Meet Coach Walter Hurd, who we were lucky to catch up with. He has some great insight about teaching tennis to share as well as some advice for beginners! 🎾

❓Can you introduce yourself and who you teach?

🎤 My name is Walter Hurd. Currently I am the head teaching pro at Anthem Golf and Country Club and Wickenburg Ranch Golf and Social Club. I have been contracted with Wilson Sports for 25 years and am a Certified Elite Professional with Racquet Sports Professional Association. I have played competitive tennis in 6 different USTA Sections and coached over 50 years. Early on I taught juniors and aspiring high schoolers as well as beginner adults. For the last 30 years I have focused on coaching high school, college and competitive adult players.

❓What’s your favorite part about teaching tennis?

🎤 What I enjoy most is seeing positive results in short periods of time and then seeing the joy from the students. By keeping my methods simple and easily understandable the students seem to progress faster. Learning to play tennis isn’t as complicated as most people think.

❓What’s one tip you’d give beginners to instantly improve their game?

🎤 One thing I emphasize to aspiring players is to learn to play for enjoyment of the game. You can be competitive without thinking you have to beat everyone you step onto the court with. Not every shot you hit has to be a winning shot. It can be a well-paced, well-placed shot and still be kept in play.

❓Tennis vs. pickleball—what’s the biggest difference? 🎤 Racquet sports are great for bringing people together. Socially and competitively. Pickleball attracts people who don’t want to or can’t cover a large court area. It also has a smaller learning curve. Tennis has been credited with better and healthier side- effects. I concur with the latter.

❓If someone could take one piece of advice from you, what would it be?

🎤 My best advice is to get out and do something that keeps you active. Tennis is the sport for a lifetime! You get to determine your level of play. Make it fun!

Thanks so much for sharing, Walter! We’ll see you around on the courts. 👋