Steve Catapano’s background

Hi, my name is Steve Catapano.

The purpose of this website is to help new players and those that may be a little older ( I affectionately say 35 and older) to learn the game of tennis or improve their current tennis game.  Most players in this group either cannot physically or don’t have enough time to learn the modern more aggressive style being taught to today’s youth.  My approach is to provide a simple and “classic” tennis method that anyone can use.

My background in tennis started at the age of 16.  I taught a group of 7 and 8 year olds at a summer activity camp on McGuire AFB in NJ.  I read to them from a book.  That’s how much tennis I knew.  I really didn’t take up the game until I was 19 and in college.  You know how it goes; an ex-high school athlete looking for a new sport.  But I took it up with a vengeance.  I practiced 6 hours a day for the next two years.  I read every book and magazine I could find.  I observed other players and pros.  I was a student of the “form” of tennis.  My playing skill lagged behind my knowledge, but I worked hard at it.  As part of each day, I hit against a wall for 2 hours concentrating on form.  I shadow played points out on the court, so I could concentrate on form.  Get the picture.  My focus was good form.  I also, of course, played and did drills; which included 1 hour of practicing serve.  This immersion in the form of tennis is what lead me to start teaching.

As a student at Arizona State University, I oversaw the tennis courts at night and started giving lessons.  At this point, my lessons were unstructured pointers.  It wasn’t until I met Peter Burwash that I really learned to teach.

In 1975, I worked at the Inn and Tennis Club at Manitou in Canada.  This was the training ground for PBI (Peter Burwash International).  I credit Peter for teaching me a methodology for tennis instruction.  Over the years, I’ve learned and adapted my own style, but my foundation has stayed much the same.  Along the way, I picked up certifications from USPTA and PTR (having been taught directly by Dennis Van Der Meer in 1977), Cardio Tennis, USTA Net Generation, and USTA/ITA Officiating.

I’ve also worked at numerous clubs and resorts:  John Gardiner’s Tennis Ranch in Scottsdale, AZ; Kings Bay CC in Miami, FL; Sabin-Mulloy-Garrison TC in Clermont, FL; Mount Airy Lodge in the Poconos, PA; Saratoga Springs TC in NY and many public courts along the way.  For 13 years I taught at a private court at my home in Atlanta, GA.  Then 10 years in Sedona, AZ; 5 years in Winter Haven, FL.  Now, I’m back in Atlanta, GA, teaching and coaching a local high school team.   I currently hold a 4.5 NTRP rating.

I’ve not only taught; but built hard and clay courts, done lots of maintenance, strung rackets for hours on end, managed pro shops, managed clubs, put on tournaments and clinics.  As they say, “you name it, I’ve done it”.

And here I am now, hopefully sharing some great and useful information for you on the internet.  I hope this is helpful to you and I would be pleased to respond to any specific question or comment you have to share.