2024 Coaches Roundtable
The local tennis community boasts some of the top coaches in the world, and with this wealth of talent available, Long Island Tennis Magazine took the opportunity to pick the brains of some of these coaches. These coaches share their thoughts on a wide variety of tennis topics and issues, ranging from junior tennis to the professional game.
Ricky Becker is The Director of Tennis at the Glen Oaks Club. He also coaches high-performance juniors throughout the year and has been the Director of Tennis at three of Long Island’s biggest junior programs. As a player, Becker was the Most Valuable Player for the 1996 NCAA Championship Stanford Tennis team and ranked in the top-five nationally as a junior.
Jared Berse is the Head Tennis Professional at Nassau Tennis & Sports Center in Inwood as well as the Director of Tennis at Inwood Country Club.
Eldad Campbell is the High Performance Talent Development Specialist at Robbie Wagner Tournament and Training Center. He is a four-time representative of the Jamaican Men’s Davis Cup, Junior Davis Cup, World Youth Cup, and Pan American Games team and a former number-one junior tennis player in Jamaica. He currently counsels high-performance tennis players, parents, and coaches, helping them navigate the different terrains of the tennis industry.
Dale Evans is the Director of Tennis Operations at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Originally from Oakland, CA, he is a two-time tennis industry national award winner and 2- time national coaching champion who has spoken at several conferences and USPTA World Conferences. After playing collegiate tennis at Jackson State University (MS), he has spent an extensive amount of time coaching players and leading high-performing teams throughout the tennis industry. He holds a B.S. in Management and M.S. in Sports Management and certifications from USPTA, PTR, Academia De Sanchez-Casal, and IPTPA.
Steve Kaplan is the owner and managing director of Bethpage Park Tennis Center, as well as director emeritus of Lacoste Academy for New York City Parks Foundation, executive director and founder of Serve & Return Inc and co-director of The City Classic Junior Tennis Academy. Steve has coached more than 1,100 nationally- ranked junior players, 16 New York State high school champions, two NCAA Division 1 Singles Champions, and numerous highly-ranked touring professionals. In 2017, Steve was awarded the Hy Zausner Lifetime Achievement Award by the USTA.
Paul Koenke is the Global Off-site Tournament Coordinator & Assistant Academy Director of the John McEnroe Tennis Academy. A native of Denver, Colorado, he was ranked in the Top 10 national in the Boys 16s and Boys 18s before going on to play collegiately at Clemson University and Boise State University. Koenke has coached across the United States for more than a decade.
Ed Krass coached the Harvard Women’s Tennis Team to four consecutive Ivy League titles from 1986-1990. Ed is the founder and director of the Annual College Tennis Exposure Camps, which are taught exclusively by all head college coaches for high school-aged players (15-18). Ed is also the founder of One-On-One Doubles tournaments, which have been played at USTA, ATP, ITA and USPTA national events.
Saloman Levy is the Co-Director of Tennis at Christopher Morley Tennis. Levy is originally from Colombia where he served as coach and captain of the National teams. He attended the Wingate Institute for Sports Science in Israel, and has gone on to coach many players who have played at the national and collegiate levels.
Chris Lewit is a former number one for Cornell and pro circuit player. He is a high-performance coach, educator, and the author of two best-selling books: The Secrets of Spanish Tennis and The Tennis Technique Bible. He has coached numerous top 10 nationally- ranked players and is known for his expertise in building the foundations of young prodigies. Chris coaches in NYC and year-round at his high performance tennis academy in Manchester, VT, where players can live and train the Spanish Way full- time or short-term.
Omar Lopez is a full-time tennis professional at Future Stars in Southampton during the winter and the Assistant Tennis Director at Future Stars Southampton in the summer.
Ben Marks is Director of Junior Tennis at Carefree Racquet Club, and Director of Tennis at Cold Spring Harbor Beach Club. He previously worked at the John McEnroe Tennis Academy, and was the Cold Spring Harbor Varsity Head Coach for three years, earning Nassau County Coach of the Year Honors in 2014. He played number one and number two singles for Norfolk State University, and number one doubles—reaching a career-high regional ranking of ninth in the Atlantic Region. He is a 2015 National Open Doubles Champion. In 2018, he was named USTA Long Island’s Tennis Professional of the Year.
David Nisenson is the director of junior development at Point Set Tennis. With more than 25 years of playing and coaching experience and an unmatched competitiveness, David has quickly become one of the driving forces behind Point Set’s junior development program.
Dylan Roberts is a tennis teaching professional at Eastern Athletic Clubs in Blue Point. Roberts previously served as an assistant coach for the Hofstra University tennis teams, after a four-year collegiate career competing for Siena College.
Samantha Siegel is a Tennis Coordinator and Coach at SPORTIME Syosset, A native of Houston, Texas, Siegel was a nationally-ranked junior player before playing singles and doubles at McKendree University. Before joining SPORTIME, Siegel coached at the IMG Academy and the Naval Academy.
Alina Volman is the Director of Racquet Sports at Pine Hollow Club. She was a standout tennis player at the University of South Alabama, and she now takes all of her experiences as a player and coach in her role as the director of racquet sports, helping coach and running club events.
Jason Wass is the Director of Summer Programs at LuHi, a position he’s held since 2020. Wass also serves on the USTA Eastern Long Island Regional Council, and has been a tennis and camp director here on Long Island for more than a decade.
Mental health is an important topic that has been brought to the forefront of athletics recently. How often and how do you engage your players on their mental well-being, both on and off the court?
Krass: Mental health is always a top priority. Since I run a two day College Tennis Exposure Camp, I do not get the privilege of knowing everyone’s current state of mental health; However, I do think it is of utmost importance to put our players into a learning and training atmosphere fostered with love, respect and enthusiasm for them as people FIRST!
Levy: I pay close attention to my players’ mental health, as it directly impacts performance, well-being, and overall quality of life. Athletes with good mental health will be more resilient and focused on enhancing their performance through decision-making in practice and matches. Good mental health fosters motivation, goal-setting, and commitment to training and competition. Effective mental health strategies help manage stress and anxiety reducing burnout and promoting longevity in their careers. Prioritizing mental health leads to improved life satisfaction and helps prevent issues such as anxiety and depression which can affect players off the field.
Lewit: Player welfare and mental health is paramount. When you get to know a player well, you can feel if they are struggling with something that may be bigger than just tennis. That’s a daily assessment. In those cases, I will try to work with the parents to assess what we can do to help the player or seek help from a professional mental health provider. I believe parents know best, and I always look to the parents for insight and guidance on my student’s mental health.
Roberts: Mental health is a priority to myself as a coach and is one of the primary reasons that I only take on a limited number of players per season. This allows more time to understand each player on a deeper level and know how they operate not only on the court but off it as well. By doing so, we create a consistent healthy environment which can maximize their potential while still pushing them to reach their goals. With the smaller number of players, it also allows for constant check-ins with their overall mental health and well-being.
Volman: I engage my players regularly on their mental well-being by incorporating mental conditioning exercises like visualization and breathing techniques into our training sessions. Off the court, I encourage open conversations and check-ins to ensure they feel supported beyond just their athletic performance. I believe creating a balanced, open environment helps players perform at their best both mentally and physically.
Gamesmanship and cheating are always controversial topics at the junior level. How do we begin to try and eliminate those sorts of things from the game?
Campbell: While cheating and gamesmanship exist at the junior level, we must acknowledge that players are not inherently dishonest or manipulative. To tackle this issue effectively, focus should be placed on promoting mental training alongside on-court practice and off-court fitness. Incorporating mental training with a sports psychologist will provide the necessary education concerning the adverse long-term effects of gamesmanship and cheating while also equipping players with the tools needed to navigate and manage unsportsmanlike behavior when they arise. This approach addresses the issue at the source and facilitates a healthy path forward to correct the undesirable behavior.
Nisenson: Tennis stands out as the only youth sport where players act as their own referees. From an early age, players may face internal, parental, and coaching pressures that foster a win-at-all-costs mentality, sometimes leading to cheating. While we strive to encourage more children to take up tennis, a negative experience can deter newcomers, pushing them towards other sports. In high school, I officiated youth sports, and it begs the question: why doesn’t the USTA employ high school students to help mitigate this issue? While they wouldn’t need to officiate entire matches, having someone present on the court to assist with disputes could significantly improve these situations. Often, at tournaments, the only authority figure is the tournament director, who typically remains in the lobby and only intervenes once issues arise—by which point, the damage is often already done.
Roberts: I think the availability of additional roaming umpires would increase the overall gamesmanship of matches at the junior level. There are various times when a line judge would have to leave a court when asked for assistance to oversee another match that may be for example, going into a match tiebreak and therefore the integrity of the match the line judge left now suffers.
What is the current state of tennis on Long Island? How do we continue growing and improving?
Berse: In my 16 years of coaching, tennis has never been more popular on Long Island than it is now. There are so many more facilities and programs which cater to all ages and skill level and the growth has been great to see! In order to keep growing the sport, we need to increase accessibility and expand partnerships with organizations and local communities to make tennis more inclusive, and exciting for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Campbell: The current state of Long Island tennis is strong and well- positioned for continued growth. Thanks to the region’s lucrative tennis nature and vibrant tennis scene, the territory attracts talented national and international personnel. To ensure future success, it is imperative to continue attracting, retaining, and assisting in the talented workforce’s personnel development. Maintaining a meritocratic environment and encouraging healthy competition among the workforce, clubs, and players is also essential for continued prosperity.
Koenke: I think tennis on Long Island is really thriving right now. Every club I’ve been to has packed courts and programming. Staying current and continuing to offer new events and programs that tennis players are hungry for will keep us on the right track of growing tennis even further in the community.
Marks: We are still seeing really strong numbers in the indoor club world and outdoor country club space. Participation is high across all levels and ages from what I am seeing. Both adults and kids have so much choice nowadays in the activities they choose to spend their money on, so it is up to us to keep offering great value to our players, whether it is a great workout they are looking for, to remodel their serve or to reach that next level of competition, we have to understand exactly what our clients want and try to deliver on that each and every time.
Where do you stand on players overly celebrating points/being animated and showing emotions during matches?
Lewit: Every player is different. Some players are very animated and outgoing and others are more reserved. McEnroe versus Borg. Alcaraz versus Sinner.. As long as the player is courteous and respectful I give him or her broad parameters about how to express themselves. There is not only one way. The player needs to express themselves in a way that optimizes psychological flow. You can’t force all players to fit one model of behavior. I want to help my students find the best way to express their emotions in a constructive and positive way to help them play better.
Lopez: In tennis, celebrating and showing emotions is natural and reflects passion, competitiveness and drive, but it should be balanced with respect for opponents. While animated reactions can energize players and entertain fans, overly excessive celebrations may be seen as unsportsmanlike and disrespectful. Ultimately, a balance is important. Players should have the freedom to express themselves and celebrate, but within the bounds of respect and sportsmanship. If done in a way that maintains the dignity of the match and the opponent, showing emotion can enhance the sport rather than detract from it.
Marks: That’s a tough one! I think it all depends on the situation and the environment you are in. In team tennis I think it is much more acceptable, but I still think there are respectful and disrespectful ways of celebrating. In college I will admit I often wasn’t thinking about anything but my team and our goal when playing my matches, just like my opponents were too. That would I am sure come across at times as being overly animated, but such was the environment. Players at times are expected to be these emotionless robots and are targeted when they show any kind of joy/anger/frustration which is perhaps not great for our sport’s survival in this day and age. We want to be entertained and connect with the stars of our sport, and players wearing their emotions on their sleeves help us to make those connections.
What do you find most rewarding about being a tennis coach?
Lopez: Seeing players improve and grow, both on and off the court. Watching them develop their skills, gain confidence, and overcome challenges is very fulfilling. Additionally, the relationships built and the positive impact on people’s lives is something very unique. I have had the pleasure of meeting some amazing people throughout my years as a coach, both as coworkers and students, and it’s very gratifying to see years later how far they’ve come and to know I was part of their journey.
Nisenson: Being a tennis coach has enabled me to forge numerous meaningful relationships both on and off the court. The rewards of being a tennis coach transcend the sport itself. It is more about positively impacting someone’s life or influencing a student in a constructive and uplifting way. Wass: Building relationships with players and teams that aid in their personal growth has become one of the most rewarding aspects of coaching to me. Sports in general have so much to teach young people and helping players navigate the journey is an honor and a privilege.
What is something you think you can improve on as a coach?
Becker: Everything! Seriously, I hope I never get to the point where I don’t think I can get better in any area. What fun would that be for anyone who is passionate in their profession? I do wish I can have 20-year old legs to beat up on the top Eastern players but I can’t do much about that!
Evans: As tennis coaches, we have all honed our skills as being great in delivering tennis to many ages and levels. With the game continuing to grow, I believe there are two areas that we can improve on to help reach our USTA goal of “35 by 35”, which is a target of 35 million players in the U.S. by 2035. Those areas are in diverse communication – we can always improve our N.Y.C. community marketing and on-court delivery when working with different demographics, and coach development–we can always help the next generation of tennis providers build sound tennis knowledge which will help our players improve that much more.
Marks: I think I’m going to come at this question from an industry as a whole perspective (not because I don’t have any weaknesses but I think this is an important topic!). I think as a group of clubs and coaches here on Long Island, we can definitely do a better job of working together for the benefit of our players. We see it time and time again with clubs wrestling for players especially at the junior level. Instead of looking at a player and what your club can offer, and what other clubs can offer that may be more beneficial in that moment, we just sell, sell, sell. I was chatting with a parent the other day about their children who were “banned” from taking private lessons elsewhere if their child wanted to play in their groups. Is that for the player’s benefit? Or the clubs and their owners? We can all do better at taking a step back and doing what is right for our students.
Volman: As coaches, we are always working to better tailor our approaches to the unique learning styles and personalities of each player. Improving how we communicate complex strategies and adapting to individual needs is an ongoing focus. We also aim to stay updated on advancements in sports science and mental conditioning to further enhance our coaching techniques.
What advice would you give a former player who has desires to go into coaching?
Krass: My advice to players wanting to enter the coaching profession is to choose the right one or two mentors who are very successful in their tennis niches. Try to study, over the course of a year, what they do, how they do it and how they respond to people and any problems that arise. It’s important to read coaching books, as well. Becoming a certified coach will add knowledge and credibility.
How do you feel about students who question you?
Berse: As a tennis coach, I encourage and enjoy when students ask questions. It shows that they are invested in learning, and are motivated to improve their game. I believe that open communication creates a healthy relationship between a coach and their student.
Levy: I like to communicate openly with my students and get their feedback during the learning process. When a student questions me, It is a great opportunity to see the situation from a different perspective, which I can learn and use in the future when I have a similar situation again.
Siegel: I think it’s great when students ask questions! I believe it shows they are engaged, curious, and want to improve. It’s an important part of the learning process. Respectful dialogue fosters better understanding, while disrespectful questions undermine that. It’s all about creating a positive environment where both players and coaches can grow.
Wass: Students should question you, but respectfully. Part of the journey is to provide guidance and thought-provoking conversations. This is not a one way street, players who ask questions respectfully stand to gain the most in the long run, just as a student in any subject matter would. Early in a relationship I believe is the time where boundaries should be established and as trust builds, the player/coach relationship is unique and can really be a training ground for many endeavors on and off the court.
Do you see any trends in technique used by the top players that you now use in your teaching? Or any tendencies from today’s stars that you see junior players using?
Becker: The two main trends I see juniors copying is the revival of the drop shot (Carlos Alcaraz) and returners way behind the baseline (Andrei Medvedev.) I haven’t bought in to the deep return position for many reasons but I like the return of the drop shot as well as bringing opponents in on “your terms”.
Kaplan: The most current trend is the distinction and use of what has been termed the ATP, WTA and NEXT GEN forehands. Some coaches advocate that some of these styles are superior to others and they may be correct…. or they may not. As they are unproven I think that teaching such a style would be first an experiment and further not a most efficient or effective use or progression of our lesson time. My focus is on what I believe are universal fundamentals that include, balance, movement synchronization, movement efficiency, movement effectiveness, reactivity, tracking, ball receptive skills, spacing , rhythm, tempo, timing power, power endurance, and high percentage body, racket positioning and ball placement to help develop tactical, and strategic problem solving abilities.
Lewit: Absolutely. I just finished my new book Winning Pretty, which features cutting-edge technique and biomechanics. The technical game has changed dramatically in the past few decades. I can give a percentage of women using this type of short range of motion, whippy technique is rising quickly; open stance backhands and. two-handed backhands have become almost universal on both tours, and drop shots and swinging topspin volleys are now used routinely to attack. Alcaraz has inspired a generation of kids to work on their drop shot now!
Volman: One technique trend I’veadopted is focusing on aggressive baseline play with fast transitions to the net, something many top players excel at today. I’ve also noticed junior players trying to emulate the heavy topspin forehand popularized by stars like Nadal and Djokovic. While it’s a great tool, I stress the importance of versatility, teaching players to use variety and not rely solely on one style of play.
In what way has the milder climate in recent years in NY affected the landscape of the local tennis business? Do you see any tendency toward people staying outside to play more? Any change to programming/camps/etc?
Evans: The milder climate has increased the window of outdoor tennis, therefore allowing many facilities to be creative in this new space for the time being. Noticeable trends are players playing outdoors later into the year and venturing outdoors earlier. Here at the National Tennis Center, we’ve welcomed the opportunity to run camps indoors and outdoors, along with creating memorable experiences when teaching outdoor clinics on our stadium courts.
Kaplan: A milder climate as well as the pandemic have contributed to the trend for many players to extend their outdoor play for as long as they are able. I believe that the industry is well advised to respect and accommodate this trend with flexible programs. I can understand that this may be costly in the short run for some clubs and programs. However tennis is a service business and seen as a luxury by many. Our willingness to be adaptable to a changing climate, changing demographics, changing health concerns and changing market preferences is going to be good for the sport and in the long run help the industry do well.
Koenke: The milder climate is definitely driving a bigger interest to stay outside longer and longer. The winter months can be long here in NY, with indoor programming running at many clubs for the better part of 9 months. I think it is important that clubs with access to outdoor courts work on ways to keep their players outside whenever possible. Additionally, adding in weekend camps in late spring and early fall months could help boost interest and revenue for many facilities.
How do you think pickleball has affected the local tennis landscape both positively and negatively?
Kaplan: Pickleball is a natural progression for the aging population of the sport and it provides a low cost and low commitment alternative for many tennis clubs to fill otherwise unused court time. While some in the industry see tennis participation as a zero sum with Pickleball converts taking players away from tennis, I see this differently. Pickleball is in many ways the “quickstart” of mature participants with adapted rules, equipment and modified court. If embraced by tennis enthusiasts and managed well, Pickleball can add to the use of courts and the enjoyment of racket sports.
Koenke: I think pickleball has, actually, really helped the tennis community for the most part. While pickleball takes some players (and courts) away from tennis, it has undoubtedly drawn more interest and participation in the racket sports industry, and thus, inundated facilities and clubs with a larger and more diverse community than before. Pickleball hits some key demographic groups that tennis wasn’t reaching as successfully. It also has created an instant need for many clubs to update and upgrade their facilities, which in turn, benefits the tennis players at those clubs as well. I’d say the positive noise it generates within the community far outweighs the noise of the paddles.
What does having the world’s biggest tennis event (The U.S. Open) being held here in New York do for tennis locally? What benefits do you see?
Berse: The U.S. Open being held in New York has had a huge impact on tennis locally. The tournament has brought so much excitement to the area, and provides fun opportunities for fans from various backgrounds and ages to get involved. The U.S. Open gives local kids an opportunity to be inspired by talented young players and motivates them to take up the game.
Campbell: One of the most significant impacts the U.S. Open has on tennis locally is its ability to reach a broad audience, sparking interest and curiosity in the sport through its massive marketing campaign and global prestige. Further benefits include first-hand exposure to the lifestyle the best tennis players enjoy. Coaches, players, and parents can glean priceless information from the operational models showcased by the professionals and integrate practical observations into their training regimen.
Levy: The U.S Open being held here is a unique opportunity for local tennis fans to see the world’s greatest players compete in the final Grand Slam of the year… The U.S Open raises awareness and interest in tennis among local communities, inspiring more people to take up our sport. The tournament also gives New York a great economic boost from the influx of visitors to the event that supports local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, contributing to the economy. Hosting a major tournament enhances New York’s reputation as a global sports hub, attracting future events and investments in sports infrastructure. Overall, the US Open catalyzes growth and development in local tennis benefiting players and the community alike.
Siegel: The excitement of the tournament encourages more people to try tennis, leading to more players at local clubs and courts, especially kids who are inspired to join tennis programs. Watching the world’s best players compete in their city motivates local kids to take tennis more seriously and pursue it as a sport. Overall, the U.S. Open brings energy, investment, and opportunities for tennis to grow in New York.
Wass: During the U.S. Open, I couldn’t find an open court at the local park near my house. The excitement the U.S. Open brings to the area every Late August is palpable. Obviously this is an opportunity to get people hooked on the sport. Hoping that we can create sustainable programming as an industry that allows everyone to get and stay involved.
What impact do you think the success of the American men at this year’s U.S. Open will have on tennis popularity here in the States?
Lopez: The success of American men at this year’s U.S. Open will likely boost tennis popularity in the U.S. It gives young players relatable role models and inspires them to pursue the sport, showing that Americans can succeed on the global stage. This achievement can increase interest in tennis, drawing more fans, media attention, and participation in local tennis programs. It could also create a resurgence in support for the sport, fueling growth at both the grassroots and professional levels across the country.
Nisenson: It’s about personalities and relatability. If children can see themselves in these professional tennis players, they’ll aspire to emulate them. This connection will not only increase the sport’s popularity but also encourage more kids to take up tennis.
Roberts: As with any sport, whenever players from your respective country have success, it tends to grab attention across various media platforms. Regarding this particular U.S. Open, I think the fact that we had two American semifinalists not only in the men’s draw but the women’s draw as well provided an opportunity for the “recreational” viewer to watch tennis later into the tournament. Overall, the U.S. Open had some highly entertaining matches with a few of them being American battles and it definitely helped raise interest for tennis within the States.
The U.S. Open raised ticket prices across the board this year, but also saw a record number of people attend the event. What do you think this indicates about tennis’ standing comparatively to other sports?
Becker: The U.S Open is simply the best. I do think the USTA has done a great job revenue and attendance wise by expanding and selling tickets to premium seats in Armstrong and the Grandstand without granting admittance to Ashe. The U.S.Open is also undoubtedly more and more of a tourist destination for people who are ready to spend money. So, I actually think the success of the Open is more about the popularity of the U.S Open than it is about tennis.
Evans: Simply stated, this indicates our popularity is growing. In my opinion, tennis is most captivating when multiple generations can share in the love of the game and many of the current up and coming American stars are products of this in various ways. Take for example Ben Shelton and Sebastian Korda, who both have former ATP fathers and combine that with Jessica Pegula who has the Buffalo Bills faithful behind her. All these factors, along with tennis adding 9.7 years to your life potentially, contribute better emotional connections to what is recognized as the most popular individual sport in the world.
Kaplan: The growing demand for U.S Open tickets says a lot about USTA’s skill in marketing this event as the place to be. Many, like myself, remember the time when the ticket prices were lower, the crowds were not crushing and you felt like you were attending an event to watch tennis rather than go shopping and take a picture to post on Instagram. I can’t blame the USTA for going the route of income maximization however, and I think that moving toward sports entertainment can be enriching. I do hope that the tournament solves its crowd management issues. Some of the crowd bottlenecks are inconvenient at best, and a stampede in the making at worst.
Krass: It seems like there has been a huge surge of interest in tennis once again! I think the U.S. Open is the top sports and entertainment event in the world–with sellout crowds and folks attending from all over the world. Tennis is certainly one of our world’s top sports to play and watch!
Would junior tennis benefit from having more team events and tournaments like other sports? Do you think the isolation/individualism of tennis can deter young players from playing?
Becker: Junior tennis seems to have more team events than ever before. Some kids are more into that than other kids. I do think the individualism of tennis can deter young kids from playing but at the same time, I think a certain type of kid is sometimes drawn to tennis for that reason. I think cheating, bad sportsmanship and intense parents in the lobby at tournaments are the biggest deterrent to kids that are also being pulled into team sports at a young age.
Siegel: Junior tennis would definitely benefit from more team events, as they create a sense of community and make the sport more enjoyable for young players. Team events help reduce the pressure that comes with individual matches, allowing kids to rely on their teammates for support and motivation. This social aspect keeps players engaged and helps prevent burnout, which can be common in individual sports. As someone in charge of Junior Team Tennis and UTR Team Leagues in Sportime, I see firsthand how team competitions foster friendships, encourage cooperation, and motivate players to stay involved in the sport longer. These events not only improve their tennis skills but also teach valuable life lessons about teamwork and collaboration.
