[tennisbiz] Re: In need of some advice...

I think there are 2 issues to focus on in reference to the player who is
overweight.

1) Customer Satisfaction
2) Tennis as a fitness tool

The gentleman came to a tennis pro seeking advise and assistance. He was
clear about his objective. He wanted to learn how to move better on court.
That should be our key. The fact that he is overweight is not the main issue,
although in time we may want to suggest that he address it because safety
should be a high priority to all of us (who's to say though if his safety is
at risk when playing tennis?). But our first concern should be to address his
needs. Warren Sapp of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is 6-2 and over 300 lbs. If he
came to one of us wanting to learn how to move better on the tennis court
would we first suggest that he lose weight?

Secondly, tennis is about "Family, Fitness and Friends". That's one of the
USTA's marketing slogans. Why don't we utilize tennis to help him get in
shape. And, what's a better focus than movement? You can design footwork and
agility drills, work on anticipation ... and give him quite a workout. If you
work on the technique of good movement with focus and energy, most of us can
have an exhaustive workout in 10 minutes if we keep the ball in play.

In this case I think we should concentrate on customer satisfaction and
utilizing the tools of tennis that are at our disposal.

Larry Dillon


 
Received on Wed Feb 05 2003 - 11:50:57 CST