Al Jagannath is an engineer by profession and has just retired after  working for 25 years in this country. A one time athlete and a sport player he has decided to devote his time to train both students and adults in tennis. Before coming here, he played Cricket for India along with famous names like; Sunil Gavaskar, Madan Lal, Dilip Doshi, Prasanna, Viswanath, Chandrasekar, just to name a few. He came to this country in 1981 and the absence of cricket led him to the game of Tennis. He also had a chance to undergo training with ViC Braden who trained players like Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi when he visited Rhode Island . Al shares his passion for the game and his plans as a coach to Lokvani.


•    How did you get interested in Tennis and coaching?
Being a sportsman from the beginning, and having played CRICKET at the COUNTRY level while in India, picking up tennis when I arrived here at USA and in the absence of cricket, wasn’t too difficult. Deep interest and determination to learn from the basics, has led me to be a good tennis player as well a good coach.  

 
•    How many students are trained under you?
I have a few one-on-one, and 14 kids from our local high school that I will start coaching from middle of March 2008. (All these are out door coaching)

•    Where are you located and where do you coach the kids?
I am from Attleboro, MA. I intend to train kids in their own area/s based on how many I get to train. I hope to rent out an Indoor court or if weather permits or play either on a city or school court/s. This will be finalized after getting the feed back on how many and where the kids are located.    

·         What is the unique training you offer to your students? What do you instill in them that make them a better player?

To the young and old, special attention will be shown to the fundamental aspect of learning; attention to any particular stroke/s that they need improvement; training that includes necessary physical exercises, drills, etc, –  these are some very important aspects of this personal training

•    What does it mean to be a coach of PTR?
The PTR is a “Professional Tennis Registry” certificate that has been acquired by me through attending the internationally recognized examination for coaches where you have to demonstrate the ability to teach hands on and pass the written exam.

•    You have been awarded the #1 in New England for open tennis for any one over 18 years. Could you elaborate on that achievement?
The USTA (United States Tennis Association) regularly runs tennis tournaments(Singles, Doubles, Mixed doubles) for both genders and all age groups over 18 years through out the year. At the end of the year, based on individual performances, each individual will be rated under each level of play (The levels are from 2.0, 2.5, 3.0…6.0). These are OPEN tournaments, which means, all age groups will be mixed. I stood FIRST under 3.0 level and had received prize at the HALL OF FAME in Newport, R.I. two years ago. This achievement promoted me to a higher level. In fact I am at 4.0-4.5 level right now.

•    What are the qualities that make a good coach?
A coach is nothing but a mentor. I was a cricket coach, a mentor while in my engineering profession, and now would like to continue to teach tennis to any one interested to learn or improve their game. I have the knowledge, experience, patience and perseverance. All these put together will yield a result that should be very satisfactory to those who train under me.

•    What is the best way to get in touch with you ?
I prefer email as my best communication media. My email address is: jagannathal@yahoo.com

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