SATA COACH RECEIVES REGISTRY CERTIFICATION
SATA Coach Eddie Blackburn receives Level 2 – Certified Tennis Professional from Professional Tennis Registry
1. Can you briefly summarize your history playing and coaching tennis?
I started off in tennis with the NJTL a program started by Arthur Ashe, Donald Dell, and Charlie Paserell, I was coached by Leif and Chris Beck in Philadelphia PA. I along with my team progressed to playing and winning local, regional, and national tournaments. I played high school tennis at the number one position for three years. I started coaching in 1976 with the NJTL. I’ve since work at various clubs around the country.
2. What are the benefits of getting the PTR certification?
Besides the deep discount on rackets, ball’s, court equipment. A PTR certificate gives me six million dollars insurance coverage on court. I find the biggest advantage to be the latest in coaching technique’s. Also opportunities for grants other opportunities for lower income children and adults that otherwise would not have the opportunity to be involved in our great sport.
3. What is your favorite thing about coaching?
My favorite thing about coaching would have to be seeing the improvement in the students i work. As well as meeting and getting to know new people.
4. What are 2-3 tips essential for any players just starting out?
The one tip i give to players of all levels is to be open to new ideas. I’ve been involved in tennis a very long time. But to this day i learn something new every time i step on the court.
5. What is the one thing you see players struggle with most as either beginners or advanced players and how do you overcome it?
The most common problem i see with all the players i work with is footwork. So many times we as instructors totally overlook footwork and movement. You can have the greatest strokes in the world. But if you’re not in the proper position. It means nothing. So nowadays i tend to have player’s focus more on getting in the proper position to make clean contact with the ball
PHOTOS:
Photos from top – 1 and 2 – Eddie at one of the SATA locations he coaches at: George Washington High School in Danville VA. Photo 3 (bottom) Eddie on the National Junior Tennis League in Philadelphia with the 1969 U.S. Davis cup team. Davis cup members from left to right: (Back row) Clark Graebner, chaperone Pete Crock, Arthur Ashe, Charlie Paserell, Dennis Ralston. (Front row) Bob Lutz, Stan Smith.
