Head Coach Mark Belcher
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Growing up in Taranaki there was no such thing as tennis coaching so it was a real eye opener for me while doing my last year of high school in Canberra when mum took me to see a famous tennis coach by the name of Charlie Hollis. Charlie had an amazing role call of players he had taught including 2 time grand slam winner Rod Laver (some say the greatest of all time). Already 70 when we met he was tough, even a little scary (stood 6ft4) but for some reason I responded to his style (not that it's the same as mine) and tennis became my main focus. I spent 4 years on a full tennis scholarship in Texas which culminated in a huge honor for me being named in the All-American team in my senior year. My playing highlights include being as highly ranked as number 2 in the U.S with my Swedish doubles partner, 3 Taranaki Open titles along with provincial titles in Otago, Canterbury, Tasman, Wellington and Manawatu. Most recently national singles and doubles titles in the over 40's.
COACHING- Originally coaching was a way to supplement my playing but I certainly learned a lot during 2 seasons in Germany and one in Japan at a large academy. After playing in the "National League" for Canterbury I started coaching and playing full time in Hagley Park. Being at Hagley for so long has given me the chance to deal with a huge variety of player from 3 to 83 years old, beginners and high performance players as well as learning to teach with big numbers of students on court. My philosophy is simple, "learning and fun" and both can be achieved. I will never be a coach who is happy simply to entertain a group and send them on their way when there is so much to be taught in tennis which is a very technical sport. I am happy to be on court with anyone who is motivated regardless if talented or a complete beginner. I believe my ability as a coach is in seeing what a student needs and knowing how to fix it. The coach is there to put you on track but the hard work and hours needed to be an elite player depend on the individual. It was a tough decision to leave Christchurch but the opportunity to make a difference to tennis in my home town is one I really look forward to. Thank you to Pukekura Park Tennis Club for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to seeing you on court along with Caddy the dog (check her out on YouTube "Caddy Tennis: Ball dog Academy" below). See you on court, Mark Belcher "Belch" Ph. 0274986363, mgbtennis@xtra.co.nz Pukekura Park Tennis Club Head Coach since September 2017 |
Club Coaching Group Sessions
Club Coaching included in your full season membership: Adults 8 free sessions: 8 mid Oct to mid Nov and user pays from Feb 2020 Juniors 16 free sessions: 8 in Term 4, 2019, 8 in Term 1, 2020 Adults can choose TennisFit, Improvers / Rusty Racquets or Team coaching sessions. See club coaching info sheet. Juniors (18yrs & under) choose Hots Shots (Red, Orange, Green stages for 12yrs & under), Youth Coaching Yellow or one of the adult sessions. Want extra Club Coaching sessions? Enjoyed the free sessions so much or want an additional session during the week such as Tennis Fit, Improvers/Rusty Racquets or 2nd Team coaching: Members $10/session or $38 for block of four lessons Don't want to become a member just yet but want some group lessons: Non-members $12.50/session or $48 for block of four lessons Private Coaching Individual Lessons (one-on-one): Members - $55/hour Non members - $65/hour (includes court fee for non-members) Group sessions (two or more in a group) Cost is shared between members of the group: Members - $65/hour Non members - $75/hour (includes court fee for non-members) Assistant Coach sessions - contact Mark Belcher Junior Squads (Mondays) Squads are for those that want an extra coaching session per week. Cost will be based on Hourly Rate for Group sessions for two or more in a group above. Cost will depend on number in the group & whether a coaching assistant is required: 3.30 to 4.30pm Emerging Squad (Orange/Green players) 4.30 to 5.30pm Intermediate Squad (Green/Youth players) 5.30 to 7pm Performance (B and A grade players) Holiday Programmes Held during the school holidays. Go to www.pukekuraparktennisclub.co.nz/programmes.html for details. Pukekura Twilight Tennis Wednesdays This is the Head Coach's club night. It is free for members or $8 for non members and paid directly to the Head Coach. For other club days/nights on offer at the club during the week, non-members pay directly to the club. Twilight Tennis is a great way to meet and mingle with new people. This event is advertised on "Meet Up" social media app. Start time will vary with the seasons - usually at 6.30pm. Payment Instructions All of the above are paid to Head Coach directly (the free coaching sessions are included in your membership). For Internet Banking please deposit into Head Coach Account #02 0820 0581656 00 and quote type of tennis eg "TennisFit" or "rusty" or "improvers" or "A grade" or "holiday" etc AND "surname" & "phone number" as reference (e.g.: Agrade Brown 751 2345) OR pay in cash. Want to pay for a membership? These are paid to club account. Go to membership page. Team of Coaches
Mark Belcher - Head Coach - 0274986363 Jaime Simpson - Senior Coach - 0277501857 Andrew Hood - Assistant Junior Coach David Barnard - Assistant Junior Coach Graydon Scott Niamh Scott Ella Rogers Nikayla Barnard Jacob Clement Contact Mark directly to book any one in the team of coaches. |
