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Corky Cramer

Why I Coach

I began my full time teaching career in the late 1970's. My decision was quite easy I realized I could compete with some of the best players in the world but would never beat them other than on a lucky day. It was my belief if I were able to reach that level of play with no real coaching I wondered how far I could have gone with good help. I made a conscious decision to insure that all my students got the detailed attention I never received.

My competitive students are known for being the fittest, technically most complete and most knowledgeable about the game. With this approach I developed over 50 National Canadian champions, and over 15 members of the Canadian Davis and Fed cup teams.

The times I enjoy most about the profession are those moments on the court when I see the light bulbs go on in a students face. That second is that moment when they grasp a new concept and experience the excitement of executing it unsolicited at the right moment. This could be as simple as hitting a topspin forehand which they didn't know they had, or as detailed as hitting a jam first serve at 30-40, four all in the third.

Instructional Philosophy

I follow is referred to as the "Realistic Theory" of tennis which I began developing in the late 1970's. What the "Theory " attempts to do is follow the teachings of Bill Tilden " the maximum results with the minimum effort". The "Theory " tries to get a student to understand that the most important part of the game is the moment the ball and stings are in contact, making things like footwork extremely important but a distant second. Students are shown that the easiest way to lift the ball over the net is by placing the racquet head under the ball, the easiest way to accomplish his is to drop the racquet head and the easies way to get the racquet head there is by relaxing the arm and let it drop below the level of the ball. Finally the easiest way to relax the arm is to relax the grip. Makes sense? ...Common sense! Coincidence..., it happens to be the cornerstone of the "Realistic Theory."

Future Goals

Within the tennis world I hope to help as many people as possible learn how to bring a passion to their game. I believe I can most effectively achieve this through the miracle of the internet and by spending more time with my fellow coaches. It is my intent to exchange the valuable lessons I've learned from my students of all levels of play with anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of the game.

Bio Summary

USPTA NorCal Vice President & 25 year member
Volkl National Advisory staff
Director of Tennis Montecito Heights Health & Racquet Santa Rosa , California
TennisONE contributing instructional staff member
Advance Tennis Research Project Board of Directors
Featured Columnist Bayareasports.com
1997 Tennis Media award winner for publishing "Off-Court" newsletter
2 time recipient of K-Swiss national Coach of the Month Award
Founder of The Racquet Works- Professional tennis management company for private & public facilities including the Canadian National Tennis Center
Personal coach to over 50 Canadian National Champions, 15 members of the Davis & Fed Cup teams
1990 Tennis Magazine "Tip of The Year"

Head Pro/ Inn & Tennis Club at Manitou: annually rated in the worlds top 50 resorts

"Anyone can get a job but only those with passion should teach!" C. Cramer

Contact Corky at the Montecito Heights Health & Racquet Club
(707) 526-0529 ext 635 or corkyc@sonic.net

Last Updated 2/15/01. To contact us, please email to: webmaster@tennisone.com

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