What I Teach After 25 Years of Trial and Error

“Eric combines a rare knowledge of world-class tennis strokes gleaned from years of observation and experimentation with a unique ability to communicate what he understands in simple terms. His coaching has helped me to learn the optimal way to strive to hit each shot.”
Joseph Bartel, Advanced Club Player, USA

Please Note:
Below is an outline of what I teach on court to aspiring college/pro players, and advanced club players. (Usually 4.0 and higher, though I sometimes work with beginning players to get them started on a sound path.) My intention is to transfer this information into short articles and videos. In the mean time, if you have a specific question, please do not hesitate to ask.

General

The Four Pillars of Tennis Mastery

Technical

Basics

What Is A World-Class Stroke? (Efficient, explosive, adaptable)
Are There Ideal Swings? (Sets, Grips, etc.)
Inside-out Swings
Whole Body (Linear and angular momentum)
One-Pointed Energy Transference
Importance of Being Loose
Overview of Grips (Using common number system)

Serve (World-Class Level)

Grips (1st, 2nd Serves)
What Stance to Use? (Platform vs. Pinpoint)
What Toss Path to Use? (V vs. J)

Ground Stroke Basics

Easy Power
Construct of Efficient Swings
Construct of Explosive Swings

Forehand (World-Class Level)

3.5 - 4.5 Grip (With heel pad properly positioned)
Racket Up vs. Elbow Back/Up?
Loop vs. No Loop?
'Set Position' to Reach
Key Aspects to a World-class 'Set'
'Double Drop'
Dominant Leg Straightening and Hip Firing
Head Tucking Back and In
SSC
Forearm Usage for Spin and Power
Use of the Wrist

Topspin Backhand

1-1.5 Grip
Setting Yourself Up to Set Effectively
Unit Turn Set vs. Pendulum Set?
Loop on a Unit Turn Set or No Loop?
Turn Shoulders 20% Beyond Perpendicular
Line Up Behind the Shot and Stay Behind It
Dropping Inside (As step out/forward - diagonally)
Head Tucking Back and In
Driving the Hip
Popping the Elbow 'Feeling' Before Driving the Hip (SSC)
Rotating Forearm

Backhand Slice

1.5 Grip
Turn Shoulders 20% Beyond Perpendicular
Set as a Unit (But not in a stiff or rigid manner)
Line Up Behind the Shot and Stay Behind It
Hitting w/in the Shot (Horizontally and vertically)
Sideways Through the Hit (Then recover)

Volleys

Great Volleys Start in the Mind
Simple Structure for Effective Volleys
Line Up and Drive Your Energy

Physical

Fitness/Injury Prevention

Build Your Aerobic and Anaerobic Base
Core Workout Routine
Overall Strength Base

Movement

Let Your Feet Demonstrate Your Mentality
Gallop to Cover More Ground
Using the Split Step for a Faster First Step
Explosive Weight Training

Tactical

Singles

CTS 'Three Ball System'
Importance of Mastering the 1 Ball
The '2 Ball' and When to Use It

Mental

General

Enjoying the Journey

Competition

The True Meaning of Competition
Step Into Your Peak Physiology
Commit to Being an 'Extra Ball' Player
Does Your Tennis Self-concept Need an Update?
Your Body Follows Your Focus
Importance of Rituals

Training

Have a Long-term Vision
Set Short-term Goals
Try a 90-Day Burst
Know Your Daily Must Activities
Why You MUST Create a Supportive Environment

Health and Nutrition

Long-term Health

Basics for Injury Prevention
Importance of Structural Alignment
Emotional Wellness
Importance of Sleep

Nutrition

Water Intake and Quality
Are Supplements Necessary?
Food Athletes Should Consume
Foods Athletes Should Avoid
Supplements?
Pre-match Fueling (Food, water, supplements, etc.)
Match Fueling
Post-match Fueling
Can You Be a Vegetarian Athlete?