I need a coach or I cannot succeed. This is becoming a trend out here in racquetball land. I swear there were more coaches than players at the last junior tournament I attended. Let me take you back to a time where there were very few coaches in match play. In the 70s most junior players had no coaches at the event. Great future pros like Kane Waslenchuk, Mike Yellen, Gregg Peck, and Cliff Swain all went down to defeat in junior matches with no coaches(let me qualify here-no coaches during their match play-they did have coaches). I know because I witnessed it. All had great careers at the next level. There actually is a benefit to playing without a coach. You have to figure it out yourself. That above list all figured it out on their own and moved ahead of competitors who had defeated them in juniors play. I see three types of athletes out there.
1. Dependent players–Depend too much on coaches! Not good!
2. Independent players–Don’t need any help. I’m too cool for school! Not good!
3. Co-dependent players–I need eyes outside the court and someone who knows me and my game. Very good!
# 1 and 2 may succeed in spite of coaches or no coaches for awhile, especially in junior play. #3 has it just right! I know that is tough on parents, to see their child lose matches, but in the long run they will improve.
Back to your game. Put a filter on and listen to all the people who want to give you advice. Some of it may be good and some of it may not. You have to decide. Beware of cheerleaders.
Look for a coach! Remember-learning may mean losing at first, not winning every match.