How to choose a coach — and know they're the one

The main criterion is simple: after the lesson you're tired, happy, and want more. Everything else is detail — useful detail, though.

What actually matters

1. The ability to explain. A strong player ≠ a strong coach. A good coach speaks your language: "meet the ball in front of you", not "insufficient forearm supination".
2. Lesson density. In one hour you should move a lot and hit a lot of balls. If half the time goes to collecting balls and chatting — that's a wasted hour.
3. The goal question. A good coach starts by asking why you want tennis: health, fitness, playing with friends, tournaments. The programs for these goals are different.
4. Working at your level. A coach should be genuinely engaged with a beginner too. A condescending tone — instant no.

Red flags

• Promises to "fix your technique in a month" — building a stroke takes months, and an honest coach will tell you so.
• Feeds balls from the basket all lesson in silence, with no feedback.
• Pushes private lessons when a group fits your level and budget.

Group or private?

• Group — cheaper, more fun, with match practice against equals. For starting out and steady progress, it's an excellent choice.
• Private — technique gets fixed faster, all the attention is on you. Ideal as a supplement: say, once a month to "repair" what's accumulated.

How to test it in practice

Take one trial lesson and afterwards ask yourself three questions: did I understand what I was doing and why? Did I move a lot? Do I want to come back? Three yeses — the coach is yours.

At our club you can try different coaches and groups by level — the front desk will suggest where to start for your goal. What both formats cost — in the honest breakdown.