Hi,
Every person desiring to play tennis needs to have a solid foundation of the fundamental skills. I enable students of any age or skill level to learn and perfect the basics of tennis through on-court instruction. Utilizing a variety of proven drills within a progressive learning method, a student is systematically guided through the fundamentals of stroke and footwork formation, while concurrently developing the brain and muscle memory necessary for excellent consistency in the three major strokes of the game: ground strokes, serve, and volley.
I have been playing tennis practically all my life. I’m an ex-high school player and an ex-college player. Today, I teach the fundamentals of tennis to young kids, grades K-6. I have been coaching tennis for over five years. Now, I’m looking to teach juniors and adults the fundamentals of tennis in a fun, exciting, and social environment. You will learn how to play tennis and have a lot of fun doing it. I guarantee it.
Coach Rick
Every person desiring to play tennis needs to have a solid foundation of the fundamental skills. I enable students of any age or skill level to learn and perfect the basics of tennis through on-court instruction. Utilizing a variety of proven drills within a progressive learning method, a student is systematically guided through the fundamentals of stroke and footwork formation, while concurrently developing the brain and muscle memory necessary for excellent consistency in the three major strokes of the game: ground strokes, serve, and volley.
I have been playing tennis practically all my life. I’m an ex-high school player and an ex-college player. Today, I teach the fundamentals of tennis to young kids, grades K-6. I have been coaching tennis for over five years. Now, I’m looking to teach juniors and adults the fundamentals of tennis in a fun, exciting, and social environment. You will learn how to play tennis and have a lot of fun doing it. I guarantee it.
Coach Rick
Scroll down further for Sign up info, Tennis Tips, Reviews, Write A Review, and FAQ.
Sign up
To sign up for classes, email me with your interest. Please specify in the email, the class you selected, the city you live, age, and experience of person playing tennis. I will email you a registration form. Please read, fill out the form, and then follow the instructions.
rbtennis@rbphotos.org
909-957-0748
rbtennis@rbphotos.org
909-957-0748
Tennis Tips
ICE HEALS
All my athletic and coaching life, ice has healed me. You run that pill 30 to 40 times a game. You are going to love ice. Playing football and tennis, I’ve learned that, in any high-performance sport you are not just rewarded with adulation. You are also rewarded with inflammation, ankle-springs, cuts and bruises, muscle soreness, aches and pains, not even mentioning fatigue. Rest and ice heals all wounds.
A Study thaws mystery of ice's healing properties is a 2000 year article in the Reporter, a Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Weekly News Letter. The article is authored by Barb Cramer. The Researcher, Dr. Kurt Spindler, has reached the power of ice to heal the body. Check it out. It’s worth the read.
Still, I have done my own research through trial and error. After every tennis match… after every football game, I would have to ice up. I mean sit in a tank of cold water for as long as I can take the cold. Then, get back in when I warmed up just enough to take another plunge into cold, cold water reservoir. Because, as soon as I stop running, my adrenaline would subside. I would slowly start feeling the pain and inflammation of playing a very brutal sport. You can’t just walk away feeling nothing from clobbering a tennis ball for two hours or being tackled to the ground 40 times a game. I was always thankful, just to get up. It was a lot of fun. The recovery was necessary. Ice was necessary. “No pain… no gain.”
When you’re playing tennis stress can enter your body in two ways. Stress can enter your body through your feet. Shock can enter your body through your racquet hand. At least hit these two areas of your body with an ice massage. When I need to, I soak my feet in ice water once, sometimes twice a week. I do it after every match. And so should you.
No matter what we do in life, our pursuit has to include health and healing.
Coach Rick
All my athletic and coaching life, ice has healed me. You run that pill 30 to 40 times a game. You are going to love ice. Playing football and tennis, I’ve learned that, in any high-performance sport you are not just rewarded with adulation. You are also rewarded with inflammation, ankle-springs, cuts and bruises, muscle soreness, aches and pains, not even mentioning fatigue. Rest and ice heals all wounds.
A Study thaws mystery of ice's healing properties is a 2000 year article in the Reporter, a Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Weekly News Letter. The article is authored by Barb Cramer. The Researcher, Dr. Kurt Spindler, has reached the power of ice to heal the body. Check it out. It’s worth the read.
Still, I have done my own research through trial and error. After every tennis match… after every football game, I would have to ice up. I mean sit in a tank of cold water for as long as I can take the cold. Then, get back in when I warmed up just enough to take another plunge into cold, cold water reservoir. Because, as soon as I stop running, my adrenaline would subside. I would slowly start feeling the pain and inflammation of playing a very brutal sport. You can’t just walk away feeling nothing from clobbering a tennis ball for two hours or being tackled to the ground 40 times a game. I was always thankful, just to get up. It was a lot of fun. The recovery was necessary. Ice was necessary. “No pain… no gain.”
When you’re playing tennis stress can enter your body in two ways. Stress can enter your body through your feet. Shock can enter your body through your racquet hand. At least hit these two areas of your body with an ice massage. When I need to, I soak my feet in ice water once, sometimes twice a week. I do it after every match. And so should you.
No matter what we do in life, our pursuit has to include health and healing.
Coach Rick
Buying Tennis Shoes
What is the most important equipment you will use on a tennis court? I have asked my players that question many times before. They always get it wrong. Yes, the tennis racquet is important. So are the tennis balls. Even the practice cones have significance. Still, the most important equipment you will use in tennis is you shoes. Basketball shoes won’t do it. Running shoes, not even cross-trainers can’t replace a good tennis shoe for tennis players. These shoes don’t have the cushion, extra soul, breathable fabric, and shock absorbing capabilities that tennis shoes have to protect the tennis player’s very important body part, their feet.
Let’s take a look at the shoes that I wear. I wear Prince T22, size 11D. Why these shoes? Well the shoes have to look good on my feet. That’s important to me. Even though they make them in lots of awesome colors, I’m strictly black or white when it comes to the color of my tennis shoes. I dig these shoes because they are comfortable. They have lots of support. They have shock absorbing soles. They have a breathable mesh panels. They weigh in about 17 ounces.
When you shop for shoes, go to the online stores. There are lots of them. I frequent websites like tennisexpress.com or doittennis.com. Once there, you should checkout the description of the shoes and their specs. Here’s what you’ll find if you are checking out the specs on the shoes I wear, on tennisexpress.com:
The Prince T22 shoe is built on the foundation of the proven T Series with a performance and feel of the T10. Adding mesh to the upper, the T22 has improved the ventilation while maintaining durability and support. The TPU forefoot straps lock the foot in place ensuring excellent support and forefoot stability. The injected wYshbone TPU shank helps keep the foot stable during lateral movement. Prince backs the T22 with a 6-month durability guarantee. It's offered with two sets of different color laces so you can customize your look too.
Before you buy, go and try on a pair of tennis shoes. You should be able to find something to try on at a tennis shop, or a sporting goods store. I frequent Cerritos Tennis Shop. They have my shoes there. I like that. Take the time to try on various shoes. Find the ones that fit best and aren’t too heavy for you. Some shoes run narrow, like Adidas’. That’s good if you have a narrow foot. So, try it on. Walk around the store with them. See, if they’re the right shoes for you. If you like them, buy them. Buying local is the way to go.
Before you go, check below. There are a couple of links to some videos that can help you in finding your tennis shoes. Well, that’s it. I hoped I helped you. See you on the court in you brand new tennis shoes.
Coach Rick
What is the most important equipment you will use on a tennis court? I have asked my players that question many times before. They always get it wrong. Yes, the tennis racquet is important. So are the tennis balls. Even the practice cones have significance. Still, the most important equipment you will use in tennis is you shoes. Basketball shoes won’t do it. Running shoes, not even cross-trainers can’t replace a good tennis shoe for tennis players. These shoes don’t have the cushion, extra soul, breathable fabric, and shock absorbing capabilities that tennis shoes have to protect the tennis player’s very important body part, their feet.
Let’s take a look at the shoes that I wear. I wear Prince T22, size 11D. Why these shoes? Well the shoes have to look good on my feet. That’s important to me. Even though they make them in lots of awesome colors, I’m strictly black or white when it comes to the color of my tennis shoes. I dig these shoes because they are comfortable. They have lots of support. They have shock absorbing soles. They have a breathable mesh panels. They weigh in about 17 ounces.
When you shop for shoes, go to the online stores. There are lots of them. I frequent websites like tennisexpress.com or doittennis.com. Once there, you should checkout the description of the shoes and their specs. Here’s what you’ll find if you are checking out the specs on the shoes I wear, on tennisexpress.com:
The Prince T22 shoe is built on the foundation of the proven T Series with a performance and feel of the T10. Adding mesh to the upper, the T22 has improved the ventilation while maintaining durability and support. The TPU forefoot straps lock the foot in place ensuring excellent support and forefoot stability. The injected wYshbone TPU shank helps keep the foot stable during lateral movement. Prince backs the T22 with a 6-month durability guarantee. It's offered with two sets of different color laces so you can customize your look too.
- Upper: Breathable, synthetic upper enhances comfort and flexibility. Mesh panels allow for breathability.
- Midsole: EVA Midsole with ShockEraser heel insert absorbs shock while SoftSpring PU forefoot insert disperses shock to enhance comfort.
- Outsole: PRC 1000 durable outsole compound in a herringbone tread pattern provides durable traction on all surfaces.
- Features a six-month outsole durability guarantee.
- Color: White / Navy
Before you buy, go and try on a pair of tennis shoes. You should be able to find something to try on at a tennis shop, or a sporting goods store. I frequent Cerritos Tennis Shop. They have my shoes there. I like that. Take the time to try on various shoes. Find the ones that fit best and aren’t too heavy for you. Some shoes run narrow, like Adidas’. That’s good if you have a narrow foot. So, try it on. Walk around the store with them. See, if they’re the right shoes for you. If you like them, buy them. Buying local is the way to go.
Before you go, check below. There are a couple of links to some videos that can help you in finding your tennis shoes. Well, that’s it. I hoped I helped you. See you on the court in you brand new tennis shoes.
Coach Rick
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Purchasing a Tennis Racquet
Now is a good time to be thinking about purchasing a tennis racquet for your child's tennis game. When purchasing a tennis racquet, it is a good idea to go to a tennis shop that specializes in tennis gear. The tennis shop that I frequent is Cerrittos Tennis Shop in Cerrittos, California. Cerrittos Tennis Shop are also good stringers. Or you can purchase racquets from the any big sport merchandisers like Big 5, or a Sportsmart. Or, you can buy it on line from Tennis Express, or Tennis Warehouse. Stay away from Ebay or Amazon, or Target. Currently, Walmart has some good prices on Junior racquet. My guidelines still apply.
Please, check out the video below. The video provides instruction that will help you with vital information about purchasing a tennis racquet, like your racquet head size, and how to measure your hand for a proper grip size. Make sure your racquet is firm with a neck that is one with the grip (the neck of the racquet should not go into the grip). Look for racquets built for adult or tweeners. Get Graphite or Kevlar and Graphite. Stay away from Titianium. And, make sure you have the racquet specifications printed on the inside of the neck of the racquet.
My personal tennis racquet is a Mid-size, Wilson K Factor. It has a string pattern 16x19. Restring specs: 53lbs - 63lbs. My Grip size is 43/8" (that's large. 4" or 41/4" are smaller). My racquet is built for control. I can supply my own power. Weather the brand is a Wilson, Head, Prince, or Babolat, it really doesn't make a difference. Either one of these brand will work.
There is a lot to consider when purchasing a tennis racquet. I hope the video helps. If you're still having doubts, you can text me a pic of the racquet. I will let you know what I think.
See you on the court,
Coach Rick
Now is a good time to be thinking about purchasing a tennis racquet for your child's tennis game. When purchasing a tennis racquet, it is a good idea to go to a tennis shop that specializes in tennis gear. The tennis shop that I frequent is Cerrittos Tennis Shop in Cerrittos, California. Cerrittos Tennis Shop are also good stringers. Or you can purchase racquets from the any big sport merchandisers like Big 5, or a Sportsmart. Or, you can buy it on line from Tennis Express, or Tennis Warehouse. Stay away from Ebay or Amazon, or Target. Currently, Walmart has some good prices on Junior racquet. My guidelines still apply.
Please, check out the video below. The video provides instruction that will help you with vital information about purchasing a tennis racquet, like your racquet head size, and how to measure your hand for a proper grip size. Make sure your racquet is firm with a neck that is one with the grip (the neck of the racquet should not go into the grip). Look for racquets built for adult or tweeners. Get Graphite or Kevlar and Graphite. Stay away from Titianium. And, make sure you have the racquet specifications printed on the inside of the neck of the racquet.
My personal tennis racquet is a Mid-size, Wilson K Factor. It has a string pattern 16x19. Restring specs: 53lbs - 63lbs. My Grip size is 43/8" (that's large. 4" or 41/4" are smaller). My racquet is built for control. I can supply my own power. Weather the brand is a Wilson, Head, Prince, or Babolat, it really doesn't make a difference. Either one of these brand will work.
There is a lot to consider when purchasing a tennis racquet. I hope the video helps. If you're still having doubts, you can text me a pic of the racquet. I will let you know what I think.
See you on the court,
Coach Rick
Reviews
Monique D.
Comment:
Coach Rick has a great ability to teach complex and technical skills to kids with little or no formal tennis training. Our son has done very well under his instruction and began with no tennis experience. He is quite patient with students. For parents, he is very accessible and easy to talk to. We would highly recommend him.
Comment:
Coach Rick has a great ability to teach complex and technical skills to kids with little or no formal tennis training. Our son has done very well under his instruction and began with no tennis experience. He is quite patient with students. For parents, he is very accessible and easy to talk to. We would highly recommend him.
Rick A.
Comment:
My two boys have been learning tennis with Coach Rick for over a year now and they skills have improved dramatically! Like the previous reviewer pointed out, he is very patient with the players so they don't come out of practice frustrated and/or intimidated by him. I would highly recommend his classes to anyone who is interested in learning tennis.
Comment:
My two boys have been learning tennis with Coach Rick for over a year now and they skills have improved dramatically! Like the previous reviewer pointed out, he is very patient with the players so they don't come out of practice frustrated and/or intimidated by him. I would highly recommend his classes to anyone who is interested in learning tennis.
Gerald A.
Comment:
Coach Rick is highly skilled and motivated tennis coach. My son is taking lessons from Coach Rick and he has improved very fast. We tried many different coaches in the past with different tennis schools for years but my son was still at beginner level. Coach Rick immediately assessed his level and helped him to change his techniques. Now, my son is playing with confidence. His skill level has improved, and my son now shows high interests in playing tennis. Coach Rick does a lot of physical training. He motivates the kids to play at competitive level. Coach Rick's technique, tactics, teaching methodology and physical training are impressive. We as parents highly recommend Coach Rick. In this age of more TV times, video games, ipad and iphones, Coach Rick is guaranteed to bring your kid out of that and help them stay fit and keep them motivated.
Comment:
Coach Rick is highly skilled and motivated tennis coach. My son is taking lessons from Coach Rick and he has improved very fast. We tried many different coaches in the past with different tennis schools for years but my son was still at beginner level. Coach Rick immediately assessed his level and helped him to change his techniques. Now, my son is playing with confidence. His skill level has improved, and my son now shows high interests in playing tennis. Coach Rick does a lot of physical training. He motivates the kids to play at competitive level. Coach Rick's technique, tactics, teaching methodology and physical training are impressive. We as parents highly recommend Coach Rick. In this age of more TV times, video games, ipad and iphones, Coach Rick is guaranteed to bring your kid out of that and help them stay fit and keep them motivated.
Sharman L.
Comment:
I wanted to thank you for all you've taught me in tennis. I truly appreciate your patience, your tenacity to teach, your enthusiasm, and for making tennis fun for me again. Thank you (again!), Coach!!
Comment:
I wanted to thank you for all you've taught me in tennis. I truly appreciate your patience, your tenacity to teach, your enthusiasm, and for making tennis fun for me again. Thank you (again!), Coach!!
Frequently Ask Questions
Contact Information?
Rick Brandon Tennis
670 Pebble Beach Court, Corona, CA 92882
909-957-0748
rbtennis@rbphotos.org
http://rbphotos.org/rbtennis.html
My Coaching Mission?
My coaching goals are to teach the fundamentals of tennis to anyone who wants to learn and play tennis no matter what age, sex, creed, or color. I want to give a strong foundation for all those who seek and desire to play this exciting game. A foundation in fundamentals and performance, that springs juniors and adults forward into becoming competitive players. Most of my junior players have advanced to high school teams.
I have a different flavor to my coaching style. It’s not pungent. It’s sweet. It’s positive. I use fun and humor. I am persistent. I am social, pleasantly direct, and always, always encouraging. Above all, safety is first. I believe in holding injuries to a minimum by teaching pain management techniques and using fitness to build strength, flexibility, and endurance.
You can’t play high performance tennis without being fit enough to absorb the stress from the repetition of practicing tennis. This understanding is what leads to what I call, practice fit. Practice fitness gets your ready for match play. Next you have to acquire a resiliency to quickly recover from fatigue, and then get you back into the point, to get you through the set, to get you winning the match. That is match play fit. You need match play fitness to become tournament fit. And so on.
Obtaining a high level of fitness is a gradual process. It doesn’t happen overnight. You don’t want to go to fast. Going too fast creates injuries. Injuries slow your growth down. Getting fit gradually creates strength and endurance. Getting fit gradual build’s a mental fitness and a focus that is everlasting.
Are there refunds?
Once class begins, there are no refunds for any reason.
What can cause a class to be cancelled?
Only the instructor can cancel a class. Class can be cancelled because of rain, extreme heat, an unforeseen Holiday, an Instructor emergency like the tennis court isn’t available.
Make up days?
Rain days, extremely hot days, and sometimes holidays are made up at the end of the session.
Besides tennis lessons, what does the class offer?
At the end of every session, students will receive a gift/award and a progress report of their progress.
What else should you bring to class?
You should bring plenty of water, a towel to dry off perspiration, sunscreen, fruit, and if you want a hat.
What type payment do you accept?
Cash is good. Checks are good. Make checks payable to Rick Brandon. There is a $55 return check fee applied to all returned checks.
What is Match Play Day (MPD)?
MPD is a summer class devoted to the instruction and experience of match play. Players will play and compete in a round-robin playoff to establish seeding for The RBTennis Tournament. Class is to start sometime this summer. There will be six classes $20 per class/student, plus a $20 equipment/awards fee. Class and round-robin play will take place the first four weeks. Tournament play will start the last two weeks of class. After tournament there will be an award ceremony and awards will be handed out.
What is an equipment fee?
An equipment fee is usually $10. It covers the expense for tennis balls/gifts.
What is an awards fee?
An award fee is usually $10. It covers the expense for tournament supplies, awards/trophies.
Is your information safe?
Yes. I do not pass out any of my client’s information to third parties. I keep information on my clients down to a minimum. I only request child’s name, age, tennis experience, and contact information of the parent. That information is collected by registration, and used on my computer and cell phone to maintain contact and to provide tennis instruction.
Rick Brandon Tennis
670 Pebble Beach Court, Corona, CA 92882
909-957-0748
rbtennis@rbphotos.org
http://rbphotos.org/rbtennis.html
My Coaching Mission?
My coaching goals are to teach the fundamentals of tennis to anyone who wants to learn and play tennis no matter what age, sex, creed, or color. I want to give a strong foundation for all those who seek and desire to play this exciting game. A foundation in fundamentals and performance, that springs juniors and adults forward into becoming competitive players. Most of my junior players have advanced to high school teams.
I have a different flavor to my coaching style. It’s not pungent. It’s sweet. It’s positive. I use fun and humor. I am persistent. I am social, pleasantly direct, and always, always encouraging. Above all, safety is first. I believe in holding injuries to a minimum by teaching pain management techniques and using fitness to build strength, flexibility, and endurance.
You can’t play high performance tennis without being fit enough to absorb the stress from the repetition of practicing tennis. This understanding is what leads to what I call, practice fit. Practice fitness gets your ready for match play. Next you have to acquire a resiliency to quickly recover from fatigue, and then get you back into the point, to get you through the set, to get you winning the match. That is match play fit. You need match play fitness to become tournament fit. And so on.
Obtaining a high level of fitness is a gradual process. It doesn’t happen overnight. You don’t want to go to fast. Going too fast creates injuries. Injuries slow your growth down. Getting fit gradually creates strength and endurance. Getting fit gradual build’s a mental fitness and a focus that is everlasting.
Are there refunds?
Once class begins, there are no refunds for any reason.
What can cause a class to be cancelled?
Only the instructor can cancel a class. Class can be cancelled because of rain, extreme heat, an unforeseen Holiday, an Instructor emergency like the tennis court isn’t available.
Make up days?
Rain days, extremely hot days, and sometimes holidays are made up at the end of the session.
Besides tennis lessons, what does the class offer?
At the end of every session, students will receive a gift/award and a progress report of their progress.
What else should you bring to class?
You should bring plenty of water, a towel to dry off perspiration, sunscreen, fruit, and if you want a hat.
What type payment do you accept?
Cash is good. Checks are good. Make checks payable to Rick Brandon. There is a $55 return check fee applied to all returned checks.
What is Match Play Day (MPD)?
MPD is a summer class devoted to the instruction and experience of match play. Players will play and compete in a round-robin playoff to establish seeding for The RBTennis Tournament. Class is to start sometime this summer. There will be six classes $20 per class/student, plus a $20 equipment/awards fee. Class and round-robin play will take place the first four weeks. Tournament play will start the last two weeks of class. After tournament there will be an award ceremony and awards will be handed out.
What is an equipment fee?
An equipment fee is usually $10. It covers the expense for tennis balls/gifts.
What is an awards fee?
An award fee is usually $10. It covers the expense for tournament supplies, awards/trophies.
Is your information safe?
Yes. I do not pass out any of my client’s information to third parties. I keep information on my clients down to a minimum. I only request child’s name, age, tennis experience, and contact information of the parent. That information is collected by registration, and used on my computer and cell phone to maintain contact and to provide tennis instruction.