Each time I travel to different countries to perform tennis workshops for coaches, teachers, and parents or to give lectures at conferences, there is a wealth of information that always enlightens me and gives me new perspectives. They look great, in video, in photographs, and in news clippings. I think Paul Annacone said it best when I sat down with him last year to talk about coaching Pete Sampras. Don't get me wrong coaches, I believe that biomechanics are a necessity in maximizing a players potential. The problem lies in the fact that many players are spending so much time in this area that they end up learning how to play the game when they are in the later stages of development.
Golfers play the game, soccer players play the game, baseball players play in their leagues.
This is simply crazy thinking. For 12 straight years, I have traveled with my academy students to Florida to help develop their games and to gain some valuable playing experience. Each December, there is no doubt in my mind that Miami is the place to be if you're a junior with aspirations of world class junior tennis. All ages from 7 to 18 years assemble for several months to train and play tournaments against the best in the world. Unfortunately, there are many parents and coaches who do not allow their players to simply play.