Robert Davis
Magnus Norman
Chuck Kriese
Editor’s letter
Greetings! Let me start by offering a big congratulations to our contributors, Toni Nadal and Magnus Norman, for the great job they did with Rafa and Stan at the French Open! I view ELITE as a confluence of great tennis minds that come together in a forum to discuss their philosophies on developing tennis players, teaching technique, building programs, physical conditioning, and personal journeys that inspire. Through our tight network of coaches and access to their players we capture behind the scenes stories that other journalists and tennis aficionados cannot get. At ELITE we have two very simple objectives for each issue - share the knowledge and experiences of proven coaches who have guided players on the professional tennis tour. And secondly, stress the importance of good quality tennis teaching at the earlier stages.
1
Doug MacCurdy: Pioneer
Doug is known and respected throughout the entire industry for 45 years of expert teaching, implementing sound structures and an enthusiasm to help those in need. When it comes to travel it takes a lot to impress anyone in professional tennis.
by Robert Davis
2
Ask Questions to Succeed
“I watch too many players who jump on the tour but don’t bring the tour with them. Generally, they don’t have the strength of mind yet to survive. Where do you see yourself in the game? Do you think you belong on the Futures circuit or do you see yourself on the ATP Tour?”
by Roger Rasheed
3
The Building of a Competitor
”Quality is never an accident. It is quite interesting that cultures of excellence in tennis have sprung up over the past 50 years in places such as Australia, Sweden and Spain.”
by Chuck Kriese
4
What Gives Novak and Bryan Brothers an Edge
”Yes, natural ability helps a tennis player, but I have observed firsthand how professionalism and detailed preparation can take a player to the highest levels of our sport.”
by Dusan Vemic
5
Developing a Player for the Pro Game
“The two most prevalent weapons on display in tennis today are the forehand and serve. Identifying areas for improvement by adding a more penetrating shot or bigger serve may not be applicable to all athletes.”
by Scott McCain
6
On Jordan Thompson's Rise from Futures to World’s Top 100
”The biggest thing that Jordan had to do was reign in his temper. Working on getting to the point where his temper is not costing him matches.”
by Des Tyson
7
What Happened to the Volley?
”Tennis had become a bit one dimensional where players hit the hell out of the ball and hope it does not come back.”
by Pat Cash
8
Portrait of a Tennis Father and Loyal Son
For parents out there who have questions but cannot seem to find the right answers, we encourage you to read Nikolay Mirnyi’s story of the journey that he and his son, Max, undertook.
by Robert Davis
9
The Result Must Count for Something
Magnus shares his opinions on the importance of kids being allowed to win. And lose.
by Magnus Norman
Robert Davis
Magnus Norman
Chuck Kriese
Scott McCain
Jack Reader
Page Love
Bill Norris
Robert Ballard
Roger Rasheed
Robert Davis
Magnus Norman
Chuck Kriese
Scott McCain
Tom Downs
Richard Naughton
Bill Norris
Robert Ballard