Tennis Coaching at Milford

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LTA Level 4 Senior Coach

Accredited+
“I started playing at Hale Gardens Tennis Club, New Milton at the age of 8. During my time there I won the 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U singles and doubles. 
At 16 I gave up football to focus on tennis, this led me to lessons with current Milford member, Ros Clark, who helped me develop as a player and fuelled my love for the sport. By the time I was 20 I was Hale club champion in Men’s Singles & Doubles and Mixed Doubles. 
After studying in Southampton, I decided to pursue a career in tennis coaching and took my LTA level 3 (then the Development Coach Award). This led me to roles at Mudeford Wood Tennis Club, David Lloyd Ringwood, The Colony Tennis Resort in Sarasota, Florida, Hale Gardens, LTC and then back to David Lloyd Ringwood as Junior Tennis Pro and finally Racquets Manager. 
In November 2020, after 12 years at David Lloyd, I was offered the role at Milford. In 2 short years, pandemic aside, I have doubled the junior numbers while also providing a full and inclusive adult timetable. The support I have had from the committee and members has been fantastic and I’m excited to see how I can further develop the club’s tennis programme.
The general focus of my coaching is to make all sessions as fun and informative as possible. Tennis is a game which requires time to improve as there are so many variations and techniques to consider, as well as the mental toughness required if you decide to compete. I love teaching both adults and juniors with a particular focus on mini tennis reds, the 5-8 years old. Tennis is a life skill and I really enjoy starting players early, seeing them develop through their teenage years and beyond, in the hope that they share my passion for the game.
In what little spare time I get, I love being with my wife and children. We spend a lot of time outdoors and it gives me great joy following their journey in and out of sport”.
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LTA Level 4 Senior Coach

Accredited+
“My love for tennis started at 4 years old at my local tennis club, Strathgryffe, on the West Coast of Scotland. 24 years later and my love for tennis has only grown. Throughout my junior years I played many County, National and International tournaments which allowed me to compete across the UK and in Europe. My highlight was representing Scotland in the 6 Nations Junior Tournament.
I started my coaching journey at 18. I loved the idea of being able to teach, share my passion and love for the game that meant so much to me with others.
At the age of 21, I completed my LTA Level 4 Senior Performance Coach Qualification . This allowed me to specialise in performance coaching and led me to coach some of the best 12–18 year olds in the country; some of which have gone on to play Division 1 College Tennis in the States or play tennis full time as a career.
I gained more experience coaching at a Tennis Academy in New York. This allowed me to widen my knowledge and experience through understanding the American tennis philosophy as well as our British approach and values.
Most recently, I have been the Junior Tennis Professional at David Lloyd Poole for 6 years, here I was able to grow the junior tennis programme to 150 children a week.
My philosophy is that no matter what age, gender or ability level, tennis is a sport for everyone. My goal is for every tennis session to be challenging, progressive, engaging and most importantly FUN! If someone walks out of a lesson and has enjoyed themselves, learnt something new, with the feeling that they have accomplished their goal that day and want to come back for more challenges, then that is my job done.
I love working with all ages and levels and meeting new people.
Outside of tennis I have a passion for cooking and baking, I’ve been known for making a mean brownie!”

Dan’s Testimonials

‘An exceptional coach’
“My partner and I have been having separate tennis lessons with Dan for over a year now, and both agree that he is the best tennis coach we have ever had. Dan manages to combine improving our technical skills and strategy with making each session fun and interesting. His infectious enthusiasm, witty sense of humour and depth of experience make him an exceptional coach.”
Sean F, Social player & Julie W, Ladies 3
‘He’s looking even when you think he isn’t’
“How Dan maintains 100% enthusiasm 100% of the time is a mystery! He always offers a cheery welcome to everyone at the club. I love his Tuesday night team training sessions. Dan gives simple but effective tips to improve my technique. He’s looking even when you think he isn’t!”
Aynsley C, Ladies 1 & Mixed 1
‘Dan’s sessions are fun, challenging and focussed’
“I have attended a variety of coaching activities run by Dan and I have always found them fun, challenging and focused. Dan takes time to communicate with individuals even in a group scenario and gives you both encouragement and tips for improvement. He clearly keeps up to date with the latest strategies and is keen to share these with the members. Dan is approachable and makes you feel at ease.”
Gilly C, Ladies 5 Captain
‘A gifted tennis coach with a fun no-nonsense approach’
“Dan is a gifted tennis coach. He has great rapport with both kids and adults alike, he is always super enthusiastic and gets the best out of everyone with his fun, no-nonsense approach. He gives fantastic technical advice in a fun approachable way and only the worst of weathers will get him off the court!”
Sarah R, Junior parent & Ladies 2
‘Challenges you to be the best version of yourself’
“Dan is an extremely passionate coach; he builds your confidence and enjoyment of tennis and challenges you to be the best version of yourself.”
Cathy S, Junior parent, Ladies 3 & Mixed 3
‘Dan is enthusiastic & friendly’
“Dan has made a great start at the club with all activities and coaching enthusiastically delivered in a fun environment. He has helped me advance my game with one-to-one coaching and has been incredibly flexible with my varied schedule. Well done Dan.”
Sally W, Ladies 5
‘Fantastic with kids’
“Izzy has been attending the orange ball tennis sessions for the last couple of months.
She absolutely loves Dan as a coach. He is fantastic with kids. Izzy can lose interest quite quickly but he keeps her engaged throughout. She’s not overly keen on many sports but certainly enjoys tennis and I feel this is thanks to Dan’s style of teaching.”
Gemma N, Junior parent & Ladies 5
‘Always willing to go the extra mile’
“Dan is a cheerful and enthusiastic coach, always willing to go the extra mile. A real asset to the club.”
Chris G, Ladies 3
‘Fun and interesting’
“Dan’s coaching is fun and interesting; I highly recommend him. I personally enjoy his coaching as he chats with us about our interests outside of tennis.”
Aaron S, Junior player
‘Dan is an important member of our tennis committee’
‘’Head coach Dan is an import member of our tennis committee, helping us to plan and develop future programmes and events for both juniors and adults’’
Geoff Burch, Tennis Chairman
‘Brings an amazing level of energy and enthusiasm’
“Dan has been a fantastic addition to the club. He brings an amazing level of energy and enthusiasm to his coaching and all the activities at the club. He’s made a great effort to integrate himself into the club and get to know members. It’s great to have him on board.”
Elliot McDowell, Men’s 1 Captain
‘Dan understands my strength and weaknesses’
“Dan understands my strengths and challenges, tailoring each lesson to help me understand the mechanics of technique.”
Heidi, Ladies 4
‘Patient and encouraging’
“Dan’s a fantastic coach. Having joined as an absolute beginner, I’ve gone from someone who’s never hit a ball before, to someone who loves to play regularly, thanks to Dan’s patient and encouraging coaching.
Now a couple of years in I love his regular sessions, from cardio for fitness and fun, to coaching and match play, great for picking up new tips and techniques.
I’ve also made friends and enjoy regular meet ups for matches.
I can’t recommend Dan’s sessions and Milford tennis club enough, whatever stage you’re at, there’s always something going on.”
Elaine J, social player
‘Dan is fun to be around’
“Dan is fun to be around and you can always have a good laugh with him (especially about football!). He plays lots of fun games in the coaching sessions, as well as teaching us new techniques. There are lots of tennis parties available that are fun for all ages.”
Maggie R, Junior player

Caitlin’s Testimonials

‘Caitlin is the best; I love coming to my lessons’
“I love coming to my tennis lessons because of Caitlin. She makes tennis fun! She is kind, cool and a great teacher because she explains everything clearly and shows us exactly what to do. I am a beginner and I was nervous about learning but she is always positive and patient with me and I now look forward to my lesson with her every week-she is the best! She has not only helped me learn how to play tennis but also helped me make new friends through my tennis. Thank you, Caitlin, I am lucky to have you as my teacher.”
Sean, Junior Player
Friendly & approachable; highly recommend Caitlin & the club’
“I decided after 44 years since playing tennis at school I wanted to try again. A friend at work recommended Milford on Sea Tennis & Squash Club. So, I took the plunge and signed up to the beginners’ lessons with Caitlin. 2 weeks in and next term booked. Caitlin is absolutely brilliant, she’s not only lovely, she’s calm and patient. You can feel her passion for tennis and the encouragement she gives is amazing. Going to book some one-to-one sessions with her soon. Highly recommend this club. Everyone I have met has been friendly and approachable. I was nervous to get back into tennis after so many years but so glad I have.”
Andrea Tubbs, social player
‘Patient & positive’
“In the short time that I have known Caitlin, I already feel that she has a very good understanding of my game and my goals. She is an immensely positive person, and a fun and engaging coach. She is very patient, and explains things clearly during lessons, enabling me to put her instructions into action on court. She keeps detailed notes on every session, which is very useful and enables a clear record of progress. Thank you, Caitlin!”
Anna, social player
‘Fun & challenging lessons’
“Caitlin has helped me so much with my tennis. As a complete beginner I didn’t know how to hold a racquet properly.
I’ve had weekly 1-2-1 coaching with Caitlin as well as joining her group classes. She has been really patient with me; at times I thought I’d never get it but Caitlin has a way of being able to adapt her methods until it clicks.
I really look forward to our 1-2-1 sessions. They’re always fun, challenging and well thought through. She is a superb coach and I thoroughly recommend her for 1-2-1 coaching, she has improved my game beyond all recognition.”
Lorraine L
‘Structured & progressive learning’
“Caitlin is a cheerful, friendly and approachable coach who runs multiple weekly sessions for individuals and groups. My wife and I have been to her cardio sessions which she adapts to all abilities and fitness levels. She always brings a great attitude, a happy demeanour and boundless energy to every session. Her technical coaching combined with her methodical approach means learning is structured and progressive (and always fun). Her comments are always encouraging and supportive. She explains what to do, breaks it down clearly and gives a step-by-step path for improvement. Caitlin is a real asset to our club.”
Mike G, Men’s 2 & Jan G, social player
‘Goes above & beyond to provide the highest standard of coaching’
“For the past 5 years Caitlin has been my tennis coach, but she is not only that but she goes out of her way to build strong personal relationships with whoever she is working with. It is never a struggle to turn up and play. Caitlin makes it a fun and enjoyable experience for whatever level you play at. Personally, she helped me develop from a top 1000 player in the UK to a top 300 player in the space of a few years, she went above and beyond to provide the highest standard of coaching to push me towards my goals.”
Billy S
‘Caitlin is a patient & supportive coach’
“Having played tennis for nearly 50yrs, learning at school and my parents made sure I could play a reasonable club game before I left home with holiday coaching as well, I decided I wanted to have “topspin” in my tennis “toolbox.”
I was apprehensive about trying to learn something new, but Caitlin’s coaching has given me the confidence to change my grip, learn the basics (despite much frustration at first) and with her patience and support I can now play with topspin.”
Annie M
‘Caitlin makes you want to be a better player’
“What is it about a tennis coach, which makes you want to play the game better? Well, I suppose it is someone with a sense of humour, who can laugh with you when you make mistakes, laugh at themselves when they make a mistake, someone who sets high standards and who pushes you to achieve them but doesn’t bully, someone who isn’t ageist and accepts that as we grow older, we may not move as efficiently as we once did but still encourages the player to try that little bit more because your standard will improve. What we really want is a coach who has been there, done it, has the T shirt and more importantly the desire to share their knowledge with anyone who wants to learn. Caitlin is that coach and more – she fits the profile superbly, she is a such a lovely person who embraces her clients with patience, dedication and by example, no matter what their age, in a safe and extremely well-designed environment, so that progress is unavoidable.”
Rod S
‘Passionate & driven’
“Caitlin is a passionate, driven coach who aspires to improve everyone she steps onto court with, regardless of age or ability. Her sessions are extremely creative yet informative and her advice and tips are second to none!”
Oscar B
‘Fun sessions packed with technical content, a phenomenal coach’
“I have had the immense pleasure to benefit from Caitlin coaching me 1:1 as well as in group sessions.  Caitlin has also started my two daughters on their tennis journey. Caitlin’s technical knowledge and interpersonal expertise make her a phenomenal coach.  The structure to her 1:1 lessons, group sessions and junior coaching make her a stand out coach.  The way that she breaks down the complexities of the game into a format that people at all levels can understand and implement is so impressive.  My backhand and serve have come on tremendously as a result of Caitlin’s coaching and my girls love tennis as a result of how Caitlin engages with them.  She makes sessions fun but at the same time packed with technical content. Caitlin’s popularity as a coach one on one and leading group sessions indicates how highly regarded she is.  I cannot recommend her highly enough! Thank you Caitlin!”
Adam

At Milford, coaching is available both individually and as part of a group. Whether you are a beginner, improver, intermediate or advanced there are a selection of different sessions for you to choose.

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(Dan)
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(Caitlin)
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