28 September 2011 | Tennis Victoria

Michael Collins won the Tennis Coaches Australia – Victoria (TCAV) trip to the USTA Conference and US Open –below he tells us about his experience.

I arrived at the Grand Hyatt, New York on Friday 26th of August, just 24hrs prior to the city closing down due to Hurricane Irene. This gave me enough time to explore New York as no one was allowed out of the hotel from 5pm Saturday until  12 midday on Sunday – New York had turned into a ghost town.
 
The conference was cut down by a day as many people were stranded in transit. There were many great presenters and the first lecture I saw was by Nick Bolletieri who is an inspirational speaker and tennis coach.
 
The current big push in the USA is for 10/u tennis. I attended lectures based around this, as it is an area I have not fully explored within my coaching programs. The progression through the different balls and levels was interesting. In the past, I delivered modified programs and was not over the moon about them and, as a result, have not been a MLC Tennis Hot Shots coach. I was really impressed with the on-court demonstration, the in-depth discussions and the coaching program advancements. On returning to Australia I have signed up to be a provider of MLC Tennis Hot Shots and am very excited to be starting the program next term. I coach at two clubs and one is attached to a school where 90% of the pupils are primary level so the program will be a perfect fit for this venue.
 
On the last night of the conference, we were bussed out to Flushing Meadows to an impressive marquee function at which Mal Washington spoke. I spoke with some US tennis coaches and enjoyed the complimentary food and drink. I then watched the opening ceremony in Arthur Ashe stadium where Serena Williams and Roger Ferderer participated in an exhibition match.
 
Jim Courier closed the conference and then it was off to Flushing Meadows for a full day of the US Open. I didn’t arrive back to the hotel until midnight and saw some great matches. It was an amazing day experiencing this tournament and subsequently realising what a monumental effort it was of Sam Stosur to win the ladies’ event.
 
On my last day in New York, I walked from Macys on 35th to Central Park up near 75th absorbing all that this spectacular city has to offer.
 
I would like to thank the TCAV for giving me the opportunity to take the trip. It has inspired me and changed my approach to the teaching of modified tennis. I can’t believe my $33 membership with the TCAV gave me this opportunity of a lifetime – I encourage all coaches in Victoria to join the TCAV as their motto says, it’s about Coaches Supporting Coaches.