The Success Compass for Tennis Coaches is now available in the shop and on Amazon!

From the court to the heart – the book that rethinks modern tennis coaching

Discover expert insights, personal coaching experience, and over 250 drills that will transform your club training.

Learn more here

In-depth coaching theory

All the key skills for successful club coaching - explained in a clear, practical, and well-structured way.

Over 250 drills on video

Get ready-to-use training ideas for all age groups and player levels - with both written explanations and video demonstrations, so you can put them straight into practice on court.

For coaches with passion and vision

Every website is crafted with great attention to detail - so you’ll enjoy the results for years to come.

Client Testimonials

What readers are saying

These early readers are already convinced!

More than a tennis book: your Success Compass for club coaching

Whether you're working with a beginner group or running an ambitious team practice, this book is your reliable companion on court. It combines solid coaching theory with real-life insights from the day-to-day work of a tennis coach and aspiring tennis professional.

You’ll gain practical tips, honest perspectives, and more than 250 varied drills you can use right away - including access to a video platform with commentary and bonus content.

The book explores what makes successful coaches stand out: from motivation and goal setting to handling conflicts - all shared in an authentic, relatable way, with passion, humor, and clear values. For coaches who want to teach more than just technique, and aim to pass on values as well.

Table of Contents – Success Compass for Tennis Coaches

Part 1 – Theoretical Section

1. Introduction

2. Working as a Coach in a Tennis Club

2.1 The Importance of Off-Court Work for Coaches
2.2 Off-Court Responsibilities of a Club Coach
2.3 Coaching Fees
2.3.1 How Much Should I Charge as a Coach?
2.3.2 External Factors That Influence Coaching Fees
2.3.3 Discussion & Comparison of Coaching Fees
2.3.4 Additional Performance-Based Income Opportunities for Coaches
2.4 The Interface Between Coach and Club Management

3. Core Competencies of a Tennis Coach

3.1 Technical Expertise
3.2 Coaching Methodology
3.3 Self-Management Skills
3.4 Social Skills
3.5 Overall Assessment and Key Takeaways

4. Goal Setting in Tennis Training

4.1 Setting Goals for Groups
4.2 Setting Goals for Individual Players
4.3 Players’ Own Goal Setting

5. Motivation in Tennis Coaching

5.1 Motivation in the First Tennis Lessons
5.2 General Motivation Techniques in Tennis Training
5.2.1 High Five
5.2.2 End-of-Session Summary
5.2.3 Teamwork
5.2.4 Competitions and Games

6. Conflict Situations in Club Coaching

6.1 Two or More Players in a Group Don’t Get Along
6.2 Best-Buddy Situation
6.3 Mixed-Ability Groups
6.4 Conflicts with Parents
6.5 Players Arriving Late to Practice
6.6 Poor Behavior on Court
6.7 Children with Health Limitations
6.8 Language Barriers
6.9 Language Barriers of a Different Kind
6.10 The Unmotivated Player

7. Communication in Tennis Coaching

7.1 Non-Verbal Communication
7.1.1 The Importance of Body Language
7.1.2 The Importance of Eye Contact
7.1.3 Using Attention as a Communication Tool

7.2 Effective Verbal Communication with Players
7.2.1 Volume and Emphasis
7.2.2 Communication During Drills
7.2.3 Communication During Breaks
7.2.4 Asking Questions to Increase Player Focus
7.2.5 Communication with Parents

8. Running Your Tennis Practice

8.1 Concepts for Learning the Game of Tennis
8.1.1 Play & Stay
8.1.2 Talentino

8.2 Coach Equipment
8.3 Structure and Organization of Practice Sessions
8.4 Using Target Zones
8.5 Movement Patterns and Court Positioning
8.5.1 Methods to Demonstrate Movement Patterns
8.5.2 Movement Patterns as a Safety Aspect

9. Methods to Retain and Attract Club Members

9.1 Tennis Camps
9.2 Open Practice Sessions for Adults
9.3 Parent-Child Tournaments
9.4 School Partnerships
9.5 Club Championships
9.6 Member Recruitment Through Social Media
9.6.1 Organic Marketing vs. Paid Ads
9.6.2 Running Paid Ads – A Practical Guide

10. Useful Tips to Improve Your Coaching

10.1 Become a Storyteller in Kids’ Training
10.2 Use Simple Analogies to Explain Movements
10.3 Standing Still Is a No-Go
10.4 Speeding Up Ball Collection
10.5 Always Arrive Before Your Players
10.6 Don’t Be a “Fence Coach”
10.7 Not Only Take, but Also Give Back
10.8 How to Earn €80 per Hour and More as a Coach
10.9 Pay Attention to Your Appearance and Equipment
10.10 Be Creative with Training Equipment
10.11 Reflect on Your Coaching Instructions
10.12 Refresh Your First-Aid Knowledge

11. Team Practice

11.1 The Importance of Team Practice for the Club
11.2 Planning and Organizing Team Practice
11.3 Communication and Team Building
11.4 Match and Tournament Preparation

Part 2 – Practical Section

12. Warm-Up Drills

13. Warm-Up Games for Groups of All Ages

14. Mini-Court Rally Drills

15. Full-Court Rally Drills

16. Technique Development Training

16.1 Excursus: Station Training / Circuit Training
16.2 Forehand Technique Development
16.3 Backhand Technique Development
16.4 Volley Technique Development
16.5 Overhead Technique Development
16.6 Serve & Return Technique Development
16.7 Drop Shot & Lob Technique Development

17. Technique Application Drills

17.1 Forehand Application Drills
17.2 Backhand Application Drills
17.3 Volley & Overhead Application Drills
17.4 Drop Shot & Lob Application Drills
17.5 Serve & Return Application Drills

18. Match & Tactical Training

19. Doubles Drills / Team Practice

19.1 Team Practice Without a Coach

20. Game-Based Drills

21. Junior Training

21.1 Red Stage
21.1.1 Groundstroke Drills (Red Stage)
21.1.2 Serve & Return Drills (Red Stage)
21.1.3 Movement & Fitness Games (Red Stage)

21.2 Orange Stage
21.2.1 Groundstroke Drills (Orange Stage)
21.2.2 Serve & Return Drills (Orange Stage)
21.2.3 Volley & Overhead Drills (Orange Stage)
21.2.4 Movement & Fitness Games (Orange Stage)

21.3 Green Stage
21.3.1 Groundstroke Drills (Green Stage)
21.3.2 Serve & Return Drills (Green Stage)
21.3.3 Volley & Overhead Drills (Green Stage)
21.3.4 Movement & Fitness Games (Green Stage)

21.4 Team Games & Relay Competitions

22. Special Session Ideas for Practice and Club Events

23. Private Lessons

24. Appendix

Contents

Forget dry theory: this book will truly move your coaching forward.

See for yourself why Success Compass for Tennis Coaches is more than just a coaching book — it’s your practical training companion, combining passion, structure, and real added value.

Typical coaching literature

  • Highly theoretical, often written in a dry style
  • Little to no personal coaching experience or stories
  • Few or no drills – rarely supported online
  • Hardly any connection to everyday club coaching
  • No additional resources or integrated platform

With the Success Compass

  • Practical, clear, and engagingly written
  • Authentic insights from an aspiring tennis professional and experienced club coach
  • Over 250 drills with video demonstrations, variations, and bonus exercises
  • Designed for the realities of everyday club coaching
  • Includes bonus content and creative training ideas
  • Theory and practice combined in one compact resource

Get your copy of the Success Compass for Tennis Coaches now!

Theory & Practice – A Look Inside the Book

Get an exclusive look inside the book. In this video, you’ll discover what club coaches can learn from the theoretical concepts and apply directly on court in their day-to-day coaching.

The Theory Section - Your Foundation as a Coach

The theoretical section provides you with the key coaching skills you need to succeed both on and off the court. Whether it’s motivation, communication, goal setting, or handling conflicts, you’ll find clearly explained insights that will genuinely support you in your day-to-day coaching.

What You’ll Learn in the Theory Section

  • What club coaches should contribute off the court – from communicating with club management to negotiating coaching fees
  • How to develop your coaching skills in a targeted way: technically, methodically, personally, and socially
  • How to set realistic and motivating goals – for both groups and individual players
  • How to confidently handle typical coaching challenges (e.g. parents, mixed-ability groups, language barriers)
  • How to communicate clearly, authentically, and effectively – both nonverbally and verbally
  • How to make your training sessions more efficient, creative, and impactful with smart coaching tips
  • How to attract new club members through targeted social media use
  • How to increase your hourly rate and strengthen your value as a coach with simple strategies
  • And much more

The Practical Section - Coaching That Inspires

In the second part of the book, you’ll find not only more than 250 drills, but also a wide range of variations, bonus ideas, and practical extensions that make your club coaching sessions varied, effective, and modern. The drills are structured by playing level, age group, and training objective — from red-stage junior players to full team practice. Many of the drill videos also include commentary, giving you additional coaching tips, common mistakes to watch out for, and smart coaching tricks. This creates real added value you can apply directly on court. Whether it’s private lessons, technique development, tactical training, or creative games for club events — this practical section provides a huge library of ideas to keep your coaching fresh and inspiring.

What You’ll Learn in the Practical Section

  • Over 250 structured drills for kids, juniors, and adults
  • Numerous variations and creative progressions for each drill
  • Additional bonus drills for specific training goals or special events
  • Commentated drill videos with practical tips, common mistakes, and coaching insights
  • Training ideas for all areas: technique, tactics, game-based drills, team practice, warm-ups, and much more
  • Content organized by playing level – including age-appropriate junior training (red, orange, green)
  • Favorite drills can be saved in a personal playlist and accessed anytime

My knowledge. Your training. Our success.

Martin Kares has been a DTB B-level performance coach for nearly 25 years and stands for creative, modern, and well-structured tennis coaching. Through his work as a club coach, district squad coach, and coach educator within the federation, he has supported and inspired countless players.

His passion for well-designed training drills is reflected in his platform Tennistraining Online, where he has published more than 2,000 training ideas for coaches. On YouTube, he also reaches around 25,000 followers with his coaching content.

As a junior player, he ranked among the Top 200 players in Germany and was part of the ST Lohfelden Men’s 30 Bundesliga team for five years.

  • Favorite Shot: Return
  • Hobbies: Tennis, darts, cooking
  • Best Ranking: No. 190 (DTB)
  • Highest League Played: German Bundesliga Men’s 30
  • Favorite Player: Roger Federer
  • Qualification: DTB B-Level Performance Coach
  • Favorite Food: Steak
  • Favorite Surface: Carpet
Martin Kares – Tennis Coach & Author

Ready to take your coaching to the next level?

Secure your copy now and take your club coaching to the next level — practical, inspiring, and 100% ready to use on court.

Privacy Policy

Personal data (hereinafter generally referred to as “data”) is processed by us only to the extent necessary and for the purpose of providing a functional and user-friendly website, including its content and the services offered there.

According to Article 4 No. 1 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, the General Data Protection Regulation (hereinafter referred to as “GDPR”), “processing” means any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data, whether or not by automated means. This includes, in particular, the collection, recording, organization, structuring, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure by transmission, dissemination or otherwise making available, alignment or combination, restriction, erasure, or destruction of personal data.

With the following privacy policy, we inform you in particular about the type, scope, purpose, duration, and legal basis of the processing of personal data, insofar as we determine the purposes and means of processing either alone or jointly with others. In addition, we inform you about third-party components used by us for optimization purposes and to increase usability, insofar as third parties process data under their own responsibility.

Our privacy policy is structured as follows:

I. Information about us as the controller
II. Rights of users and data subjects
III. Information on data processing

I. Information about us as the Controller

The responsible provider of this website under data protection law is:

Martin Kares
Stadtweg 24
34497

Phone: 05631505884
Fax: [Fax number]
Email: info@tennistraining-kares.de

Data protection officer:

II. Rights of Users and Data Subjects

With regard to the data processing described below, users and data subjects have the right:

  • to confirmation of whether data concerning them is being processed, to information about the processed data, further information about the data processing and copies of the data (see also Art. 15 GDPR);
  • to correction or completion of inaccurate or incomplete data (see also Art. 16 GDPR);
  • to the immediate deletion of data concerning them (see also Art. 17 GDPR) or, alternatively, if further processing is required under Art. 17 (3) GDPR, to restriction of processing in accordance with Art. 18 GDPR;
  • to receive the data concerning them and provided by them and to transmit this data to other providers/controllers (see also Art. 20 GDPR);
  • to lodge a complaint with the supervisory authority if they believe that the data concerning them is being processed by the provider in violation of data protection regulations (see also Art. 77 GDPR).

Furthermore, the provider is obliged to inform all recipients to whom data has been disclosed of any correction or deletion of data or restriction of processing carried out pursuant to Articles 16, 17 (1), and 18 GDPR. However, this obligation does not apply if such notification is impossible or involves disproportionate effort. Regardless of this, the user has the right to information about these recipients.

Users and data subjects also have the right under Art. 21 GDPR to object to the future processing of their data if the data is processed by the provider in accordance with Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR. In particular, an objection to data processing for the purpose of direct marketing is permitted.

III. Information on Data Processing

Your data processed when using our website will be deleted or blocked as soon as the purpose of storage no longer applies, provided that there are no statutory retention obligations preventing deletion and unless otherwise stated below for individual processing procedures.

Cookie Manager

To obtain consent for the use of technically unnecessary cookies on the website, the provider uses a cookie manager.

When the website is accessed, a cookie containing the consent settings is stored on the user’s device so that the consent request does not have to be repeated on subsequent visits.

The cookie is required in order to obtain legally compliant consent from the user.

Users can prevent or terminate the installation of cookies through the settings of their browser.

Cookies

a) Session Cookies

We use cookies on our website. Cookies are small text files or other storage technologies that are stored and saved on your device by the browser you use. These cookies process certain information about you, such as browser data, location data, or your IP address.

This processing makes our website more user-friendly, effective, and secure, as it enables functions such as displaying the website in different languages or offering a shopping cart function.

The legal basis for this processing is Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR if these cookies process data for contract initiation or contract fulfillment.

If the processing does not serve contract initiation or fulfillment, our legitimate interest lies in improving the functionality of our website. The legal basis is then Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR.

These session cookies are deleted when you close your browser.

b) Third-Party Cookies

Where applicable, cookies from partner companies with whom we cooperate for advertising, analysis, or functional purposes may also be used.

Details regarding the purposes and legal basis of such third-party cookies can be found in the following information.

c) Removal Options

You can prevent or restrict the installation of cookies through your browser settings. You can also delete already stored cookies at any time. The necessary steps depend on the browser you use.

If you prevent or restrict the installation of cookies, not all functions of our website may be fully usable.

Contact Requests / Contact Options

If you contact us via contact form or email, the data you provide will be used to process your request.

Providing the data is necessary to process and answer your request. Without this information we cannot answer your inquiry or can only do so to a limited extent.

The legal basis for processing is Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR.

Your data will be deleted once your request has been completely processed, provided there are no legal retention obligations.

Server Data

For technical reasons, particularly to ensure a secure and stable website, data is transmitted by your browser to us or to our hosting provider.

These server log files may include:

  • browser type and version
  • operating system
  • referring website (referrer URL)
  • pages visited on our website
  • date and time of access
  • IP address of the internet connection used

These data are stored temporarily but not combined with other personal data.

The legal basis is Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR. Our legitimate interest lies in improving the stability, functionality, and security of our website.

The data will be deleted after seven days unless further storage is required for evidence purposes.

Facebook

We maintain an online presence on Facebook in order to promote our products and services and to communicate with customers and interested parties.

On this social media platform we are jointly responsible with:

Meta Platforms Ireland Limited
4 Grand Canal Square
Dublin 2
Ireland

Facebook’s Data Protection Officer can be contacted via:

https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/540977946302970

Further details regarding data processing can be found in Facebook’s privacy policy:

https://www.facebook.com/privacy/explanation

Processing may also take place via Meta Platforms Inc.,
1601 Willow Road, Menlo Park, California, USA.

Instagram

We maintain a company presence on Instagram to promote our products and services and to communicate with customers and interested parties.

On this platform we are jointly responsible with:

Meta Platforms Ireland Limited
4 Grand Canal Square
Dublin 2
Ireland

Further information about data processing can be found here:

https://help.instagram.com/519522125107875

Processing may also take place via Meta Platforms Inc., USA.

YouTube

We maintain an online presence on YouTube to present our company and services and to communicate with customers and interested parties.

YouTube is a service provided by:

Google Ireland Limited
Gordon House
Barrow Street
Dublin 4
Ireland

A subsidiary of:

Google LLC
1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Mountain View, CA
USA

Privacy policy:

https://policies.google.com/privacy

Facebook Pixel – Conversion Tracking

We use the Facebook visitor action pixel on our website, a web analytics and conversion measurement service provided by:

Meta Platforms Ireland Limited
Dublin, Ireland

This helps us analyze user behavior on our website and promote our services on Facebook.

The legal basis is Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR.

Further information:

https://www.facebook.com/policy.php

Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by:

Google Ireland Limited
Dublin, Ireland

This service helps us analyze website usage and measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.

Information such as time, location, frequency of website visits, interactions with the website and the IP address may be transmitted to Google servers in the USA.

Google LLC participates in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework.

More information:

https://policies.google.com/privacy

Google Tag Manager

We use Google Tag Manager to integrate various functions on our website.

Provider:

Google Ireland Limited
Dublin, Ireland

The tool serves solely to manage and load website tags via an interface provided by Google.

Legal basis: Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR.

Hotjar Web Analysis

We use Hotjar, a web analytics service provided by:

Hotjar Ltd.
St Julians Business Centre
Malta

Hotjar helps us analyze user behavior such as mouse movements and clicks.

Privacy information:

https://www.hotjar.com/privacy

Users can opt out of tracking:

https://www.hotjar.com/opt-out

Google Fonts

We use Google Fonts to display external fonts.

Provider:

Google Ireland Limited
Dublin, Ireland

To display fonts, a connection to Google servers in the USA is established.

Further information:

https://policies.google.com/privacy

Source of this privacy policy:
Sample privacy policy from the law firm Weiß & Partner.

Privacy Policy

Tennistraining Kares
Martin Kares
Stadtweg 24
34497 Korbach

Contact

Phone: 05631505884
Email: info@kares-webdesign.de

VAT ID

VAT identification number pursuant to Section 27 a of the German Value Added Tax Act:
DE257153665

EU Dispute Resolution

The European Commission provides a platform for online dispute resolution (ODR):
https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/

You can find our email address above in this legal notice.

Consumer Dispute Resolution / Universal Arbitration Board

We are neither willing nor obliged to participate in dispute resolution proceedings before a consumer arbitration board.

Source: eRecht24

1. Limitation of Liability

The contents of this website have been created with the greatest possible care and to the best of our knowledge. Nevertheless, the provider of this website does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the pages and content provided.

As a service provider, the provider of this website is responsible for its own content and the information provided on these pages in accordance with general laws. However, the provider is not obliged to monitor transmitted or stored third-party information. Such content will be removed or blocked immediately from the moment a specific legal violation becomes known. Liability is only possible from the time of knowledge of such an infringement.

2. External Links

This website contains so-called external links to other websites over whose content the provider of this website has no influence. For this reason, the provider cannot assume any liability for such content.

The respective provider or operator of the linked website is always responsible for the content and accuracy of the information provided there. At the time the links were created, no legal violations were apparent. If any such legal infringement becomes known, the relevant link will be removed immediately.

3. Copyright and Related Rights

The content, works, and information published on this website are subject to German copyright law and related intellectual property rights. Any form of reproduction, editing, distribution, storage, or any kind of use beyond the limits of copyright law requires the prior written consent of the respective rights holder. Unauthorized copying or storage of the information provided on these websites is not permitted and is punishable by law.

4. Data Protection

By visiting this website, information about access to the server may be stored, such as the date, time, and page accessed. No personal data, such as name, address, or email address, is stored.

If personal data is collected, this is done, wherever possible, only with the prior consent of the website user. Such data will not be passed on to third parties without the user’s express consent.

The provider points out that data transmission over the internet, for example by email, may have security gaps and that complete protection of data against access by third parties cannot be guaranteed. The provider accepts no liability for damages resulting from such security vulnerabilities.

The use of the contact data by third parties for commercial purposes is hereby expressly prohibited unless the provider has given prior written consent.

The provider reserves the right to take legal action in the event of the unsolicited sending of advertising information, such as spam emails.

Source: Mustervorlage.net

Impressum
Follow me on Social Media