupation, tennis history, favorite band, etc.):
Writing a book about how tennis is taught in America. Have gone around the country visiting tennis academies and taking lessons from various pros. In September 2008 I attended Vic Braden's (well respected tennis coach) Tennis College. In my picture Vic is on the left and I am on the right with the white shirt.
Favorite pro tennis player(s):
Roger Federer
My tennis skill (please check your NTRP if you know it):
Hey Thomas, I've had various tennis coaches, been to clinics in US. I actually started playing overseas when I was a child growing up there. I don't really remember in much detail how tennis was overseas except that they were very adamant about practicing form rather than making good shots. I had lessons from a few pros for my league tennis practice. That was more strategy and practice of shots you'd make during games. The other pro I had lessons from what not American, he was Croatian. He was good because he gave good practice and lessons. Not only did he make our team practice and drill important shots, he corrected bad habits and tried to get our best shots and weapons working to our advantage. The other pro had played in college, was teaching a private junior tennis academy. He was really good because he had a lot of court experience, high level tennis. He emphasized the importance of being in the game, so he was adamant about consistent serving and returning well during matches. In my experience, I've had a good mix of instructors. Good and Bad advice. I used to be an assistant tennis instructor part-time to kids starting out in tennis. I remember that I was always adamant about form of all the strokes. You can tell when people have had lessons and when people have been self-taught. It's obvious, it not only makes you better because you have solid fundamentals you look like a tennis player and not a hacker. There are always people out there that have unorthodox forms/movements and I typically associate them with not having had the fundamental form down. They are unorthodox because they think that's the best way to hit the ball, for them by chopping, not following through, or using too much arm or hip instead of inertia from their legs. That's what I wanted to share. There's my share of info.
thank you dad. i must appreciate that you have been a good source of help for me. i think it is time i stopped bothering you with my aspirations. i must carry on with my search for assistance. may be if destiny has it i will get someone who can help. i appreciate your advice and whatever you have done for me. may you live long so that in future you will see me participate in games like the wembledon, us open, australian open and more. thank you and good health. may GOD bless you.
i have been telling them but they rather advise me that here in ghana they play the tennis for fun. they are not into any proffessional bussiness as i want to be. that is why i think may be you can help because condition here in ghana is very harsh and if you do not take care you dreams will be cut short.
thank you dad. actually my story is very different. i am just an ordinary person here in ghana. my mum sells groundnut in the streets and after school, i usually go to the tennis courts to pick balls for thr rich people who play. i can not pay for the equipments they use and usually they give me money for helping them when they play. i always immitate how they move on the court and how they balance their steps. it was then i realised that i can do better with my life but to be frank with you, i ahve not participate in any competitive game. it is a dream and i hope to reach it. i do not have money to attend tennis lessons and also hire a pro. THANK YOU AND GOOD HEALTH.
which pro are you talking to? i zm willing and ready to spend the 2-5 hours with the pro. to go to the top you must take risk and be committed so i am willing to accept any help you can give me. i do not want you to send me money. all that i wanted was a conducive country where i can reach my dreams and amy be america can be a better place. they have good training facilities and the conditions there are good. thank you and good luck
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if you are back in NYC in the Spring, let me know, and we can set something up at one of the local tennis clubs or at one of the parks.
Violet
But what do I know.
M
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