Note the #1 item on the list: QUALITY OF COACHING. This is where the real debate lies in the current failure of American tennis. It is the contention of Modern Tennis Methodology that the inferior quality of conventional tennis instruction, in particular with the insistence on teaching the closed stance forehand at the entry level, is not only counter-productive but potentially physically injurious to players. Until this #1 essential ingredient is corrected, the other 9 cannot sufficiently compensate to produce optimal progress and accomplishment of our young athletes. Further, (IMO) the emphasis on spending huge sums of money to create a new tennis mecca does not hold promise for improvement if the current system that is clearly not working continues to be followed. Imagine what could be done with that $60,000,000.00 if it were dedicated to training coaches in superior methodology with proven results and a high level of enthusiasm from the grassroots up. The methodology exists, the enthusiasm exists, the dream can become a reality. But the paradigm must shift if this is to take place. Our young aspiring players deserve this opportunity.

Well, financial support is the problem. Not only here but all over the world. But not so bad in Europe or South America. In the US a private tennis lesson could cost and average of $60 to $100 (being conservative). Some tennis academies charge from $100 to $900 and hour. In Europe, (rich continent like US) in a rich tennis club in Hamburg you pay 40 Euros and hour for a private lesson. It does not cost more. Is tennis affordable in the US? In Latin America you find lessons from $7.00 for one hour to $50.00 for one hour and a half. Are tennis coaches charging too much in the US making it hard to play the game for a long time and develop as a skillful tennis player?