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The objective behind the creation of this website is to share information that will offer valuable guidance to players, parents, and coaches. I believe the information currently available about the game is so overwhelming and confusing (especially here in America) that our ability to make good decisions is limited. I am hopeful that my extensive experience in playing, teaching, and coaching can help others develop a better foundation for the future.My 12-year professional career can be easily summarized by my determination to become a better tennis player. This constant drive to improve took precedent over titles, ranking, and money. I was consumed by the idea that there had to be a better and easier way to play tennis. I knew that my game was limited, and that I could not execute shots like other players. I could not understand why a player with my athletic ability was not able to perform what seemed to be fundamental tasks. I would marvel at the effortless, ease and rhythm possessed by other players. I felt just the opposite; somewhat clumsy, awkward, and inconsistent at best. I struggled on a day to day basis to perform simple, repetitive shots. Any type of adjustment, such as different surfaces and weather conditions, were especially difficult. Because no one can accurately understand how you feel, and what it is like, you are left feeling insecure and challenged mentally. I was told many times that it was in my head. If you hear it enough, you will begin to believe it.
I knew there had to be a better way. I believed that I was talented enough to learn these skills. I was not content relying on my athletic ability and bluffing alone, and I knew this would only get me to a certain level. It doesn’t matter who you are or how mentally tough you are, if you have limited technique, it will show in your results.
After college, I changed every single part of my game in order to be successful. I was completely one-dimensional. I took every ball early and came into net. My serve changed constantly, which made it pretty difficult for a serve and volleyer. I had virtually no defense. I couldn’t hit two groundstrokes in a row the same way. I ended up proving myself as a top player in college, but that was where it ended. I was convinced that I was mentally and physically incapable of producing consistent, repetitive shots. I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard “It’s all in your head”.
I was possessed; on a mission to find answers. I decided to seek out the “experts” who had reputations of developing players. Isn’t that what you do? In any profession you seek out the best advice. Disillusioned with the advice I was receiving, my journey became an individual search for answers.
There are not many things that I haven’t tried. I have a lot of advice to give on what doesn’t work. The inadequate information I was getting back then is still around today. If you want to see if something works, put your lively hood on the line. When your ability to pay your mortgage relies on winning, believe me, you will find out if something works. The leading reason why it is so hard to make permanent changes is that it is impossible to get inside a person’s body and know what they’re feeling. Describing in words how things feel is very difficult. For example, try describing to someone how your forehand feels. It is very difficult, and everyone will describe it differently.
When my game started to change, I noticed that it was completely different from everything I had heard and believed to be true. Everything slowed down, my strokes felt great but foreign, and I was waiting much longer for the ball. I had a flow around the court, an ease of producing shots, and a certain rhythm existed. I was able to do things instinctively; it felt like an out of body experience.
I retired from Professional Tennis in 1998. Somewhere along the way I have become impassioned about sharing my experiences with other players, so they don’t have to go through the same struggle to find answers. Coaching and helping others has been an incredibly rewarding experience. If I can have an impact on helping anyone along this ever changing and awesome sport it is all worthwhile.
Words From Others about Me:
"I have had the good fortune of working with Kelly Jones, and having worked with most of the notable coaches in tennis, I can honestly and easily say that he is one of the foremost experts in tennis coaching. Some coaches specialize in technique, others might be stronger in strategy or the mental aspects of the game. I feel a true coach is someone that can help a player excel in all areas, and I have met very few as good as Kelly. I thoroughly enjoyed his unique viewpoints on the game of tennis, enthusiasm for the sport and desire to see his students improve. It is a unique combination when you can find someone that has played and coached at the highest levels of the game, and Kelly has and continues to do just that." Sincerely, Justin Gimelstob
I had the privilege of getting to know Kelly Jones through his work with my son Mardy Fish. I believe Kelly to be the complete coaching package. His holistic approach includes cutting edge knowledge of stroke mechanics, movement and fitness, game point structure and sports psychology. He has a great ability to adapt to each individual player's needs. Kelly is an inspiring coach with a contagious enthusiasm for the game.
Tom Fish
