A few years ago, I found myself at a crossroads in my tennis coaching career. Despite a comfortable position at a club with good pay, I felt a deep sense of stagnation. My passion for tennis coaching had dwindled, and I was surrounded by players content with casual play, lacking the competitive drive I yearned for. As the most qualified and experienced coach in my team, I felt unchallenged and lost.
During the first lockdown, I took a step back for some much-needed self-reflection. I remember my earlier days filled with ambition and a thirst for competition and learning. What had changed? Why was I feeling so unfulfilled?
I pondered over three critical questions:
- Have I outgrown my current club?
- How can I reignite my motivation and passion?
- What steps do I need to take to elevate my career to the next level?
Reflecting on my formative years in coaching, I recalled the inspiring environment at Wirral ITI, surrounded by national-level coaches and coach education tutors like Nick Lawrence, Joe Hagan, Phil Leighton, Lindsey Collins, and Andy Wilkinson. Their mentorship was invaluable, helping me develop confidence, knowledge, and a unique coaching style.
I started coaching in 1999, and by 2004, I had become a Level Four Performance Coach, working with a county champion. This rapid progress was due to the mentorship I received, which was instrumental in shaping my early career.
Tennis Mentoring: My Early Years
At Wirral ITI, there was no formal mentorship program, but the senior coaches took me under their wing. I spent countless hours observing them, absorbing their communication styles, demonstration techniques, and player management skills. Phil Leighton, in particular, left a lasting impression with his charismatic court presence and ability to engage young players.
Nick and Andy, with their deep tennis knowledge and expertise in player development, were also significant influences. Nick’s advice resonated with me: as someone who wasn’t a naturally gifted player, I had to distinguish myself through superior coaching knowledge. This advice spurred me to build an extensive collection of tennis literature and deepen my understanding of the game.
Joe Hagan, an LTA Tutor, was my first real mentor. Despite a rocky start and initial doubts about my capabilities, Joe’s tough-love approach pushed me to improve my skills and confidence. After failing my first course, I dedicated six months to developing under the guidance of the Wirral team. Their mentorship was not about direct instruction but sharing knowledge and experiences that I could adapt to my philosophy. I passed with flying colours on Valentine’s Day 2000, a day that reignited my love for coaching.
Tennis Mentoring: The Lockdown Reflection
Fast forward to 2019, and I realized that since leaving Wirral in 2006, I had lacked the support and challenge that once drove me. As the head coach at David Lloyd, I found myself coasting, too comfortable in my expertise. It was time for a change.
By 2022, I decided to find a mentor who could help me think bigger and explore new possibilities. This mentor, a renowned international speaker in tennis, challenged my preconceived notions and helped me rediscover my motivation.
I set new goals for myself:
- Become a person of influence in Tennis.
- Build a successful coach education business.
- Return to Performance Tennis.
To achieve these, I focused on improving my confidence, knowledge, and skills. Despite my shyness and imposter syndrome, I dedicated myself to becoming an expert in my field, capable of communicating effectively in various formats.
Today, in December 2022, my achievements speak for themselves:
- 60 million views on social media.
- 50,000 followers.
- A key member of the LTA Coach Education Workforce.
- Author of two books.
- Performance Coach at an LTA Regional Centre.
- LTA Performance Coach Representative.
- County Coach.
This journey of growth was fueled by my willingness to seek mentorship, embrace diverse learning opportunities, and step out of my comfort zone. I enrolled in numerous courses, ranging from personal training to sports psychology, and delved into social media, sales, video production, and editing. This broadened skill set not only enhanced my coaching but also allowed me to connect with a wider audience and share my love for tennis in innovative ways.
