tennist.orgSep 17, 2026
Dennis Van der Meer and Vic Braden: The Men Who Changed Tennis Coaching
Dennis Van der Meer and Vic Braden never won Grand Slam titles, but few people had a greater influence on how tennis is taught. During the sport’s explosive growth in the 1970s, Van der Meer professionalized coaching through standardized instruction, certification, and group lessons, while Braden brought psychology, biomechanics, technology, and humor into the teaching process. Together, the two coaching pioneers helped transform tennis instruction from country-club tradition and imitation into an accessible, evidence-based profession—leaving a legacy that can still be found on courts and in teaching programs around the world today.
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