Level 4 LTA Senior Club Coach

​DBS checked

First Aid Qualified

Safeguarding Trained

Accredited + Insured

Contact No: 07983 981575

Individual Lesson Price: £32.00 for Members / £35.00 per hour for Non Members. 

Carl is the Head Tennis Coach at St Leonard's and St Ives Tennis Club. He is a very experienced coach and works with many of our most talented and dedicated players.

Carl has been coaching at St Leonards & St Ives since 2006, he was an assistant whilst still playing as a junior. Upon completing his Level 1 he took on full time coaching duties in 2009 and has never looked back.  

Carl has a depth of experience and knowledge in coaching, having himself played tennis for many years. He completed his Level 2 in 2009 and has been a fully qualified and accredited coach since 2014. Carl became a Senior Club Coach in 2019  which is the second highest level of qualification for a tennis coach. 

As well as coaching, Carl has offered a stringing service at the club since 2014. Currently he offers stringing, grips and racket customising, with a large array of strings to choose from.

If you are interested in lessons or stringing get in touch!  

Learn more about Carl...

What age did you start playing?

I started playing around 10/11yrs old

Why did you start playing?

A coach came to my school and ran a course which I really enjoyed. I continued to play at his club and really got into it from there.

How long have you been coaching?

I have been coaching full time for 12 years, and was assisting for 4 years before that

How long have you been at the club?

I started playing and having lessons at our club in 2006 (I've probably still got the shoe tag somewhere!).  I've seen 3 different court surfaces in my time and the club has grown so much since I've been here.

Favourite part of tennis?

I really enjoy the competitive side to tennis and a close match is when I'll be most switched on and enjoying it.

Favourite shot in tennis?

My return of serve is my favourite shot, it's really satisfying to send someone's best serve back past them. But I am also known for my drop shots, great fun to pull that off well.

Favourite surface to play on?

Indoor acrylic is probably my favourites, no worries about the elements and the sound of the ball of the racket is great.

Favourite aspect of teaching?

The moment when someone has a breakthrough in what they have been working hard on- I think I sometimes get more excited than they do.

How would you describe your teaching style?

I try and adapt to the player in front of me and find the words and visuals that work for them. Not everyone learns the same way so I think if you can be flexible in your style you can help more people.

Interests other than tennis?

I enjoy playing golf as much as I can. I also try and get away in the winter for a snowboarding trip.