TIM LUDEKE

I work very hard to make sure that none of my students are limited by poor technique. We work on topspin serves, topspin backhands, and volleys/chips/slices with a continental grip right from the beginning. Why allow poor technique that will need to be changed in the near future anyway? Also, I place very little emphasis on winning. The goal is to improve a player’s technique, court coverage, and shot selection. We don’t play “fun” games. We work on skills that increase a player’s chances of playing well next week, next month and next year. Improvement is fun.

The look on a student’s face when he/she hits a topspin serve, a sliding slice backhand, a heavy forehand or backhand well for the first time is so rewarding. I’m pretty sure I enjoy it more than they do. It is so enjoyable, for them and for me, when they realize that they really can play tennis at a good level.

I am going to host a District 6 event on Monday May 29 in which I will discuss and demonstrate drills and methods I have found to be very effective at teaching