Targeted development of mobility, stability, and overhead control—with direct benefits for the Serve and core stability in tennis.
At the end of the day, we just want our players to be happy.
First and foremost, we would like to thank the many players and parents who have experienced the highs and lows of this sport together with us. We are proud not only of our successful players, but also of those who have learned to change their goals over the years and adapt them to reality. “Success cannot be coached.”
At the end of the day, we just want our players to be happy. That’s why we have the utmost respect for all those players who have decided to end their tennis careers, either on their own initiative or on our advice. Even though this is fortunately only the minority, these “dropouts” are still a big part of our experience. TennisGate is committed to making a significant contribution to preventing these dropouts.
Head Experts
The experts at TennisGate have been involved in coaches education, player development and mentoring youth players and their parents for over 3 decades.
Edgar Giffenig
- More than 35 Years Experience in Player Development
- 14 years as national coach in the tennis associations of the USA, Mexico and Germany
- Travelled with the Bryan Brothers from 1990 to 1995
Juergen Mueller
- More than 35 Years Experience in Player Development
- Multiple World and European Champion with Youth Teams
- Mentored many world-class juniors
Oliver Heuft
- More than 30 Years Experience in Player Development
- Education Consultant for Tennis Associations
- 3 Years Analyst at the Madrid Open
More experts
Tennis is a highly complex sport, and diverse expertise across different areas is essential. These co-authors are leading experts in their respective fields, contributing specialized knowledge to create a comprehensive and high-quality learning experience.
In collaboration with partners and joint projects, these experts have contributed to our work over the years.
Silvester Neidhardt
Functional coach to many world-class and up-and-coming athletes.
Eva Birkle-Belbl
Club manager of the largest tennis club in Baden, the Freiburger Tennis Club.
Matthias Birkle
Head coach of the largest tennis club in Baden, the Freiburger Tennis Club.
Max "Kuba" Kuberczyk
Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Baden Tennis Association.
Mona Höppner
Class, art, and sports teacher at the Rudolf Steiner School in Bochum. TennisGate expert specializing in children aged 4-10.
Thorsten Damm
Research assistant at the Sports Institute of Heidelberg University.
Eberhard Schloemmer
He holds a degree in sports science and received official education for the Functional Movement Screen® (FMS).
Peter Born
Long-time head coach of the German Tennis Federation for education.
Prof. Dr. Thiemo Wiewelhowe
Sports scientist specializing in training and exercise physiology.
Philosophy
Fun drives development—embrace learning, build mobility, set realistic goals, and involve all to ensure long-term tennis success.
ENJOY THE GAME
All of us at TennisGate are coaches (mostly with children of their own) who know from experience that there is one factor critical to success: every player must enjoy the game. This may sound trite or obvious, but it's a weekly topic for everyone who works in player development.
EMBRACE THE LEARNING PROCESS
Tennis is a very complex and demanding sport where failure and frustration are always present. The only way to be successful in the long run is to learn and also embrace the learning process. Whether player, coach or parent.
CHILDREN NEED TO BECOME MORE MOBILE
It is frightening to see the functional condition in which some children come to tennis training. But it is even more alarming that parents are completely surprised by this and assess it completely differently. Of course, children who play sports are usually well above average. But their functional weaknesses still urgently need to be remedied if one wants to favour the future and their development.
SET MODERATE GOALS
Education and knowledge are the crucial companions to setting goals in moderation. Unrealistic expectations, along with injuries and coaching mistakes, are largely responsible for players ending their careers prematurely and turning their backs on tennis.
INVOLVE ALL TARGET GROUPS
If you want to be successful as a club and move safely into the future, then it is important as a club manager to have all the needs of the members in mind - and also to "educate" everyone. Not only the players, but also the parents and ultimately even the whole environment.
FUN IS THE #1 FACTOR
First of all, it doesn't matter if you are coaching competitive players or introducing beginners to the sport. As a coach, you have to have fun. Enjoyment of tennis and development is the decisive factor, not only for recreational tennis, but also for competitive tennis.