World coaches workshop a real game changer

Cook Islands national tennis coach Malcolm Kayer recently returned from attending the World Wide Tennis Coaches workshop in Cancun, Mexico.

It was hosted by the International Tennis Federation and attended by over 900 tennis coaches from all parts of the globe.

So much is happening in the international tennis world, the event is held every two years.

Highlights for Kayer included sessions by Nick Bolliteri who has coached Andre Agassi, Monica Seles, Jim Courier and the Williams sisters.

Bolliteri impressed Kayer with his willingness to share his deep knowledge and understanding of the game from his many years coaching at the highest levels.

Sessions were practical, with the lecture theatre having a tennis court in it built from thousands of lego-like pieces.

Kayer also found sessions by cross-code exponents such as the Canadian Olympic ski coach valuable in terms of learning about fitness, muscle development and building strength.

Malcolm says he has “learned a thousand new things” and has already put some of this new-found knowledge to work with talented young local players such as Roland Neurerer, who now has a fitness programme designed to strengthen his back, hips and pelvis areas and improve his overall stamina and mobility. This knowledge helps players at all levels from the primary school children to the elite juniors.

Kayer was particularly impressed with the dedication and commitment that young players from around the world are investing in the game.

For most who are serious about rising to top-level tennis, it is a full time undertaking with a minimum of four to five hours of training a day required.

This includes as much match time as can be factored into the programme to build on-court experience.

“Kids have to love and have a real passion for the game,” says Kayer.

A tennis scholarship to an American University is a great way to obtain a degree and further a budding tennis career.

Malcolm says he is extremely grateful for the opportunity to attend the workshop and feels that the experience was invaluable.

He gives a big thanks to Brian Baudinet and Madeilene Sword for their assistance in getting him there.

The game is continually changing and evolving, and international workshops such as the one in Cancun are vital in order to remain current. Not only that, Kayer feels the skills and techniques he has learned and is able to pass on to his students young and old, provide real life skills and the discipline to lead a long, healthy and successful life.