Meet Rob
Mental
The definition for mental is “of or relating to the mind; intellectual, executed or performed from the mind, existing in the mind.”
In competitive situations, many players are often challenged with negative thoughts entering their minds and we teach them how to properly cope with these thoughts and emotions. “It’s alright to have butterflies in your stomach. Just get them to fly in formation! -Dr. Rob Gilbert” The tools we use are visualizations, affirmations, body-language control and proper breathing. This helps our athletes develop a positive mindset towards practice and match play.
A successful strategy and tactics game plan takes into consideration players’ and opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, as well as the game situation requirements at a given phase. In developing tactical awareness, we present players with game-like situations that are both consistent with, and contrary to, their preferred styles of play. These situations we practice are defend, neutral, challenge, attack and counterattack. This training enhances the player’s adaptive abilities and builds tactical awareness.
Physical
“The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” –Lao Tzu
Physical is defined as “of or relating to the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit.” Pertaining to tennis, it is characterized by vigorous bodily activity.
We develop strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance through conditioning, stretching and weight training, which builds confidence when we compete. The hard work makes us stronger physically and mentally, and is a core ingredient to becoming a better tennis player. Additionally, we not only take pride in improving and developing your tennis skills, but contributing to your overall health & well-being.
Technically, we strive to develop all-court players and focus on these six areas of skills: serving, return of serve, groundstrokes, approach shots, volleying-overheads, and defending- lobs/passing shots. Technical awareness involves body positioning, stance, posture and balance with the shot. Players learn to be in a position where they will establish the ideal contact point level for effective shot execution.
Spiritual
“Pertaining to the spirit or soul, as distinguished from the physical nature,” is the definition of spiritual. All of our concentrated work, sacrifice and discipline builds mutual respect for one another and helps build character and personal development.
We accept the fact that we cannot always control the outcome of our endeavors, but we certainly can control the way we approach our goals. If we think like champions and act like champions, we will be champions.
This philosophy instills courage, compassion, commitment, patience, persistence, fearlessness, tenacity, respect, dignity and above all, a sense of integrity with our athletes.
“Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.” -John Wooden, retired college basketball coach.
Rob Horsch is the director of the Monarch Junior Tennis Academy at the Tennis Club at Monarch Beach, Dana Point, CA. He became a member of USPTA in 1988, was an assistant coach at UNLV and has taught in Canada, Germany, Malaysia & throughout the US. A former All-American at UC Santa Cruz and professional player in Europe, Rob has held a top ten USPTA national ranking for the last eleven years. He is married to his wife Stacey Tan-Horsch, who is the fitness director at the Laguna Niguel Racquet Club. His step-daughter Christina Tan is a graduate of Syracuse University where she captained the women's tennis team. His step-son Michael Tan graduated from Arizona State University and was on the 2006 CIF championship tennis team at Dana Hills. Rob is sponsored by Babolat and offers group, semi-private and private instruction to adults and juniors.
Philosophy
