Integrating Latin American tennis methodology in Atlanta
By Willy Campos, UTA/Tennis Director, James Creek Tennis Center
I am delighted and grateful to be part of the great American tennis community, especially in Atlanta where tennis is so popular. As a tennis professional with 23 years of experience across different continents, I’ve witnessed the unique approaches to player development that exist around the world. My journey to bring Latin American-style tennis methodologies to the United States has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding, particularly in the vibrant tennis community of Atlanta.
Latin American tennis has long been recognized for its distinctive approach to player development — a methodology that differs significantly from the traditional American tennis training systems. For example, where American programs often focus on technical precision and structured training, Latin American methods emphasize creativity, adaptability, and an almost intuitive understanding of the game.
My experience began during extensive travels through countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, and all across South America, where I observed a tennis culture that approaches the sport with an unparalleled passion and innovative training techniques. These methods go beyond standard drills, focusing on developing players who are not just technically sound, but strategically brilliant and mentally resilient. Then, I had great opportunities to work with coaches from Europe, mostly from Spain, Italy, and France, where their training techniques had tremendous impact on my developmental methods.
The Challenge of Integration
Bringing these methodologies to Atlanta was no simple task. The American tennis infrastructure is deeply rooted in its own established training philosophies. Introducing a new approach required careful navigation and strategic implementation. I strongly believe that a “bundle” of the systems could help juniors in their development phase and would bring a more prepared tennis players to future on-court challenges.
The potential benefits should not be ignored. Latin American tennis has produced numerous world-class players who excel in their ability to read the game, adapt to different court conditions, and display remarkable mental toughness. These are precisely the qualities I believe could enhance the American tennis development system.
The core of the Latin American approach lies in its holistic view of player development. Here are some tips I have observed over the years:
- Court awareness: Emphasizing spatial intelligence and court positioning
- Adaptive playing style: Training players to adjust strategy mid-match
- Mental resilience: Developing psychological strength as a core component of training
- Creative shot-making: Encouraging intuitive and unconventional problem-solving on the court.
This is not an easy challenge, but has been well worth it at UTA James Creek. Our initial implementation focused on several key areas:
- Introducing more fluid, less structured training sessions
- Incorporating psychological conditioning alongside physical training
- Developing programs that emphasize decision-making skills
- Creating environments that foster creativity and intuitive play.
The journey of developing exceptional junior tennis players is a multifaceted, complex process that extends far beyond technical skill development. It requires a holistic approach that integrates physical training, psychological support, technical expertise, and long-term athlete development.
We have to see ourselves as game changers for the development of top juniors and professional players in Atlanta. I strongly encourage everyone from coaches, parents, administrators, and players to get involved and believe that we can become the strongest tennis community in the country.
By implementing these strategies, coaches and organizations can create robust pathways for junior tennis athletes, maximizing their potential while ensuring their overall personal and athletic development.
Successful junior tennis development is an evolving landscape that demands innovative coaching strategies, comprehensive athlete support systems, and flexible but personalized development approaches, which I invite everyone to be a part of. Let’s all keep growing and getting better!
I would like to conclude sharing a coaching philosophy: Develop the person, not just the player. Success is measured by character, resilience, and personal growth, not just tournament victories.
I really appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this great American tennis community in Atlanta!
GPTA Teaching Professional Spotlight: Willy Campos
Submitted by USTA
Hometown (City/State): Cumming, GA
How did you get involved in teaching tennis? I started playing tennis in 1986 when I was 7 years old. I graduated from Troy University in Alabama in 2001. In college, I was Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year in TAAC Conference, with an individual best singles ranking of #48 and doubles ranking of #19 in NCAA Div. 1.
Diehard fan of what sports team? Barcelona FC and Atlanta Braves
What other sports do you play? I played different sports when I was little, such as futbol, karate, and whatever we had in school.
My favorite player of all time is: Roger Federer
What would you be doing if you were not into tennis? Probably coaching soccer or working at a hospital.
#1 reason why I enjoy teaching & coaching tennis: I have a great passion for helping people and to develop sports skills. I love competition and sports.
“Do over” in my coaching career? I would have coached more on different continents so that I can know their developmental systems and coaching styles.
