I receive frequent e-mails with questions regarding weekend group clinics.  In the article, I’m going to outline the details of my group coaching sessions.
    Typically there will be a certain theme topic for the entire weekend like footwork, serve & return, combination drills, strategy, looping, tournament preparation, and linking the strokes together.  Our next clinic will be August 22-23 here in Akron, Ohio and our main topic will be tournament preparation.  Throughout the weekend, the players will learn how to setup a game-plan, how to control the rallies, how to strategize against different opponents, how to perfect the short game, and how to improve their serve and serve return. 
     After explaining each skill to the group, each member of the clinic will demonstrate the skill correctly to one of the coaches.  After the student has a good grasp on his new tool, he will then be paired with another player of a similar level and given a drill to apply his skill.  Through the drills, the coaches will give advice on how to perfect the new weapon.  Each drill will relate back to the theme topic for the weekend.
     After the players feel comfortable with the drill, each of them will be given a game-situation drill where each student is expected to apply the skill.  Application is really the key.  Many players travel from other cities to attend a group session here in Akron.  The ones who take the knowledge and are persistent to properly apply the info can really really improve.  The players who learn new information and don’t apply it are not able to improve.
     At the end of each session, we usually ask the students to play a couple games and focus on trying to use the new skills.  This is where it gets interesting.  About 80% of the players don’t care about the skill and only want to beat the other guy.  I again verbally reinforce the idea that “winning” at the club will really hinder improvement.  Many players want to play better, but few players actually want to improve their game by making changes.  Improvement is not for the faint-hearted.  If a player wants to improve long-term, he must be persistent in applying the skill and focusing on performing – not winning.  If a player continues to do what he has always done for the last 10 years; then he will logically have the same results that he has had for the last 10 years.  Overall, we have had excellent feedback from the clinics and many player continue in their faithful attendance.
      If you want to make positive improvements in your game, we would highly recommend attending an upcoming clinic.  On August 22-23, there will be a clinic in Akron, Ohio and on August 29-30, there will be a clinic in Long Island, NY.  Advanced registration is required.   Many of the topics will be gear for advanced players; however, all ages and levels are welcome.  The players will be divided based on playing ability, so that each player will be working on level-appropriate skills. If you have questions, feel free to e-mail anytime tt@samsondubina.com.