In tennis coaching, managing upwards is crucial for career success, especially for coaches without their own venues. Building relationships with stakeholders enhances collaboration, influences decisions, and ensures longevity in the competitive industry. Despite its importance, this skill is often overlooked in coach education, which emphasizes technical coaching over business acumen.

Tennis coaching is often seen as glamorous, but the reality includes significant challenges like loneliness, peer competition, and imposter syndrome. Many coaches work in isolation, struggle with unhealthy comparisons, and fear trying new methods. My Tennis Coach Academy aims to create a supportive community for coaches to share, learn, and grow together.

Pickleball has gained popularity for its accessibility and simplicity, but tennis can reclaim its appeal through progressive tennis. Red, orange, and green stages offer similar traits to pickleball, with adaptable play for all ages. Promoting these stages for adults can make tennis approachable, retain aging players, and revitalize club offerings. Embracing progressive tennis can elevate tennis to be inclusive and fun for everyone.

The UK faces a critical shortage of indoor tennis courts despite the country’s rich tennis heritage and challenging climate. The Lawn Tennis Association’s unfulfilled promises and commercialization of existing facilities hinder accessibility and development. This crisis not only impacts player growth but also threatens the future of tennis in the UK. Urgent action and transparency from the LTA are essential to address these pressing issues.