Meridian Tennis

There is a real sense of energy and optimism occurring right now at Meridian Tennis in Solana Beach; they seem to be on a mission. The atmosphere is at once dedicated, casual, and smiling. I find the pros to be exceptionally knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and inspiring. Each is a gifted and active player with considerable experience at both playing and coaching. They are unusual in my experience at being as effective and comfortable with absolute beginners as they are with ranking players. It is a joy to see them one day with a 5 year old, next with a group of seniors, and then hitting and finessing the game of an "A" ranked competitor. And it is easy to see improvement in all of them after a series of sessions.

Rather than following a single template applied to everyone, I also appreciate the way these pros adjust their approach to each player's needs, intrinsic strengths or idiosyncrasies. It is truly custom-coaching evolved for each individual. This is in stark contrast to the more rigid textbook style with a familiar list of do's and don'ts.

My own recent experience expresses much of the above. When I blew out my right elbow, my doctor informed me my tennis days were over. After surgery, I decided I would dedicate myself to becoming a lefty rather than giving up the game. Zac took me on with his customary positive spirit and quiet confidence. He devised a step-by-step program, constantly observing and creatively adjusting as we progressed, and this allowed me to build a whole new way of using my body. Matt also spontaneously (and generously) threw in his own keen tips as he observed the process. After several months, I'm once again playing with my regular partners, and feeling enormous gratitude.

- Jerry (adult tennis player)

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Meridian Tennis is special because of the professionalism and enthusiasm of the coach, Matt Copland. The first time I brought my boys to one of the Thursday clinics, I observed that he already had an organized program plan (such as equipment, training gadgets, etc...to warm up for fitness and conditioning), programmed drills and that he was actually teaching (such as correcting strokes
and footwork) and not just feeding balls. The clinic was conducted very professionally and the kids had FUN!

Both my boys enjoy the fun warm ups with the different gadgets that are set up, the drills, along with the FUN games to earn points and win a match and most importantly, they enjoy Matt's company as the trainer.

- Ernie (adult tennis player & father of twin boys)

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Craig is very consistent, keeps coaching until he gets it. He has a lot of patience, and that really helped a lot. He has a personality to keep going until it gets done. And that is what makes him a great coach. He is also very funny, nice, great guy, good coach.

- Michelle (mother of high school boy)

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I have taken lessons and classes from many, but Matt is the best instructor I have ever had in San Diego County. Not one lesson is the same as the other, every lesson or clinic is completely different. It’s never the same over and over again. He listens to you and tailor suits what you want and need. He teaches you what you want to be taught. He is wonderful with kids, I can’t say enough about him. He could be the best in the state or nation. He can teach teachers, he’s that good.
He is a great guy, he has a great outlook on life. He has a positive outlook on life, and makes you have a good outlook as well. I know he is accomplished and I want to be like him and try to become more like he is.

- John (adult tennis player)

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They really know kids and what they need to work on. They have a great style with the kids and make it really fun to go to tennis lessons. They do a lot of varied things and really mix it up.
Very energetic, awesome coaches, very fun and will give a 110% for every kid.

- Mark (father of 2 boys, middle school & high school)

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They really enjoy the interaction with their students and I think they really want you to succeed and when you do they feel good too.
The things I enjoy the most are that the guys always have new ideas, the newest drills are out there for us and yet they can teach the basics. They know all the levels from beginner to pro.

- Casey (adult tennis player)

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I think that it is still small makes it very special. The attention they give to the kids is special. They can communicate to the kids very well as well as challenge them. It is a wonderful workout and put you to the test so that you can have a good workout and feel real well about yourself.
The flexibility on schedules and being able to work with the kids and being able to help them succeed while changing things around.

- Dan (adult tennis player & father of high school boy)

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Matt is very personable, able to relate to kids on a one on one basis. Instead of just feeding balls, he works and rallies and makes it more like a match.
Enjoys the time to hit rallies and make it more like a match.

- Kate (high school tennis player)

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They are really personable. Very patient and they work with you on all the weaknesses and very professional.
They are very nice and accommodating. They are always doing their best to makes things work for me.

- Rick (adult tennis player