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The Art of Tennis

Rick Willsmore 5 Episodes Jul 21, 2026

The Art of Tennis helps tennis coaches improve their coaching skills and business acumen. Hosted by Coach Rick Willsmore, a former NCAA college player and award-winning coach, the podcast covers four key areas: branding, coaching, player development, and systems. It aims to help coaches build a life through tennis and make a positive impact on thousands of people.

Episodes

When Should Junior Tennis Players Move Up a Level? Jul 21, 2026 1340 In this episode is all about the sometimes difficult decision on when it’s time to move a player up to a higher team, squad or tournament. Often there is a need for a player to be challenged more however develop winning habits and being able to consistently beat those just below you, is also essential. Are you a tennis coach business owner and Interested in learning more - sign up to a free 14 day

The 1, 3 and 6 day a week junior tennis player Jul 15, 2026 1373 In this episode I cover the different types of players and how much they commit or invest in their game. From 1 day a week activity/casual player, 3 day a week Club player and 6 day a week aspirational committed player. Are you a tennis coach business owner and Interested in learning more - sign up to a free 14 day newsletter here - https://theartoftennis.kit.com/a7c87026f3

Building Your Tennis Brand Jul 8, 2026 1257 In this episode I discuss what a brand is and what it means for tennis coaches. Brand and marketing has long been a side interest for me and I cover common misconceptions and brand perceptions.Coaches need to spend time building their brand.Are you a tennis coach business owner and Interested in learning more - sign up to a free 14 day newsletter here - https://theartoftennis.kit.com/a7c87026f3Che

Spotting Potential In Young Tennis Players Jun 30, 2026 1246 In this episode I talk about when we as coaches discover that keen young player who is passionate about the game. I discuss the importance of looking at the big picture and seeing it as a 10 year journey.Are you a tennis coach business owner and Interested in learning more - sign up to a free 14 day newsletter here - https://theartoftennis.kit.com/a7c87026f3CheersRick

Daily Coaching Schedules Jun 23, 2026 1259 In this episode I go over the entire days coaching schedule. From before work tennis players to day time lessons, after school and into the evening there are potential lessons everywhere. This will help you as coaches to work out who you should be focusing on to build out your schedule. Are you a tennis coach business owner and Interested in learning more - sign up to a free 14 day newsletter here

From Employee To Business Owner - The Cashflow Quadrant Jun 16, 2026 1335 In this episode I discuss Robert Kiyosaki’s book, Rich Dad Poor Dad cashflow quadrant and how this can relate to tennis coaches. Employee, self employed, business owner, Investor. As a tennis coach there are advantages and disadvantages to all these quandrants. Are you a tennis coach business owner and Interested in learning more - sign up to a free 14 day newsletter here - https://theartoftennis.

How to Coach a Great Group Lesson Jun 11, 2026 1334 This is all about how to run an engaging group tennis lesson. As a coach this is how you can expand your clientele by showcasing how great a tennis session with you can be. I cover how’s it’s ok to have a different coaching style and you should lean into your strengths. A poor lesson though is found on the extremes, from far too boring and technical to full of nothing but ‘hoo haha’, full of enthu

From Fun to Fitness: What Motivates People To Play Tennis? Jun 3, 2026 1209 In this episode I cover why players take up the game — the real reasons people start their tennis journey and the different types of players who come to the sport.Understanding your players' why is one of the most powerful tools in your coaching toolkit.Are you a tennis coach business owner and Interested in learning more - sign up to a free 14 day newsletter here - https://theartoftennis.kit

My Love/Hate Relationship with Tennis May 29, 2026 1260 In this episode I cover my love/hate relationship with tennis. From an early love and obsession to a love/hate relationship during the teen and early 20s years. Eventually responsibility, maturity and impulse control improvements (pre frontal cortex in Male brain development) saw a turning point in the mid 20s.Are you a tennis coach business owner and Interested in learning more - sign up to a fre

Am I Good Enough to Be a Tennis Coach? May 29, 2026 1165 Here I cover some of my own insecurities on whether I was good enough to become a tennis coach. I cover some different levels of players that you typically coach and how there are lots of different spaces for different coaches.I had thought that to be a successful tennis coach will require closer to the ex pro status but this was an incorrect assumption. Are you a tennis coach business owner and I

Dropping Out of University to Become a Fulltime Tennis Coach May 28, 2026 1211 Here I cover my journey from Adelaide junior to US College Tennis before moving back to South Australia to attend university. After 6 months at the University of South Australia, I dropped out of university and moved to Darwin to become a tennis coach. This was the start of a lifetime of tennis coaching and building tennis coaching programs.Are you a tennis coach business owner and Interested in l

My Journey From Tennis Player to Tennis Coach May 28, 2026 1197 This is my first video on The Art of Tennis. Welcome.I cover my journey from junior tennis player to Australia to a full scholarship at an NCAA tennis Div 2 school in the US. Covering my small town background, the influence of my Dads footy coaching and how I ended up dropping out of university in South Australia to move to Darwin to become a tennis coach. Are you a tennis coach business owner and

The Art of Tennis

Episodes

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