In this episode
On the 245th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, and Ivan Ozerets have a tennis conversation with Petrus Koekemoer. Their guest is a long-time associate who lives and works in his native South Africa (SA).
He currently leads a unique development program serving underprivileged children at the Rosemoor Tennis Centre near George in the Western Cape province of South Africa.
Petrus has spent over ten years with the GreatBase tennis pathway. He has traveled to the US numerous times to work with Steve and Dave. Likewise, Steve has traveled to South Africa to work with him. Petrus has documented the improvement of his students through in-depth video work and skill testing. The progress of his players and coaches is extremely impressive.
The historical and deep connections between GreatBase Tennis and South African tennis are discussed. Other topics that are discussed: fact-based instruction for long-term development, the importance of a good beginning, and staying true to fundamentals through all stages of development.
Another point of interest is connecting South Africans with South Africans to fundraise to help SA tennis players. In doing so, Petrus is making the effort to unite the SA tennis community. One Vic Braden theme that will surely help him with his efforts. “The dimensions of the court and physical laws dictate stroke production, not a coach’s opinion or any unique theory.
show notes
In this episode of the Great Base Tennis Podcast, we have an engaging dialogue with Petrus Koekemoer, a dedicated tennis coach based in South Africa. Petrus shares his journey from coaching in the United States to returning home and establishing a development center aimed at helping underprivileged children gain access to tennis coaching. Surrounded by stunning landscapes in George, Western Cape, he explains the unique challenges his new initiative faces, especially regarding funding and community support.
We delve into Petrus’s vision for his coaching center, which currently accommodates around seven to eight full-time students, many of whom come from backgrounds that typically lack resources. This center is more than just a place for physical training; it represents a stepping stone for these kids to change their lives through sport. Petrus passionately outlines how tennis can be a powerful vehicle for change and emphasizes the importance of providing a solid foundation for young players to flourish.
Petrus then discusses the facilities available to him, including public athletic fields and the community’s support, which he credits as vital for the kids’ training. He talks about the obstacles he faces with fundraising and the necessity for a sustainable model that can survive on community support rather than relying solely on external sponsors. The conversation transitions into a discussion about his longstanding relationship with the GreatBase Curriculum, which he first encountered in 2014. Through this curriculum, Petrus has honed his coaching philosophy, which prioritizes a strong foundational skill set over constantly changing techniques, allowing kids to develop a reliable game.
Throughout our chat, we reflect on the broader cultural sentiments surrounding tennis and sports in general, particularly noting how different regions perceive athletic development. Petrus articulates the stark contrast between the hunger for success in South Africa versus the ease and overall access to resources in American tennis, where young players often come from more privileged backgrounds. In South Africa, where many players appreciate the sport as their key to global opportunities, there’s an evident passion and drive that fuels their efforts on the court.
Additionally, we reminisce about shared experiences in the tennis community, emphasizing the significance of mentorship and transition plans in coaching. Petrus relates how many successful coaching figures in tennis are not just focused on immediate wins but also on fostering long-term growth within their tennis programs. His insights underline the need for an integrated system that not only nurtures talent but also honors the history of great players and coaches preceding us.
As the conversation progresses, we touch upon the sense of respect and discipline instilled within South African culture, reflecting on how it shapes young players’ attitudes towards both tennis and life. Petrus draws on personal anecdotes and the cultural nuances of growing up in South Africa, highlighting the importance of viewing tennis as a path to a broader life journey, rather than merely a competitive sport.
The podcast effectively captures Petrus’s passion for tennis and education, making a compelling case for the impact of grassroots development in sports. As we wrap up, the discussion serves as a reminder of the significance of persevering in the pursuit of excellence, championing young players, and the intrinsic value of sport in transforming lives.