TennisOne Staff
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
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