Meet the coaches

Phil grew up in Roehampton and is very passionate about establishing tennis programs that are fun, accessible and provide good value for money.

During his university years in Exeter, Phil taught tennis at a number of local tennis clubs and primary schools before becoming a licensed LTA Tennis Coach and taking a coaching position at Exmouth Lawn Tennis Club for 2 years.

He then went on to become the Head Coach at Chulmleigh Tennis Club in North Devon where he delivered a full program, coaching a number of performance level Junior players.

Moving back to London in 2009, Phil developed a tennis program at Old Deer Park in Richmond and helped to create a regular attendance of over 500 players each year.

In 2011, Phil established Best Tennis with the aim to make tennis easily accessible to all the family. By developing a loyal and competent coaching team, Best Tennis has now expended to 6 sites across the borough of Richmond.

Baz has coached with Best Tennis for 4 years and is extremely popular with his clients. Baz runs a number of Adult tennis events during the year in Richmond. His main guiding principle is that if people enjoy his sessions, they learn more, better and quicker. He obtained his coaching qualifications for youth and adults through the American Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), and is fully LTA accredited.

David’s journey in Tennis started at the age of 16 playing on a full-time basis in Hampshire. He went through a variety of experiences as a player and he realised there’s a difference between training and competing and ‘LEARNING’ to train and compete. Every player is unique and learns in different ways and he takes this approach when coaching each individual. David went on to study Sport Psychology and Coaching at University and believes the psychology of Tennis is important at all levels of the sport whether that’s playing for fun, playing to stay fit or looking to compete at the highest level

Venelin can offer something for everyone. His knowledge of technique and attention to detail has allowed him to build a base of loyal clients. He is fully committed to the the long term development of each and every player.

Ishaman grew up in the borough of Richmond and is a fully PTR qualified and LTA Accredited coach. He has a very welcoming manner and develops both adult and junior players of all abilities to achieve the very best they can

Vidi started playing tennis at the age of 4 and has competed for her country, participating in many junior tournaments. She currently does a lot of performance coaching, organising  league matches for the 9U, 10U, 12U and adult teams. However, Vidi always enjoys teaching people completely new to the game as she has a determination to help others enjoy the sport. Vidi holds the LTA Level 3 and RPT level 1 qualifications and is currently working on her LTA Level 4.

Vidi is available for group and private coaching on Thursdays and Fridays in Richmond.

Mark has worked for Best Tennis for over a year and has already formulated a list of very committed players. Mark only offers private lessons and is extremely friendly and professional. Mark prides himself on hard work and will be willing to work in almost all weathers to ensure you never miss out.

Mihai’s aim is “to serve people who want to learn and enjoy the beauty of tennis”. He is a regular competitor in the Richmond Local Tennis Leagues and has won the local league 7 times. Mihai loves to teach matchplay tactics to his players and is extremely popular with his players

Ed has been playing tennis since the age of 5 and has a real passion for sport. He takes his passion into his lessons to deliver fun and engaging sessions. Ed believes in a tailored approach to coaching as all players learn differently. He is comfortable teaching adults and juniors, as well as both recreational or performance players. Having brought several players up to county standard, he loves seeing their development and the enjoyment they get from it.

Ed grew up in Buckinghamshire and competed in tennis from a very young age. He has an intimate knowledge of the game and has studied biomechanics and sports psychology – this enables him to pinpoint where a technical problems lie quickly and effectively.

Formerly trained by British No. 1 Buster Mottram using his own and Tony Mottram’s teachings. Running a tennis school in Buckinghamshire for many years teaching juniors and adults. Also coaching at David Lloyd Raynes Park and Milton Keynes. Playing at Junior Nationals as well as winning many junior and adult tournaments across the UK including the Surbiton Open and Esher Open. Penny had the opportunity to compete and train on clay in both Germany and France. Bringing this experience and knowledge to help tots, juniors and adults connect with the sport and find their way to their best tennis game!

Originally from Liverpool, Martine lives in Kew, and with a degree in Culture & Communications has spent most of her career working in media and marketing including for Heart fm, the Evening Standard, VisitLondon and London & Partners. She’s been playing tennis at the Old Deer Park and across the borough since 2012, following an accident in 2008 that fractured her spine in two places. She was encouraged by her therapists to play tennis to aid her rehabilitation and thanks the sport for fast-tracking her mental and physical recovery. Having worked on the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Martine left corporate life and set up her own business in Kew, which simultaneously enabled her to pick up a racket and enhance her recovery. She’s passionate about the role that tennis can play when we’re facing difficulties and is committed to supporting anyone who wants to play, no matter what their challenges.

Jessie has been playing tennis since she was 10 years old, playing in national championships in her country and reached the equivalent level of 2.1. She followed a two-year tennis degree and has been coaching adults and children of all levels for 7 years, in France and around London. Her passion for coaching tennis came with her experience of Neurolinguistic programming that allows her to adapt her teaching depending on the personality and character of the player. She creates a playful and educational environment based on the four tennis basics: technique, tactics, fitness and mindsets.

Jaco is a young and enthusiastic assistant coach who has a great love for the game. He is very keen to learn and loves playing as well as understanding and explaining the detail of the technical side of the game. He is much liked by our players in both junior and adult lessons.