Igniting the Court with Skill, Passion and Hard works
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When it comes to the world of sports, few embody the blend of skill, passion and hard work quite like the game of tennis. Beyond the physicality of the game lies a unique tapestry of technique, strategy, and mental fortitude. When it comes to coaching the sport and honing future professional players, skillful guidance and an unwavering dedication is key to inspiring students and unlocking their hidden potential. And at Hong Kong Golf & Tennis Academy, coaching the sport also means instilling in players the virtues of skill, passion and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
“It’s not easy to be engaged in a difficult sport and put in a lot of hours,” said Pedro Pissara, Head Tennis Coach at Hong Kong Golf & Tennis Academy (HKGTA) who hails from the Rafa Nadal Academy.
He observes that it is common to experience frustration with the sport because of its inherent nature. Initially, progress happens quickly, but as a player becomes more skilled, it may appear to slow down, and that’s when it can feel like a grind. Additionally, unlike team sports, players often find themselves working along which can be a very different dynamic compared to other team-oriented activities.
“Tennis is really special for this reason, it’s not a sport where you can lay back a little, if things go wrong, ultimately, you are guilty for everything,” explains Pissara.
For this reason, mental fortitude is important for the sport and passion is the lifeblood that fuels the flame of success. And this is the one thing that HKGTA hopes to instill in its players – the intrinsic desire and motivation to play better. And to do this, coaches at the Academy understand that creating the right environment that encourages players is key.
Aside from state-of-the-art facilities, Pissara says nurturing the players mentally is of equal importance. His strategy, therefore, is to push his students to test their limits while encouraging them to embrace the joy…