Play To Win

So many instructional moments begin with a desire to focus on where you can improve.

But what about your strengths? Maybe you’re comfortable with your serve, or feel like you backhand is about where you want it to be – so why not develop those aspects of your game into slam-the-door-shut, jaw-dropping ace moments?

Topnotch Tennis Director, Milan Kubala, says focusing on the strengths of your game is not only good for the mind, it’s the backbone of his Play-To-Win teaching and coaching philosophy.

“That is the best way to get someone to love their game. Let them know what they are doing right.”

Play to Win is a relatively new and instructional approach to tennis, derived from the careful analysis of the best professional players. It incorporates all aspects of tennis skills and breaks them down into three easy-to-learn categories: “Technique to Win” (stroke production), “Train to Win” (footwork skills), and “Technique to Win” (highly successful strategies).

Milan began to create the strategy early in his career before implementing a more “modern approach” and sharing it with us here at Topnotch. He believes in these strategies for one simple reason, “It's more fun when you use them. When you play better, you have a better time playing tennis. It’s that simple.”

It’s clear Milan is passionate about the game. Tennis is his life and it is evident when he is in his element, coaching. “I go to each court during a session. While the professionals are teaching on a court, I head over, even if it’s only for a few minutes. I just love to add a little positive reinforcement."

When asked about his “Technique to Win” strategy, he said that stroke production is always taught, and the bad habits formed by each player are usually the focus of the lesson. “A lot of people are great hitters but they have no idea how to play a point,” he says.

This is why his three pronged approach to coaching is so effective. Milan takes into account different personalities and how they differ on the court and off. He personalizes and customizes the lesson section to suit each player. For instance, some people enjoy instruction and demonstration where others need to feel the stroke and the sensation of the action. He will tailor his program to meet what you need. “The first thing a player needs to understand is that the first step to improvement is being empowered to become a self-teacher. Once the lesson is done, you should be able to take these principles home and work on them. Your friends will be stunned by the improvement.”

Milan Kubala believes in this philosophy and will continue to implement it with all of his students. Emphasizing strengths instead of concentrating on the weaknesses of each player will improve their mindset. “There are tweaks and adjustments, not drastic changes,” he stresses. Organization and professionalism are also important and are carried through during daily meetings, reviews and training sessions. Milan and his staff of professionals invite you to join them for a lesson or a match—Topnotch Resort and Spa, where you will truly Play to Win.