Crystallizating The TennisTIP Experience
Step onto our TennisTIP court and open yourself to an experience that is more than likely different from any other group activity or tennis class you may have had in the past. Our teaching methodology derives from a ‘trifecta’ of benefits that were born from research, trial and error and passion for our craft.
Our teaching methodology is geared towards neophyte and recreational tennis players. Our coaches have been trained to perform as muses rather than drill sergeants to help students accelerate their learning curve, enjoy the learning process and reach personal fulfillment. Our learning experience is encapsulated below into three core competencies.
1. Self Discovery
Our cooperative teaching model frees the student of repetitive mantra and conventional dogma and allows players to “self-discover” their tennis game through rehearsal using our pro’s as muse rather than a crutch. This learning process is crucial for developing interdependent relationships while improving consistency in your game that you can apply with your friends and peers in social or league play. The self discovery process leads to trusting your game!
2. Conditioning
Tennis is an exercise in acceleration, slow downs, side shuffles, runs, back pedals and swings. Our classes emphasize these elements in developing and improving our students. The natural benefits of cardio vascular health make our classes different from your typical stagnant tennis clinic and allow players to forgo their trip to the gym.
3. Social Capital
Our tennis classes bring “real world” and virtual bonding with like minded individuals towards a common goal with an emphasis on fun, camaraderie and exercise. This social capital is an integral part of our business model. The cooperative, interdependent relationship between tennis professional and student is the crux of self fulfillment in creating consistency in one’s tennis game.
CRYSTALLIZATION
From players who are holding a racquet for the first time, lapsed players re-connecting with the sport or avid players looking to shake up their game and find their potential TennisTIP looks forward to helping you self-discover your best tennis game.
Brian Lutz / brian@tennistip.com
Social net-working… and baseline working
I think this post very accurately describes the class experience… For me, having multiple high level players (pros) whose knowledge can be tapped is a major benefit, as long as the student is self-developing a comprehensive view of technique, and not just looking for magical tips. The self-motivated student will flourish in this setting, as will the student who wants to be surrounded by others seeking fitness and social connections; the atmosphere is key, serious about tennis at times, serious about scheduling happy hour at other times ;p
The way the class is structured encourages competition and pushes you to your next level.
It’s definitely a more enjoyable experience than taking one-on-one lessons. The instructors are highly motivated and there’s a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. I would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking about reconnecting with the sport.
For me, the TennisTIP experience crystallizes into a singular benefit: consistency. This methodology is evident almost immediately — in both the design of the class and with respect to the people who are around you.
The class is always broken down into two parts: drilling, and “liveball.” While the drills may change, there is always repetition within a drill so that you can correct mistakes and find your groove. Furthermore, given the number of people who attend the classes and the number of courts available, you never feel like you aren’t getting enough court time. While the drills are surprisingly fun, mixing that more structured approach to learning with the point-play of liveball is a great way to make sure that you’re never bored. Here, the instructors separate by skill-level so that points are demanding.
Consistency in people is also an important part of the lessons. Familiarity between students and instructors ensures that both are comfortable with each other; the line between teacher and student is sometimes very blurry. As a result, giving more comprehensive instruction is possible, and receiving instruction is more palatable. Familiarity with your fellow students offers the most significant benefit by far. When I first signed up, I was new to Miami and looking for a fun way to meet people. Because TennisTIP encourages students to sign up for multiple classes at once (and because many of the exercises are cooperative), it is easy to get to know your peers. I’m happy to say that after a year of going once a week, I have made some great friends (including some of the pros). The instructors intentionally cultivate an atmosphere that is lighthearted, supportive, and challenging, all at the same time.
I completely agree with Brian and West. Could not have said it any better.
After trying several different activities related to tennis — private lessons, clinics and casual hitting with friends — I found that TennisTip is by far the greatest activity.
There is certainly a high degree of self-discovery in the drills-portion of the class, but when you add in the “liveball” or group games then what you ultimately have is the best platform possible: The ability to improve your game and then immediately test your skills against pros/fellow classmates.
Definitely worth it to check out!
All those are great comments and there’s very little to add.. but! I will make a note for those not so focused on the technical side of it..
These classes are SO MUCH FUN!.. I would recommend this to everyone, even those who are not trying to be tennis players. These classes will have you enjoying hours and hours, running and playing non-stop, having fun with great people (students and pros as well), and by the time the class is done you won’t believe how fast time went by. (you will remember the class the next morning.. LOL.. unless you are in much better shape than I am).