In part 1 we established that a coach is supposed to want for the improvement of their students. BUT as in all types of subject matters, there is the artist and the businessman. The artist is the one who is obsessed with turning out something everyone can see is a good product. The businessman is obsessed with making money.
The artist will push for more contact in lessons because he/she wants and cares about the welfare of the product which is a well rounded tennis player. The artist is in tune to specifics. They will ask about the student and be a little more vulnerable. The idea is to build a better relationship so that the student can better relate the life lessons of tennis with normal life. Because tennis is the type of sport that trains you to deal with yourself. In professional tennis, the coaches and players strive to create a bond so that the player/coach can enjoy harmony and focus on overcoming tasks together. This is why an artistic type of coach is better for any type of long term lessons like low level teams, academies, and ongoing privates
The businessman will do the job. If you say "I will be there at 1 am." They will clock in early and be on the court ready for you. They care about your business. Whatever you tell them you need they will do. They need you to be satisfied because it is good for business. Businessmen will not take a risk in telling you anything is wrong and give very political answers. When you ask them to help you fix a stroke they tell you something you already know because the customer is always right. This is why they are good for short term lessons like groups, high level teams, and once in a while privates and hitting.
Mixing the two will automatically cause the coach to move into his strength. The artistic coach when teaching a group will automatically scout for players he/she would like to work with. The Businessman when doing long term privates will basically babysit you for exactly an hour and never watch your matches.
I'm an artistic teacher (obviously...I didn't write these blogs and draw that art at the top to make me rich!). I have gotten in trouble for trying to improve students in a close-minded group setting. And I've also heard many students complain because they have taken many lessons with a businessman coach and they never come to the matches.
Sidebar: Students get stuck in relationships with coaches that don't really care and it is a shame for me to see. At a tournament this lady was complaining to me that her daughter had this great coach with a great resume. Yet the daughter was not very motivated in playing. Well then that is a fail...right? I mean this girl is going to quit tennis soon because she has no real bond with her coach. Its a waste!
Anyway....be sure to follow this blog and ask any questions you have.
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