Toby Smith

[simone]

1.what is your name?

Toby Smith

2.where were you born?

18th February 1974....but looking good!!

3.how old you were when you started playing tennis?

10 years old

4.who was your influence to start playing?

Was inspired by Ivan Lendl initially then major influence was Agassi due to personality and his individuality.

5.which coach do you remember in the most positive light and why?

Colin Handbidge as he stuck by me when I was having my tough times.

6.the best moment of your playing career and why?

Playing at the Estoril Junior Open as it was my first taste of international tennis and made me realise why I was training so hard and why I love the game and continue to do so as a coach now to help players reach their potential too and gain rich experiences.

... the worst moment ?

no comment


7.why coaching ?

An opportunity to work with top class young athletes and develop them knowing they will have opportunities to go become world class.


8.why david lloyd academy ?

The DLTA provides talented kids with the opportunity to excell to the highest level.It also has the best resources and facilities and if the kids want to become world class then everything that will assist this is made available.

9.in which part of coaching tennis do you think that you are special ?

Relationship building

10.tell me more about your speciality?

Building strong relationships with players and the parents which has allowed for long term planning and stabilty.

11. advice for players?

Trust in yourself, your fellow academy players, your coaching team and (of course) your parents!!!

12. advice for tennis parents ?

Patience....there is no quick fix and it takes time.

13.advice for new coaches ?

Never stop believing that excellence at world level will happen....and patience to make this possible!!



Toby Smith
Head Pro-David Lloyd Academy
Next Generation Club
242 Netherton Road
Anniesland
Glasgow
G13 1BJ