Welcome to the Coaching Corner
Whether you’re a player striving to improve, a coach looking for fresh ideas, or a parent supporting your athlete’s journey, Coaching Corner is here to inspire and educate.
Here, you’ll find expert advice, training tips, and strategies from top coaches—alongside personal stories and experiences that bring the game to life. Learn from real moments on and off the court, as coaches share their challenges, successes, and lessons learned throughout their careers.
Check back regularly for new insights, and let these experiences guide you on your own tennis journey!
Explore the Latest Articles Below!
Tricks of the Trade
Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome
Stay Calm, stay Focused.
Positive Self-Talk – Players like Serena Williams and Roger Federer often use affirmations to keep their minds focused, such as “I’ve got this” or “Stay in the moment.”
Routine – By focusing on specific practices, a player can create a sense of consistency and control before and during their matches, allowing them to stay calm and prepared for competition like Nadal, Djokovic, Alcaraz, Serena and many other top professionals.
Strategic Play – Roger Federer is known for his ability to adapt his game during matches based on the opponent’s weaknesses.
Learn from your Losses
Staying Present – Focus on the current point rather than getting caught up in past mistakes or future outcomes.
Visualize Success as part of your pre match routine.
Stay Confident. Use positive gestures throughout your match.
Serve Strategy – Mix it Up – Vary your serves between flat, kick, and slice and by locations (wide, down the T, body) to keep your opponent off balance.
Serve and Volley when appropriate. It can be an effective weapon if used well.
Coach Chronicles
Izabel Nikolaeva – Journey from Player to Coach
By Isabel Nikolaeva….
Stepping into the coaching world as a young woman has been a journey filled with challenges, growth and rewarding experiences. For me, coaching isn’t just a profession – it’s a calling to guide, inspire, and help players achieve their fullest potential. My path has been shaped by my experiences as a player and the incredible mentors and athletes I’ve had the privilege to work with.
My journey began in Bulgaria, where I had the honor of representing my country on the Bulgarian National Junior Team. I won multiple national junior championships. My proudest achievement as a junior was reaching a Tennis Europe Junior Ranking of 95. I then transitioned to American collegiate tennis competing at the Division 1 Level in the MEAC.
Collegiate tennis led me directly into a coaching career. The experiences of college tennis taught me the physical, mental and strategic demands of the game that I can now share with others. One of my proudest moments was when the University of West Georgia achieved the most wins in its history since 2010….and I was a part of it! Iuliia Dmitrieva, the No. 1 on the team, set a program record for most singles wins in a season as well!
For me, tennis has always been more than a sport – it’s a way to teach and learn discipline, foster resilience, and create meaningful relationships. As I continue my coaching journey, I hope to inspire other young women to pursue coaching as a career, bringing their fresh perspectives to the world of tennis.
Izabel currently coaches at Laurel Park Tennis Center in Marietta.
#2
The Power of Sportsmanship in Player Development
By Izabel Nikolaeva
Sportsmanship is the foundation of character-building in tennis. It’s not just about fair play—it’s about how players carry themselves through victories, defeats, and challenges. As a coach, I’ve seen firsthand how players who show respect for opponents, officials, and the game itself grow stronger both on and off the court.
Teaching good sportsmanship begins with example. When coaches and parents model respect, young athletes follow. They learn to handle tough losses with grace and celebrate wins with humility. These habits help them grow into more resilient, thoughtful, and balanced individuals.
I often remind my players that true success isn’t just in the scoreline—it’s in the way they compete, treat others, and represent themselves. These lessons carry far beyond tennis, shaping how they approach school, friendships, and future careers.
Sportsmanship teaches perseverance, empathy, and accountability.
That’s why it’s not just a value—it’s a lifelong advantage.
Players’ Perspectives:
“To me, sportsmanship is appreciating and respecting your teammates and opponents.”
“Sportsmanship to me is showing respect and kindness.”
“It’s about staying composed under pressure and playing with integrity, no matter the situation.”
“Sportsmanship means pushing yourself to compete at your best while lifting others up along the way.”
Izabel currently coaches at Laurel Park Tennis Center in Marietta.
Explore more articles in our Coaching Corner page.
#3
How Parents and Coaches Shape Sportsmanship
By Izabel Nikolaeva
Sportsmanship doesn’t develop by chance—it takes teamwork from coaches and parents. I’ve learned that when both sides work together, players thrive in a positive environment where values like respect, effort, and integrity are reinforced consistently.
As coaches, we lead by example and communicate openly with players about expectations and behavior. We celebrate effort as much as results and use every match as an opportunity to grow. But we also need support from parents who show respect from the sidelines, reinforce emotional balance, and trust the coaching process.
Here are a few strategies that work:
- Keep open communication between coaches and parents.
- Focus on shared values like respect, effort, and fairness.
- Stay consistent – players thrive when messages are aligned.
- Celebrate growth together, not just wins.
When parents and coaches form a united front, athletes develop not only their skills but also a strong sense of sportsmanship. And that’s the kind of success that lasts.
Izabel currently coaches at Laurel Park Tennis Center in Marietta.
Explore more articles in our Coaching Corner page.
#4
Mental Resilience in Junior Tennis
By Izabel Nikolaeva
Mental resilience is one of the most important traits a young tennis player can develop. It’s what helps athletes push through tough matches, stay composed under pressure, and bounce back from setbacks. And just like footwork or technique, resilience can be trained.
As a coach, I use tools like visualization and positive self-talk to help players stay mentally tough. We work on routines that include breathwork, mindfulness, and goal-setting. Over time, these habits build the confidence needed to stay focused and fight through challenges.
One of the biggest lessons I share with my players is that failure is part of the process. Mistakes are learning opportunities—and every challenge is a chance to grow stronger.
Resilient players don’t just win matches—they learn how to stay grounded in school, relationships, and life beyond the court.
Izabel currently coaches at Laurel Park Tennis Center in Marietta.
Learn more tools for mindset training in our Coaching Corner page.
#5
Creating a Supportive Environment for Mental Strength
By Izabel Nikolaeva
Mental resilience doesn’t happen in isolation. Players build it when they feel supported—by their coaches, parents, and even teammates. That’s why creating the right environment is so important in junior tennis.
I encourage my players to focus on effort, not just outcomes. We reflect on matches together, talk openly about pressure, and set short-term goals that build long-term strength. Parents play a huge role here too – reminding their kids that one match doesn’t define them and reinforcing a growth mindset at home.
During competitions, I guide players to use pre-match routines and mid-match resets like deep breathing or focus cues. After the match, we reflect together – highlighting what went well and what we’ll work on next.
This process builds skills that go far beyond tennis—like managing stress, staying motivated, and believing in themselves through every stage of life.
Izabel currently coaches at Laurel Park Tennis Center in Marietta.
Discover more mental training tips on our Coaching Corner page.
#6
Serving Purpose: The Coaching Journey of Salif Kante
Growing up on the vibrant courts of Africa, Salif fell in love with tennis at a young age, where the sun-drenched days were filled with the sound of rackets meeting balls and laughter echoing among friends. His passion and talent propelled him across the ocean to America, where he played at the collegiate level, showcasing his skills and determination.
After a successful stint as a professional player, Salif discovered that his true joy lay not just in competing, but in sharing the game he loves with others. For the past 12 years, he has embraced the role of a coach, pouring his heart into teaching young athletes. His approach goes beyond technique; he believes in fostering a love for the game, instilling values of perseverance, sportsmanship, and self-confidence. Throughout his 12 years of teaching, Salif has guided numerous students to prestigious institutions such as UGA, Duke, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, and others.
Every lesson he conducts is infused with encouragement and enthusiasm, as he guides his students not only to improve their skills but also to build their character. The connections he forms with his players often turn into lifelong friendships, as he inspires them to embrace challenges both on and off the court.
In every match, you can see his influence—each swing of the racket is a testament to his dedication and passion. With Salif as their mentor, his students don’t just learn to play tennis; they learn to chase their dreams, just as he once did.
