TopCourt: Basics To Big Time With Bollettieri

Nick Bollettieri has always relished a challenge.

In more than 60 years as a coach, the American has thrived on accomplishing what others said could not be done. From honing talents such as Jim Courier, Andre Agassi and Monica Seles, to founding the world’s first major tennis boarding academy, Bollettieri is one of tennis’ true pioneers.

Now a TopCourt ambassador, Bollettieri opens up to fans on the fundamentals of his coaching philosophy, offering key insights that will last them a lifetime. He also reveals how his humble beginnings as the son of Italian immigrants in New York have driven his self-belief over the decades, and how he has embraced the unique playing styles of some of his most successful charges.

Instruction: Bollettieri introduces three building blocks that he teaches to all tennis players, starting with one simple skill that he believes is crucial in developing an early enjoyment of the sport. He then shares his philosophy on how and when a player should move forward in his ‘Learning How To Attack The Net’ class, before using a real life example of two players playing a few points to immediately demonstrate areas of potential improvement.

Drills: Bollettieri brings six of his favourite drills to TopCourt, ensuring there is something for players of all levels. For beginners, ‘The Alley Drill’ shows how to make solid and consistent contact with the ball. More confident players can try Bollettieri’s ‘Box Drill Intervals’ exercise, which he introduced to Mary Pierce before she won the 1995 Australian Open.

Follow Bollettieri’s Tutorials at TopCourt.com.