Bryan Tanner
My Coaching Philosophy: The purpose of beginning and intermediate tennis classes is for students to fall in love with the game! I want to offer you a foundational experience to make tennis life-long adventure. To do that, I'll need two things from you: (1) a "can-do" attitude & (2) for you to communicate your needs with me throughout the semester—the rest will fall into place. Just relax, have fun, and let the endorphins flow! Winning can be fun, but I do not believe winning makes you a "good" player. Everyone is at a different place in their tennis journey. As a coach, skill level is NOT important to me. I feel successful when see that my students love their time on the court, swinging at balls, and engaged in the life-long learning process.
Personal Info
I'm a currently a PhD student in BYU's department of Instructional Psychology and Technology. E.g., I research how the application of technology improves teaching and learning. E.g., In this class, we might experiment with a new(er) video feedback technology called UberSense™.
Tennis Experience
Riverside Country Club Tennis Pro
2015-19
BYU Intramural Tennis Men's Singles & Doubles CHAMPION
2015, Divisions 1 & 2 respectively
BYU Intramural Tennis Men's Singles Runner Up
2013, 2014, Division 1
There are plenty of recreational tennis players down here at BYU who are faster, stronger, and more athletically gifted than I am. My competitive edge (what allows me to win) is my positive mental attitude, and my ability to strategize against my opponents, exploiting their weaknesses in the long run. My kryptonite is when my friends are there cheering for me; I tend to lose focus and want to impress.
USU Intramural Tennis Men's Singles Champ
2010, Division 1
I thought I was pretty hot stuff up there in Logan...and then I came back to BYU.
Redmond Mustangs, WA State High School Tennis Champs
1999 - 2000
I primarily played doubles for my high school team. Occasionally, I played 3rd of 4th singles. Due to my quickness and aggression, I was a deadly serve & volley player. As a left-handed player, my high school opponents struggled to hit my unique slice. Few recognized why their strong forehand returns were failing them.
Teenie Tennis Instructor, Redmond WA
1997 - 1999
Teaching 8-12 year olds to play tennis solidified my own fundamentals. One of my only big claims to fame was that I taught Kenny G.'s son and got to see him pick him up from class every once in a while.
Equiptment
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Babolat AreoPro Drive (spin)
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Babolat Pure Drive (power)
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Head Ti-5 or 6 (light)
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Strings are just over average tightness, for greater control
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4 1/2" grip + 1 overgrip
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Racket-side wrist band to keep sweat off the grip
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Wilson "Practice" Balls last longer than others I've tried.
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Consider getting a ball saver
My Tactics
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Player type: All Court & Serve and volley
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Serve diversity
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Ad court slice serve
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Push opponent around court
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Deadly drop shot
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I beat people with my brain
Education
BYU
2012 - PRESENT
PhD Student Instructional Psychology & Technology
USU
2009 - 2010
MS Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences
BYU
2000 - 2007
BA Latin American Studies
2010 - present
2010 - present