John Walsh has been a tennis coach for 20 years and studied for his qualifications alongside Andy Murray’s fitness trainer – Jez Green.
He’s been with Hartford Tennis Club for ten years now and since he started work juniors have flocked to the courts to enjoy his unique Saturday morning sessions that can be as entertaining for the watching parents as it is for the juniors taking part.
Each year John attends a national coaching conference where he picks up tips from experts such as former British number one Joe Durie, who once beat legend Steffi Graf at Wimbledon.
"The conference allows me to hear about all the latest tips and coaching techniques from some of the best people in the business,” said John.
"I can then bring all these ideas back to Hartford to use in my lessons. It means anyone getting coaching at Hartford can benefit from the same coaching ideas that some of the world’s best tennis players are using.”
As membership has grown over recent years demand for coaching has increased too so John has some dedicated support in making sure everyone’s tennis needs are catered for.
Dave Forrest, a Hartford resident, is highly-experienced and qualified coach and provides quality backup for John.
Juniors who have benefitted from coaching also become helpers as well helping them develop as people as well as players.
"Part of what we do at Hartford is help the juniors develop and grow up into responsible adults,” said John. "We are always extremely proud of our juniors and how they represent the club.
