Intelligent tennis is a state of mind and a step-by-step method for learning or improving your game of tennis. Intelligent tennis gives players a physiological advantage against their opponents as well as the technique and strategy that players need to play successfully and enjoy the game.

State of Mind

If you want to play tennis, you can! To make you a successful player, Intelligent Tennis uses a series of goal-setting techniques, self-practice motivation, and confidence building along with the traditional on-court training. When you achieve your personal goals, you will get a sense of reward and satisfaction. Do not let anything stand in your way – you can decide that you will play well.

Teaching Technique

Goal setting at sign up. Initial interview with coach.

If you are a five-year-old student who is about to learn the game or someone who has been playing for years, it is important for you to know what you want to accomplish through your lessons. You need to define your ultimate goal. Because no sport can be accomplished without personal motivation, the coach needs to understand your personal expectations.
An important aspect of Intelligent Tennis is for you to know what you want to accomplish on the court and recognize the “next step” as you reach each goal or level of play.
At appropriate intervals, the coach will also conduct regular follow-up interviews to assess how the student is progressing.

On-court training – the Reflexive Play Technique

On-court training is the core of the Intelligent Tennis Method. The student is immersed in hard, quick play right from the start so that returning a ball hit from any direction becomes a conditioned reflex instead of a move about which he or she needs to think. After a student has achieved this conditioned reflex, the coach will be able to work with the student to refine technique and strategy.

Video demonstrations: basic and advanced technique

In addition to on-court training, the coach provides the student a library of training videos that Marc developed. The videotapes demonstrate everything from beginner basics to advanced techniques and problem solving. Topics on the videotapes include the following:
• How to develop the correct grip and racquet techniques
• Basic strategy
• Advanced strategy
• How to serve properly
• How to develop a power serve
• How to recognize common mistakes, and how to correct them

The videotapes will be available for sale in the tennis center and on the IntelligentTennis.com web site. The videotapes feature Marc explaining the techniques and providing instruction, as well as demonstrating techniques and strokes on the court. Other students will be part of the videos.

Record play

One of the most difficult things to do in any sport is for the student to recognize what he or she is doing wrong. The student might watch the instructor and think that he is duplicating a move or a racquet technique, but he is not. Part of the Intelligent Tennis Method is to record the student so the student can see himself or herself in action.

The wall

The wall is another unique feature of the Intelligent Tennis Method. Marc uses this training tool to develop quick response and reflexive play, and it is a training opportunity that makes his method unique.
To practice on his or her own, the student would use the wall. The student can use the wall whenever he or she has time. A motivated player would use it every day to practice reflexive play technique or to work on specific areas on which the student wants to improve. The wall works, because it is a self-motivated tool that allows the students to improve their game on their own. Every time a player approaches the wall for a session, he or she is encouraged to set an individual goal (for example, return 20 shots in a row without missing one).
The wall would become a unique feature for tennis centers that wish to feature the Intelligent Tennis Method. The advantage to the facility is that students who use this method cannot switch to other facilities.

Rotation of instructors

An important feature of the Intelligent Tennis Method is the rotation of instructors. Serious students benefit from the rotation of teaching styles. After four to six months, it is possible for a student to get into a rut: the training becomes routine. Facilities that offer the Intelligent Tennis Method provide a roaster of instructors who offer a variety of strengths. The instructors would help a student approach the game from different angles. This allows a pool of instructors to assess the best approach to the game for each individual.

The coach rotation includes the following skills:
• Power Game
• Correct body and racquet technique
• Strategy


Sample Programs Offered by the Intelligent Tennis Method

The following outline is a sample of one program that the Intelligent Tennis Method provides.

Beginner Program – 8 Weeks

• Six weeks of individual training, including the following

• Basic rules of the game