Tennis Teaching Pro

Hi , My name is Ovi Dragos . I am a teaching pro and an x HS coach that gave me the understanding and drive to teach/improve skills and tactics in a short period of time. As a HS coach ,you have to get the students ready for the season, for the important league matches for the Sectional Finals or even the State Finals.My HS team has reached the Sectional final 6 times and the State Finals ,twice. My students didn't take any private lessons out of the HS program but 7 of them had /played/play college tennis. My private students improved also to play college level. Because I played and play tournaments I have the experience and knowledge to help a student to improve either the singles or doubles game. Being able to play lefty or righty( I am a righty) it helps me to feed the ball specifically and also to help lefties ,with their specific skills. Tennis : how it all started ..from soccer to tennis . I started playing tennis when I was 9 years old to be able to help my older brother, practice and train for his dream to be a professional tennis player. We inherited the love for sports from my uncle who was double National Champion at 17-18 in Romania (at the same time was playing professionally soccer !) and myself I was a very talented soccer player that was seen at a very young age as a future professional soccer player. My brother determined me to start playing tennis ,and the rest was history. I learned (soundly )to hit FH/BH and serve in 2 months( I still remember that wall..) ! From there I wanted to catch up with my brother but it took me another 9 years to win a set on him!!!Was a great cross training experience between soccer and tennis. Because of a serious knee injury ,I had to give up soccer (at higher level) but tennis was there inspiring me constantly to get better. As a junior I played local, county and national tournaments. I played some top juniors in the country and coming close to them made me even more ambitious. I followed my brother and won also the County Championship. Education: Went to College in Bucharest/Romania (there are no college tennis teams)and graduated from National Academy of PE and Sports with a National Licence for tennis. In US, I took classes at Burlington County College and College of New Jersey. In 2008 , I got the PTR/Professional Tennis Registry/ professional licence #65286. I am a CPR and AED certified. Personal achievements, on the court. When the knees allowed me to compete, I finished the year 2012 first in Middle States for 45' years old and was preparing for Nationals but my knee had other ideas...! Voted 4 times Coach of the Year for Burlington County and once for Mercer County. Three of my HS students won the BCSL trophy and one of them back to back. Two of my doubles teams made All NJ State Gr 1 team.Several of my students made All County Team and most of my top players made All Gr 1 South Jersey team.A dozen of my students played at college level and two of them D 1. Teaching methods: In teaching I use a variety of methods and instructional aids: hand guidance,video's ,coach's eye and PTR coach, the mirror, hand feeding, progressive length methods,lighter tennis balls, the wall and very detailed and clear explanations. I adapt my teaching style based on the student's age, experience, physicality,goals, pace and personality. At formation being a school teacher, beside a tennis pro I like to plan and always be prepared for my lessons. I set up goals , methods and proper steps to have a successful lesson from every aspect. During the time I worked as a Middle School teacher or coaching the HS teams ,I was tested many times having to work with autistic students, Asperger's or other conditions and most of them were successful not just academically but also on the tennis court. Some of them were brilliant but lacked social skills, and it's up to you the teacher- coach to make the difference. Life style and hobbies: Because of my injuries I studied a lot about holistic healing methods , work outs (I used to practice full contact martial arts for 8 years),nutrition . I don't eat refined sugar(ya, no chocolate or ice cream!) or take pain killers for over 3 years. Didn't drink soda for over 10 years and I don't drink alcohol or never done recreational drugs. I try to inspire my younger students to be healthy and successful! Being from Europe/Transylvania ,I was always inspired to travel ,see new places, cultures and learn. When I was in 4 th grade and reading Tom Sawyer's Adventures ,I told everyone that one day I will go to America(my great grand father came here in 1906,on Ellis Island !)..and here I am ! Beside travelling, working out and playing tennis, I love to be in nature,to go hiking , biking,picking up mushrooms. Love to read and learn new languages. I speak 4 languages but I am still working on it. Teaching and work place: Tennis coaching and teaching, grew more and more in my heart and a couple months ago, I decided to teach tennis full time. So, now I am working at the Pennsburry Racquet Club(already for 3 years) and Trenton Country Club. My tennis philosophy : I enjoy helping students improve their game and it's a great feeling to see the satisfaction of kids/parents or even adults when they learn/improve a skill. Tennis is more than just hitting a ball with a racquet. Regardless it requires: footwork, coordination, agility, speed, stamina,patience,a strong mental, fair play ,work ethic etc it gives everyone a chance to play at their one's pace, stay active and be HAPPY. Hope to see you soon to enjoy learning and playing tennis in a structured but fun way ! Tennis is a LIFE time activity so let's get moving and play, regardless your age! Game , Set , Match ? You're serve ! Thank you !