A Physically & Psychologically Healthier Way to Live, Learn, & Play
Beyond Competition

A Physically & Psychologically Healthier Way to Live, Learn, & Play
Beyond Competition

Each student represents millions of other people with similar stories and experiences.
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Observations on Effortless Tennis
*Indicates started with College of Marin Community Education

We all think we know what our bodies can and cannot do. For most of my 20s, 30s and early 40s I ran 4-6 miles about 5 times a week and also played a lot of tennis with my husband, family, and friends. Tennis was one of the tools I depended on to help me with my over-stimulated brain, to quiet the “noise.” But, when I turned 44 everything changed. One night, while folding laundry, I experienced a shock of nerve pain in my groin, which left me doubled over with pain. The pain recurred daily. For ten years I saw specialists, tried traditional and alternative therapies, and even underwent painful treatments. Nothing helped. In hindsight, fear also contributed to the intensity of the pain. After 10 years of disabling pain, thanks to a wonderful neurologist and a very smart yoga teacher, I began to improve and shift from incapacitating pain to manageable pain, but I still accepted I would never play tennis again.

A few years ago, feeling quite old at 67, I remembered a conversation I’d had with a fellow volunteer. She’d been grieving the loss of her husband, but mentioned she was playing tennis in a group led by Brent at the College of Marin. Even with her profound sadness, she brightened up talking about her weekly tennis classes with Brent. I was glad to see she was experiencing some good moments along with her ongoing grief. So, in remembering my conversations with her, and even though I thought I had fully accepted my reality, I decided to sign up for Brent’s Joy of Tennis class. I wanted to prove to myself that I was right; tennis WAS a thing of my past. I told myself that even if I couldn’t make it through the 90 minute beginning class, it was worth trying, because if I didn’t try, I’d never know for sure. Really nothing to lose except the fee.

The first class was pretty awful. I kept saying to myself, “what in the hell am I doing?” I could hardly breathe, I missed many shots, but after the first class I felt both shocked and delighted that my pain hadn’t worsened and perhaps I could return to try one more class. Well, I’ve been taking classes and private lessons now for almost 2 years!

Here’s what I learned: after 23 years out of tennis, I am feeling giddy with joy that my body is relearning to play this wonderful sport. And… for the first time, I’m enjoying just being present on the court. I no longer negatively judge myself for missing shots. Why, because just the gift of playing again and hitting without triggering pain is a miracle. I feel like I’m in the most wonderful dream, wondering if I’m going to wake up. All that matters is to enjoy every second back on a court, relive the good and not so good tennis-related memories of the past, but mostly to be back in the land of tennis for however long it lasts. Brent’s teaching and guidance has allowed me this miraculous time. My friends, family, and colleagues have noticed that a light in my spirit has returned.

With everything going on in the world, I can breathe and cope a little better after being given this gift again. Adding this tool back into my toolbox of staying grounded and balanced feels like I’ve been given some wonder drug. And, however long it lasts, I’ll be learning from a person who teaches how to play with less effort, both physically and emotionally.

Younger players under Brent will learn the accurate and effortless motions to play for a long time. And those of us aging can learn or relearn to play effectively with less effort and keep our aging bodies more protected from chronic injury and pain.

I’ve come to realize that Brent’s Effortless Tennis Program is the only way I can continue to play this wonderful sport. Eliminating competition helps because in my case, the body doesn’t tense as much, which allows the muscles to be used more gently and thus less chance of injury. Psychologically, my brain is producing incredible serotonin and dopamine boosts. I was 100% sure my brain would never get that “runners high” again.

The moral of this story is……I was convinced I was too disabled and too old to ever play tennis again. I’m still in shock because…. I was absolutely WRONG; the opposite has occurred. Movement even during a pain flare can actually improve after warming up. Again, shockingly profound! Giving up fear and the need to think I was always right about protecting the spasms, was, in fact, the lesson I so luckily learned from Brent’s classes.

Don’t give up. Your dream might just come true too! It’s certainly worth trying. And if it’s resuming tennis, Brent is brilliant at pointing out how tense we become, even with no competition. He has shown that, getting into competition too soon, before we have learned the physical and psychological fundamentals, is destructive for everyone’s development. For me, old cellular memory and never adequately being taught correctly, was the big impediment to playing well. I’m working on playing with a lot less physical effort, which allows me to play 3-4 times a week. And the joy……. well, it’s just indescribable.

Linda Zipperstein—Marin Co., CA* 2023

I really enjoyed reading your brilliant article, Effortless Tennis—Physical & Psychological Behavior Therapy. You were able to define an essential point of the learning experience and personal well-being, writing about Effortless Tennis, CBT, and the less than optimal competitive pressure on the vulnerable, unprepared, potentially successful individual. You are a great tennis coach, a gifted teacher, and a conscious human person to write this absolutely amazing outlook on the current situation in our competitive environment. I am absolutely grateful that I came to your Effortless Tennis class and always look forward to coming to class. Every class is a learning curve experience. It is only a beginning phase for me, and I like the progress and healing effect on my being, including its correspondence with all areas of my life. I am feeling like a new dimension has opened up in my life.

Lada Gray Pooner—Marin Co., CA* 2023

Thoughts after first class: Just wanted to thank you for this morning’s class. It exceeded my expectations, and I am excited to continue working with you. It is EXACTLY what I had hoped to find, but didn’t think was possible…thank you for developing this program!

Victoria Tyra—Novato, CA* 2022

For those familiar with the program, you know that  “feeling the joy” is the number one axiom taught by coach, Brent Zeller. This concept got my attention immediately, perhaps because it is the opposite of what I had learned and felt about tennis. I learned to play tennis from my father when I was about 10 years old, the sink or swim method. I was shown the basics, given a few minutes to warm up, and then it was time to play. If I didn’t perform well, he would give me a pep talk, in a stern voice, and tell me to try harder, to do better. While there was one memorable instance where this seemed to work, when he and I came back from double match point down to win the father-son trophy, I recognize now, looking back, that my feeling from winning wasn’t joy. It was relief, and only momentary relief, from the pervasive feeling of stress and performance anxiety.

Performance anxiety is what I felt playing all sports growing up, because the approach was always the same. I was given a minimal amount of instruction and then thrust into competition, before I was ready or properly prepared; before I had developed proficiency. Because of this, I never performed at what Brent terms “peak performance.” This type of pressure is debilitating and also caused me to form bad habits just to survive and do okay. This is why I believe Brent’s approach works so well. You develop proficiency BEFORE entering competition. It really makes sense to do it this way, to learn the game in a noncompetitive environment, where you can really focus, not only on proper technique, but on breathing, body position, quieting your mind, etc., a holistic approach. By practicing all of these elements, we create cellular memory, and they begin to happen more naturally -effortlessly. If you can be relaxed while doing anything, you will do it better and freer. Tension is the enemy of performance, whether it be singing in front of a crowd, performing a life-saving operation, or playing tennis. And being relaxed isn’t being lazy. It is being supple, flexible, free from tension, and yet also alert and present, in the moment. Also when you play relaxed, you are not stressed. You are more efficient and don’t burn up energy by over exertion. You remember to have fun and experience joy. You develop a real love for the game!

In the Effortless Tennis method, you are free to explore the sport and your own potential in it. By removing competition from the learning process, I have seen my game develop far beyond where it has ever been, and in just 2 years. I enjoy staying with the program, because all of the elements of this many-faceted approach to learning can be continually honed and improved upon. I have not outgrown the program. In fact, I see how I have a lot more growing that I can do in the program, to develop into a better player. I have begun competing on occasion and have found that what I have learned is very useful and effective. If I’m struggling or becoming tight, I remember to breathe, relax in mind and body, and to feel the joy, which alleviates stress. This helps me to regain my balance and move back toward optimal proficiency. I use the tools that I’ve learned here in other aspects of my life as well, to great effect! I think that what Brent is teaching is really a common sense, holistic, and balanced approach to learning. But because our society has strayed so far from common sense and balance -due to an overemphasis on competition and being the best at all cost!- it comes across as revolutionary. All I know is that it makes good sense to me, and it works. My experience has indeed been joyful. Thanks, Brent!

Alex White—San Rafael, CA*  2021

“Effortless Tennis” was a crazy concept to me. I thought learning to play tennis meant learning how to crush the tennis ball, making my opponent run and try to return my impossibly tough shots and ultimately “win.” I thought it was about having my own personal Wimbledon Final every time I played. How wrong I was.

Brent Zeller’s “Effortless Tennis” approach has taught me that tennis is a beautiful, cooperative, and when I’m at my best, non-competitive sport. It’s about learning HOW to play tennis not how to win at tennis. It’s about repetition, focus, relaxing and letting go of “errors.” Brent likes to say, “feel the joy,” when you hit a good shot or get a long rally going. It’s fun working with our group of eight helping each other improve, enjoy the process of learning and at the same time getting great exercise.

As a successful college athlete, a long-time college coach and a stint as a coach of a professional basketball team, I lived sports as a competition with a winner and a loser. And now my work life revolves around being a broadcaster of both college and professional basketball. My work is witnessing and commenting on hard fought, intense competitive situations where winning and losing dominates all else.

Being exposed and embracing a totally new concept like “Effortless Tennis” has been both eye-opening and very rewarding. In my “Effortless Tennis” experience there are no losers, which has been a big adjustment in my thinking. I know it sounds hokey but all of us in the program are winners because we are learning to play a challenging sport while experiencing cooperation, humor, teamwork and what is better than that?!

Mary Murphy—Corte Madera, CA*  2021

Why I Love the Effortless Tennis Program

I was on the tennis team in high school.  There were 8 girls on the team and I played third singles, which meant I rarely got to play in matches. But I liked the game and continued to play with friends, take lessons through parks and rec and never failed to sign up for the tennis camp at vacation resorts.  Maybe my strokes improved a bit but I never had much success playing a match.  Finally, I decided to get serious and signed up for a league- where I managed to lose every match. Frustrated, I was about ready to give up.

Then I found Brent Zeller and Effortless Tennis and tennis started to be fun, and not just fun.  My strokes improved a lot. My anxiety level came way down and I was able to focus on little adjustments without worrying about hitting a perfect ball every time. Brent encourages you to hit every ball with joy. This is not only fun for you but for the others you are playing with. No judgment. No competition. Everyone is improving together and rooting for each other to succeed.

If this sounds wishy-washy, it isn’t.  Brent’s approach of focusing on breathing into each shot and developing cellular memory to produce consistent shots adds strength to your game.  We are encouraged to hit the ball hard but with purpose and precision not simple aggression.
I also love playing with a group of like-minded tennis enthusiasts. We’re there to learn, improve and support each other.  Tennis is one of those games that develop physical, mental and emotional strength. It’s truly enjoyable to spend time with fellow-players who are not there simply to “crush” each other.  Of course you can feel pleased when hitting a good shot and Brent encourages that, too.  Everyone can get better together and leave the court knowing that you tried your best.  Some days that might not come together the way you had hoped but there is always the next class and another chance to focus on “feeling the joy” of being together on the court.

Allison Loeb—Bend, OR, formerly of Fairfax, CA*  2021

I was the high school tennis hero, where I succeeded on sheer athleticism. I played one year in college as number seven on a six-woman roster. The lack of playing time combined with my lack of success drove me to quit. A few years later I decided to pick my racquet back up again. I found Brent’s class and gave it a whirl!

Brent’s approach was new to me, one based not on competitive success but on the enjoyment of the game. We spent months practicing the fundamentals, and my game improved drastically. What was so wonderful was that I didn’t feel like I was working. It was pleasant, and relaxing, and I just happened to be improving. After a couple years with Brent, I am confident I could play with anyone and enjoy it, regardless of his or her skill level or how I happened to perform that particular day.

Brent also has a talent for cultivating other like-minded players. His groups are always full of laughter and fun. No matter the skill level of the players involved, his clinics provide a supportive and fun environment. From novice to pro, every player has something to learn from Brent

Katie Gomez—Fairfield, CA*  2021

I have been taking Effortless Tennis clinics from Brent for about two years. I previously was a solid 3.5 player and member of Crow Canyon Country Club in Danville, where I took lessons and clinics from time to time from various pros.  My doubles partner and I won the club 3.5 doubles championship one year, and we were pretty successful in USTA competitions over an eight-year period.

My wife and I moved to Marin in 2010 and I stopped playing, and then I hurt my back. After much physical therapy, I decided to start playing again about two years ago and took a variety of lessons and clinics. I settled in with Brent because he is an excellent teacher.  Let me share a little about myself to put my evaluation of Brent as a teacher into context.

I was the band director at James Logan High School in Union City from 1979-1985, and then served as the school district’s coordinator of the arts and athletics from 1985-1991. A major part of my job was supervising and evaluating teachers.  I ultimately concluded that excellence in teaching has a few fundamental characteristics.  First, the teacher needs to know the subject matter thoroughly.  Most teachers have degrees in their fields and they have this part covered.  The next two characteristics are maybe more important, and more rare.  First, like a physician, an excellent teacher needs to be a diagnostician.  The teacher needs to know what student success looks like and be able to diagnose for each individual student specific deficiencies.  Then, also like a physician, an excellent teacher needs to be able to effectively communicate the best prescription that allows the student to get from where they are to the success they seek.

Many of the tennis pros from whom I have taken expensive lessons are great players themselves, but they lack the diagnostic and prescriptive skills I described above.  They just hit lots of balls at you without giving you effective tools to improve.  In reality, this approach hurts players because students are practicing and ingraining poor techniques. The more repetition, the more the student is stuck with bad habits.

Brent, on the other hand, understands the learning process.  He has a keen eye as a diagnostician.  He quickly identifies why you are missing a particular kind of shot.  Brent is also excellent in prescribing how to fix your problem.  His communication in both steps of this process is clear and understandable.  And he’s pleasant and supportive, never demeaning.  And Brent’s unique approach assists students with both the physical and mental aspects of the game.

Randy Parent—San Rafael, CA  2021

As a perpetual beginner in tennis for many years, I was a bit skeptical about advancing my skills and enjoyment of tennis with additional lessons and limited time. My busy schedule meant I rarely had enough time to practice and did not always enjoy playing tennis with friends because of my beginner status. A friend told me about Brent Zeller’s tennis philosophy and his style of lessons. That friend’s recommendation provided me with a bit of anticipation that Brent’s coaching could actually help me to advance my tennis skills, so I signed up for a few lessons with Brent and for his clinic.

Brent’s lessons did not disappoint. He was methodical, detailed in his descriptions of how to hit the ball, how to stay positive, and how to practice in between lessons in his clinics and at home, even with minimal time. I learned to consistently hit the ball, how to navigate the court, and actually had a lot of fun with my new tennis colleagues in Brent’s clinics.

Brent’s style is just as he promotes it, effortless! My tennis swing and accuracy have improved. My eye-hand coordination and reaction time are definitely enhanced. I have moved up to the level of a solid intermediate tennis player. I am more comfortable on the court and hitting the ball with precision has become part of my cellular memory. Tennis is fun! I even introduced my teenage daughter, a high school tennis player, to Brent and she enthusiastically asked for additional lessons with him. Brent’s style of ‘joyful tennis’ works for all ages and abilities. My daughter also commented on how much my tennis skills had improved, which I really appreciated.

I highly recommend Brent’s Effortless Tennis program to anyone seeking to improve his/her tennis game. Brent’s breadth of experience and approach to coaching allow him to tailor lessons to specifically meet each individual’s needs. I finally feel like a competent tennis player. Now that I have attained a level beyond beginner, I plan to continue to advance my tennis abilities and master additional knowledge of tennis through Brent’s lessons and clinics. Huge thanks to Brent!!

Pamela Berg—Corte Madera, CA*  2021

I found Brent Zeller’s Effortless Tennis when the Yellow Pages were used to find companies.  I looked up Tennis Instruction on the day I became so disgusted with my level of play at doubles that I was determined to find a club or teacher to improve myself or give up the game. I was going to give it one more year. The name “Effortless Tennis” attracted me due to my experience with Tai Chi and other martial arts that showed me that things that looked difficult could be done effortlessly with the right training and practice. Such an approach usually takes longer to show improvement because one must usually go back to basics and then build upon them, getting rid of bad habits along the way. The benefit is that sustained improvement is more possible, and wear on the body is less.

I think the main advantage that I saw in the beginning is that the lessons are enjoyable, evenly paced and that skill-developing repetition and cooperative rallying replaced competition. Both sides of the net get practice regardless of their level or how they are feeling that day. It has taught me to relax while I am hustling and not tighten while I am serving or returning. The clinics offer camaraderie, training, and some tough exercise if one wishes to push a little.

Prior to this program and after a competitive match my neck and shoulders would be stiff and actually felt cold in the middle of the summer due to the tensing of the muscles, which seemed to reduce the blood flow to the area. Now my neck no longer tenses up. At the time I was also very judgmental about my and other’s performances, which caused some mood swings for me, and sometimes unpleasantness for others.  I still get disappointed in my play, but now I focus on finding a better way to perform and seek a new way of doing things.

The deeper benefit that I have experienced over time is that the emphasis of “being in the moment” allowed me to become better at taking things in stride. I see Brent’s way of training as a “meditation-in-motion approach”.  Now, when the action is very fast, my mind can be quiet. A type of mental clarity and rest is gained in such a practice and in the bargain my level of tennis has gone up.  One of the obvious benefits is that I now see I have more time than I previously believed to get to, prepare for and return a ball.

One of the complaints I had about the program in the beginning was that it did not teach the mechanics of competing in a game. Since even social outings with tennis involve competition, it was tough to see how it could be left out. However, I noticed that my play in competition started improving quickly after I learned to relax, which then allowed me to apply the basics (e.g. use cross-over steps in volleying, or breathing as I hit the ball).

I look forward to the Effortless Tennis clinics and lessons when they can begin again.

Michael Breslin—Sonoma, CA  2021

I’ve been “feeling the joy” with Brent & Effortless Tennis for over 3 years now.  I started as a beginner in his class at College of Marin, and after 2 sessions was invited to join his small group classes.  This hour and a half has been the highlight of my week as a Mom, as a small window in my day to exercise and socialize.  I call this time a “three-fer” because I get cardio exercise, learn tennis and most importantly, practice presence and mindfulness.  Brent’s emphasis on being ‘present’ while we play has been instrumental.  It’s something I want to work on spiritually, and of course, it helps with tennis immensely.

Brent is a wonderful coach – he balances the guidance with humor and experience.  We can hear his voice reminding us of the mechanics when we practice.  Another reason I love his method is that it’s not competitive – it’s cooperative!  At 49, I have no interest in competing.  I just want to get together with folks at my level and be present and get some cardio without injuring myself.  Repetition is key for “cellular memory” – another favorite concept of Brent’s.  Starting with him as a beginner has meant that I don’t have to unlearn bad habits.  Yet, as I progress, he will give me the slightest adjustments, which make a meaningful difference.  It’s all about the mechanics and for Brent, about striving toward effortless movement.  That’s how we stay healthy and keep up our stamina.

I can’t recommend Brent and Effortless Tennis enough!   Besides, if you decide to give it a try, you’ll join a great group of non-competitive men and women who want to “experience the joy” with you!

Natalie Long—San Rafael, CA*  2021

I have been part of the Effortless Tennis Program for over 10 years. I have enjoyed my progression from complete novice to understanding the basics of the game. I have admired Brent’s non-competitive style, which concentrates on tennis skills, maintaining rallies and challenges based on individual needs. The program has given me a weekly 90 minute Zen moment where I don’t think about the day to day stresses of work/family/life as all I’m thinking about is the challenge of hitting a little green ball. I have played with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds and abilities and have made many friends along the way. The program has provided me with a fun, healthy and focused outlay to a sport that I hope to continue as I approach my golden years.

Eamonn Cribbin—Terra Linda, CA*  2021

My parents were regular tennis players, and as a kid I used to hang around the tennis courts while they played social weekend tennis. There was no inspiration for me to play tennis back then, and I was drawn to other sports, some individual, some team. What I did know, while I pursued other activities, was that I lacked a winning at all costs attitude. I enjoyed partaking solo, or as a part of a team, and always did my best, but never felt that the most important thing was to come out a winner – participating with others was what I enjoyed, irrespective of the outcome.

Tennis has always been my all-time favorite sport to watch, and over the years I dabbled in playing tennis with friends and family on rare occasions. While I enjoyed each outing, I would leave the court mildly frustrated that I could not hit any of my shots consistently. That did not stop me coming back when there was the opportunity to play, however because I was not playing regularly, and did not commit to the sport as one of my regular activities, I never got any better at playing the game. I had this weird juxtaposition where playing tennis was not part of my life, however being an ardent tennis spectator very much was.

Fast forward to 2016, when I retired out of a demanding 20-year career in high-tech, and started a part-time consulting practice. With more time on my hands, I started thinking about activities that I could learn, and participate in for decades to come. I thought about why I had not devoted more time playing tennis, and came to the conclusion that I really wanted to be taught how to play the game correctly. Fortuitously, around that time, the College of Marin delivered one of their Community Education pamphlets in the mail, and I happened across Brent’s “The Joy of Tennis” classes. I promptly signed up for a beginner class, and was delighted to partner with a coach whose approach was so different – a focus on non-competition, effortlessness, and having fun.

Initially it required a lot of concentration to unwind the elements of my self-taught game that were not serving me well (excuse the pun), and then being super patient with the process that comes with learning a different approach, and not being tempted to going back to old habits when you’re having an off day.

I believe I have made great progress over the course of four years I have participated in the Effortless Tennis program, and what I also enjoy, is seeing the progress in others who I play with on a weekly basis.

The environment is friendly, and fun, and Brent keeps a watchful eye to keep fine tuning our ‘game’. Just as it was when I was a kid competing in other sports, it matters less to me that there is a scoreboard, and I am a winner, and more to me that I am able to be predictable and consistent when I return a ball across the net to the person on the other side.

Pam Brenner—San Rafael, CA*  2021

Prior to joining the Effortless Tennis Program I had never participated in organized team sports in my life. I also had never played any tennis before joining the group. I have truly enjoyed the nonjudgmental camaraderie with my fellow players and Brent’s style of teaching.

It was very obvious I had no experience but I was encouraged by Brent to keep working on the fundamentals while feeling the joy. Even though I had never played he explained that I had cellular memories that were interfering with my ability to play correctly. I have definitely seen an improvement in my game over the few years I have been involved with the program. I feel much more confident with my abilities and truly enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the class.

Brent always has very informative tips on how to focus and concentrate while also staying relaxed. I also have noticed that when I play with the Effortless group at least twice a week, I am much more focused and attuned to the game.

It has truly been a great program for me. I have met so many wonderful people and I am looking forward to “Feeling the Joy of Tennis” soon!

Terri Smith—Kentfield, CA*  2021

Effortless Tennis: More than just a tennis lesson

As a member of this group for more than 20 years I have enjoyed the fun and joy of the sport.  Growing up in the islands, I played tennis on a high school team, but was never given any lessons. It was just competitive. Effortless tennis does not keep score instead concentrating on drills and technique in a fun way that only Brent Zeller (coach) is able to teach.  There have been many players that join and then leave and then re-join when they need to work on fundamentals of the game.  All in all, Effortless tennis keeps you able to enjoy tennis with players of similar skills in a fun environment. Hopefully I will be able to enjoy tennis for many years to come as Brent says “feel the joy!”

S.B.*  2021

No mind-clucking of micro-focus here! Too often competition-oriented approaches to tennis kill the sport. But Brent Zeller really does bring the joy back into tennis. His approach, techniques and mind-clearing practices have improved my accuracy and pleasure in playing.  It is so satisfying to feel a solid, well-placed stroke, now with a bit of topspin!

When I started with Brent I had not played for years, partially due to shoulder pain when I served, which lead to serve-avoidance. Brent advised a slight realignment which resulted in no pain and no fear in serving. This typifies Brent’s methods of improving attitude with surprisingly effective and usable attention to small details, which are well paced to the right learning moment. His approach also helps create a convivial group who multiply the joy.

David Knopf—San Rafael, CA*  2021

“Effortlessness” and “Joy” – There is no other tennis program that would lead with these two words in describing itself.  This was what initially attracted me to this program five years ago when I began group lessons with Brent.  I had not played tennis for about twenty years prior and had always loved playing, but I was intimidated to start a competitive sport all over again. Effortless and joy sounded like a good way to start.

Coming into the program with a lot of predictable “rustiness”, this time I had the fortune to re-learn and re-build my skills in a new and powerful way.  The focus is of course on the physical skill set that the game requires, but as importantly, it focuses on the mental and emotional components. The environment of non-competitiveness allows the mental chatter and self-criticism to subside over time and allows one to develop patience with the process of “re-learning”, which leads to greater relaxation and enjoyment.  Patience, relaxation, and enjoyment then allow skills to develop more easily.  It takes a while to see these connections at the start but I have wished many times that this had been the way I had learned tennis from the beginning!

My time in this program has been a slow, steady evolution.  The skills I brought in were re-worked completely in a continual process of refinement, and my mindset toward playing has moved in tandem.  I have come to appreciate and have patience with the pattern of improvement, plateau, further improvement, and have security in knowing that even the most challenging aspects of the game are transmutable.  Group lessons balanced with private lessons have been an important part of this process.  While I was resistant at first to adding private lessons, they have proven to be invaluable to my learning and skill development.  Each and every one has moved my skills and understanding forward.

Brent is an experienced and exceptional teacher.  He has developed a method of teaching that would benefit anyone at any skill level.  This is a program that connects all of the essential components of the sport and develops not only physical skill, but also an emotional resilience that keeps the joy of playing alive.

Laura Zaglin—Larkspur, CA*  2021

I took up tennis late in life when we bought a house that had a tennis court. I figured I should learn to play so I signed up for Effortless Tennis with Brent Zeller. In addition to basic skills I learned how to enjoy the sport by incorporating some tenets of Effortless Tennis. Foremost for me is keeping it fun, relaxed, and joyful. I sometimes forget it’s a game and get too serious. Like anything else in life, if you are not enjoying something you will probably drop it sooner than later. Once I remember hearing Brent asking “where’s the joy” it switches me back to a more enjoyable frame of mind. Tennis has become one of my favorite activities due mainly to Brent’s relentless promotion of joy as the top key to peak performance! I also need the constant reminder to focus, be present, and play effortlessly. The drills help by creating cellular memory so I can think less yet play better. When things aren’t going well on the court, I now pause, think about what I’ve been taught in class and go back to the fundamentals. The classes keep my fundamentals sound but I also keep going back because the classes are fun. I have met some wonderful people in the classes and formed friendships that will last a lifetime.

Paul Larson – Kentfield, CA*  2021

Participating in Effortless Tennis last semester gave me a great opportunity to have fun, feel joy, and make connections both with other students as well as with Brent. The environment that Brent facilitates is one that is focused on the enjoyment and positivity of we students. He is constantly checking in with us about whether we are feeling the joy, and where our attention and focus are. This environment was a place where the week’s stress was relieved, and in its place was a fun focus on the game of tennis. I felt closer both to my classmates that played with me, as well as the other students that I met in the program. I believe Brent’s non-competitive focus promotes a positive and friendly experience that we students at Dominican can enjoy.

After my second semester of attending Effortless Tennis with Brent I continue to be grateful for such an open, accepting, and effective program. Over the last two semesters the progress both in tennis as well as overall quality of life and joy has been great. Brent is able to teach to all skill and past experience levels, and creates an atmosphere where everyone is allowed the space to learn the great game of tennis. I am thankful to be a part of his program, and look forward to more semesters in the future!

Louis Barnett—Dominican University, San Rafael, CA  2022

I find it difficult to summarize my experience with you over the last two semesters because a lot has changed for me. The Effortless Tennis classes were not just about tennis; it was much more. I needed to be effortless, but how can one be effortless while playing tennis? That was the conundrum of my understanding at the time. I genuinely believed that I couldn’t learn such a focus-oriented sport at my age, but I did, and I had fun doing it.

I needed to:
• Surrender to the idea that I am not at a competitive level
• Trust my teacher
• Be open to correction from an experienced teacher
• Trust that I am teachable
• Relax and enjoy
• Keep trying. Eventually, my body will configure.

I came to each tennis class as a meditative period between my technical courses as an Applied Computer Science student; I had to let go of all my worries and thoughts because I’d lose focus on the ball if I didn’t. This is analogous to my everyday learning framework; it bolstered my confidence that I can learn new things and manage my emotions by having a new perspective. We must do that learning with joy and curiosity. Competition is the cunning enemy of education; only if we allow it; we have the choice to enjoy the journey of learning.

Ahmed Shahour—Dominican University, San Rafael, CA  2022

So far with the program, I’ve been having a great time and learning tennis at this slower pace really helps. The way that we work our way up and not being in a competition makes learning it more fun and engaging. Having people around you to help and the teacher giving time with you to make the adjustments is greatly appreciated. I’ve been there most of the weeks and say that I’ve learned a lot and see myself improving over time with not having played before. So I will recommend anyone who wants to try it out that they should, even if it’s just once, to see how you like it.

Dahveyea Cowan—Dominican University, San Rafael, CA  2022

What I love about the program: It was a time where I could reduce my stress and participate in some physical activity with friends. I felt like I was a part of a supportive community and was thankful for the time I got to spend with my peers. Brent is an awesome and positive coach that teaches us more than tennis. He teaches us how to find joy in the sport and life.

Julia Karczewski—Dominican University, San Rafael, CA  2022

Effortless Tennis has been an amazing experience. Learning the fundamentals as an adult has given me a new perspective on practice and patience. Breathing, slowing down, and my favorite, Joy, have all been very impactful in my life. I am still a beginner but I am happy being at the beginning of Tennis. I have never been a competitive person and taking that idea out of learning eliminates the pressure to be good. I am just enjoying the process. I think this is the way all athletics should be taught, it would have made it a much more positive experience for me as a child.

Since starting Effortless Tennis I have signed my teenage son up to learn the way. He had limited experience with organized sports and none with tennis. It has given him a lot of confidence. He has even decided to take on other sports as well. It has given him a whole new way of starting things. It helps him understand that all the extra pursuits he takes on are to help us become more balanced and joyful humans. I have definitely seen that in him since starting Effortless Tennis.

Lacey Sher—San Anselmo, CA*  2022

Brent’s Joy of Tennis class is great. We never ever play a game. Instead we practice and learn about relaxation, position, stance, stroke, focus, and teamwork. It’s completely non-competitive, and I never feel like I somehow blew it, or conversely, beat the other guy. It’s like a one-on-one lesson that happens to include seven others.

Allen Lavee—San Rafael, CA*  2022

Brent Zeller is the most brilliant and charming teacher. What he has to say may change your life. It did mine.
Anne Lamott—Fairfax, CA*  2010

College of Marin Au Pairs

I’m in my first semester of medical school in Vienna. I joined Brent’s Effortless Tennis Program during my gap year as an Au Pair. From August 2018-2019 I had been living in San Anselmo, CA and was required to take a number of college classes as part of the Au Pair program. In spring 2019 I came across Brent’s class and my attention was instantly drawn towards the phrase “effortless” as I just would’ve probably never associated it with tennis or any other sport for that matter. So, I wanted to find out what it was all about and quickly decided to sign up.

We ended up being a group of both other Au Pairs and locals of different age groups, backgrounds and tennis experience and from the beginning on I found great benefit in this diversity, especially since Brent always found a way to respond to each individual as well as to connect us all through interest and joy in tennis. While instructing us on the fundamental practices and techniques, the focus of our learning process had always been on the right mindset of playing. Whereas in competition the focal point is essentially set towards other people in the sense of “What can I improve to be better than my opponent”, in this non-competitive and judgement-free setting I was able to explore the sport and see myself, my skill and potential as the center of this experience, the goal being targeted towards “What can I improve to become a better version of myself and actually enjoy what I’m doing”. Therefore, other players of the group turned out not to be opponents, but people I could learn from as well and who would support me on my journey. Letting go of all this unnecessary pressure helped me to be a more receptive and confident learner and significantly increased my skill. What really sets Brent and “Effortless Tennis” apart from other programs is exactly this approach of creating a safe and positive space for each individual, guiding everyone towards their very own “peak performance”, which is defined through joy itself and a philosophy that even goes beyond tennis.

Rita Agrill— Vienna, Austria 2020*

Ich fand mich in einer Gruppe aus sowohl anderen Au Pairs als auch Einheimischen unterschiedlichen Alters, Herkunft und Tenniserfahrung wieder und kann sagen, dass ich von Anfang an großen Vorteil aus dieser Diversität zog, vor allem da Brent immer einen Weg fand sowohl auf jeden Einzelnen einzugehen, als auch die gesamte Gruppe im Interesse und der Freude am Tennis zu vereinen. Während wir die grundlegenden Techniken des Sports gezeigt bekamen, lag das Ziel unseres Lernprozesses jedoch mit Beginn an in der richtigen mentalen Einstellung zum Spiel. Innerhalb eines Wettbewerbs wird der Fokus meist auf die Konkurrenz gelegt, im Sinne von „Wie kann ich besser als mein Gegner werden“. Im Gegensatz dazu wurde hier ein Umfeld frei von Wertung und Wettkampfdenken geboten, in dem ich mich selbst, meine Fähigkeiten und mein Potential in das Zentrum der Erfahrung stellen konnte. Mein Fokus wurde umdefiniert in „Wie kann ich eine bessere Version meiner Selbst werden und dabei Freude an dem haben was ich tue“. Auch andere Spieler waren somit weniger meine Konkurrenz, sondern unterstützten mich, indem ich von ihnen lernen konnte. All diesen unnötigen Druck loszulassen half mir aufnahmefähiger zu werden und mehr Vertrauen in meine Fähigkeiten zu bekommen, was diese letztendlich auch verbesserte. Genau dieser Zugang zum Sport, in dem ein sicheres und positives Lernumfeld geschaffen wird, das es zum Ziel hat jeden Einzelnen an seine individuelle „peak performance“ heranzubringen, ist, was Brent und „Effortless Tennis“ von anderen Tennisprogrammen unterscheidet. Ein Lernen durch Freude am Sport und einer Philosophie, die sogar über Tennis hinausgeht.

Thanks to Brent and his Effortless Program I can now say that I practice a sport. All my life I’ve been telling people that I’m not a sports person, but that has changed when I decided to give tennis a try. Brent encourages us to learn a very special mindset that easily shows everyone how they can do anything they want. In his program, I feel very comfortable being a beginner — there’s no pressure to learn quick. Brent sees the best in our learning process and no word is enough to express how important that is. What had once been thought to be only a six-week program, has now turned into a practice that I can’t see myself without.

Debora Marinho—San Rafael, CA, formerly of Forteleza, Brazil 2021

Graças ao Brent e seu Programa Sem Esforço, agora posso dizer que pratico um esporte. Durante toda a minha vida, tenho dito às pessoas que não sou de praticar esportes, mas isso mudou quando decidi tentar o tênis. Brent nos incentiva a aprender de uma forma muito especial, mostrando facilmente como podemos conseguir todo o que nos propomos a fazer. Em seu programa, me sinto muito confortável sendo uma iniciante – não há pressão para aprender rápido. Brent vê o melhor em nosso processo de aprendizagem e nenhuma palavra é suficiente para expressar o quão importante isso é. O que antes deveria ser apenas um programa de 6 semanas, agora está se tornando uma prática sem a qual eu não consigo me ver.

I never thought I could play tennis, I am not a very athletic person and I was never into sports. I feel very lucky for finding the Effortless Tennis Program. If it wasn’t for Brent’s coaching methodology I would probably never really find the joy of playing sports. Thanks to his friendly and well fundamented approach I was able to allow myself to give sports another chance and find out how fun it is to be active with my mind and body on the courts.

Brent told us once that he was a slow learner, which he said, in our culture the only thing worse than being labeled a slower learner was to be labeled a loser. His belief, after all his years of experience, is that slow learning is the best way to learn. I also consider myself a slow learner when the subject is related to physical activity. I always thought this was a really negative thing but thanks to this program I learned to accept it and enjoy the bright side from learning slowly. I believe that removing competition from the learning process has been extremely helpful to me. The emphasis on competition and winning I experienced before with other sports and coaches only made sports less enjoyable. When you are just focusing on winning and beating your opponent you don’t have room for actually opening up the physical and mental state you need to actually LEARN. I feel like this program’s approach reduces pressure and allows everyone to learn at their own time. It has been amazing to see the improvements our group has accomplished in only six classes.

The Effortless Tennis Program did not just improve my tennis performance but also has been impacting my self esteem, confidence, and bringing me lots of joy on and off of the tennis courts.

Camilla Lima—San Rafael, CA, formerly of Sao Paulo, Brazil 2021*

Nunca pensei que eu pudesse jogar tênis, não sou uma pessoa atlética e nunca gostei de esportes. Me sinto muito sortuda por encontrar o Effortless Tennis Program. Se não fosse pela metodologia de treinamento do Brent, eu provavelmente nunca encontraria a alegria de praticar esportes. Graças à sua abordagem amigável e bem fundamentada, pude me permitir dar outra chance ao esporte e descobrir como é divertido estar ativa com minha mente e meu corpo nas quadras. Brent nos disse uma vez que ele aprendia devagar, o que, como ele mesmo disse, em nossa cultura a única coisa pior do que ser chamado de aprendiz mais lento era ser chamado de perdedor. Sua crença, depois de todos os seus anos de experiência, é que o aprendizado lento é a melhor maneira de aprender. Também considero que eu aprendi devagar quando o assunto está relacionado à atividade física. Sempre achei que isso era algo muito negativo, mas graças a esse programa aprendi a aceitá-lo e a aproveitar o lado bom de aprender lentamente. Acredito que remover a competição do processo de aprendizagem foi extremamente útil para mim. A ênfase na competição e na vitória que experimentei antes com outros esportes e treinadores tornou os esportes menos agradáveis. Quando você está apenas se concentrando em vencer e derrotar seu oponente, você não tem espaço para realmente abrir o estado físico e mental que você precisa para realmente APRENDER. Eu sinto que a abordagem deste programa reduz a pressão e permite que todos aprendam em seu próprio tempo. É incrível ver as melhorias que nosso grupo realizou em apenas seis aulas. O Effortless Tennis Programa não tem só melhorado meu desempenho no tênis, mas também tem impactado minha auto-estima, autoconfiança e me trazido muita alegria dentro e fora das quadras de tênis.

I was never good at sports, especially involving a team and ball. I never had a lesson that started from the very beginning. Since I had to participate in PE classes when I was at school, I was always the “café com leite” which means coffee with milk. “Café com leite” was a person who did not know how to play, so people around that knew what to do could help in a not mean way. It was pretty cool, and I would always be amused by everyone’s strength and determination on how to catch a ball, score, etc.

For 2021, I told myself that I would learn something new, and my friend mentioned Brent’s tennis lessons. It was an opportunity to learn something new and become a former coffee latte. Brent’s tennis lessons are more than just tennis for me. It has been a school of how to become more confident and less timid. I love the fact that I am learning a sport from the very beginning and improving in each meeting. I now can catch things with my hands and not be afraid to get hurt. I learned to stop being afraid, be more proactive and run after the ball instead of waiting for someone to save me.

I’ve had around 20 group lessons with Brent, and it is amazing how I improved from zero experience playing tennis to nice and fun rallies with friends and husband. I am very happy with the outcomes and feeling very empowered by knowing what I can do.

Eu nunca fui boa em esportes e principalmente em esportes que evolviam grupo e bola. Nunca tive aulas desde o nível básico em nenhum esporte. Eu era a “café com leite” quando eu tinha que participar das aulas de educação física na escola. O que significava que eu não sabia jogar então outros do time que sabiam jogar ajudavam pois éramos obrigados a jogar. Eu adorava quando meus amigos pulavam na minha frente para pegar a bola.

Em 2021, eu decidi que aprenderia algo novo, e uma amiga minha me falou das aulas do Brent. Era a oportunidade de aprender algo novo e deixar de ser café com leite. Além de tênis, as aulas do Brent têm sido uma lição de autoconfiança e perda de timidez. Aprendi um esporte, perdi o medo de me machucar, aprendi a ser mais proativa e pegar a bola ao invés de correr.

Acabei de completar 20 aulas de tênis com o Brent e fico muito feliz em ver o meu progresso. De zero experiência para jogos entre amigos e marido. Estou muito feliz com os resultados e me sinto empoderada pois eu consigo jogar tênis.

Mariana G. Olsman – Albany, CA, formerly of Campinas-SP, Brazil

My name is Michaela, I am from Austria and I was an au pair in Marin County in 2017. As an au pair we have to get some college credits/hours. I was looking for something fun and educational and I found Effortless Tennis/Joy of Tennis by Brent Zeller. I did the beginner course, as I have never really played tennis before, but I had always wanted to learn. And I really loved it! Brent was a great and really fun teacher. I always looked forward to going to tennis every week. I learned a lot and improved my skills so much. He tried to explain everything as well as possible, and we worked together on problems and repeated everything until I got it. A few friends of mine also took this course and really liked it. My friend Lisa and I even did the same beginner course twice! I would take a tennis course with Brent as a teacher at any time again. Back in Austria I am still playing tennis and I am very grateful for my first experience with tennis in California and with Brent as a teacher, I would really recommend him!

Michaela Muhlehner—Graz, Austria 2017*

Mein Name ist Michaela, ich komme aus Österreich und war ein AuPair in Marin in 2017. Als AuPair muss man während seines Aufenthaltes einige Credits oder Stunden an einem College absolvieren. Ich habe nach etwas das Spaß macht und gleichzeitig auch lehrreich ist gesucht und habe so den Kurs ,,Effortless Tennis/Joy of Tennis” von Brent Zeller entdeckt. Ich habe den Beginner Kurs absolviert, da ich bisher noch nie Tennis gespielt habe, aber immer schon Interesse daran hatte. Und es hat mir sehr gefallen! Brent war ein sehr guter und humorvoller Lehrer, ich habe mich jede Woche auf die Tennisstunden gefreut. Ich habe sehr viel Neues gelernt und meine Fähigkeiten sehr verbessert. Er hat alles sehr gut erklärt und wir haben solange geübt, bis wir es verstanden hatten. Auch einige meiner Freunde haben diesen Kurs belegt und ihn ebenfalls sehr genossen. Meine Freundin Lisa und ich haben sogar den selben Kurs zweimal belegt. Ich würde jederzeit wieder einen Tenniskurs bei Brent machen. Auch zurück in Österreich spiele ich immer noch Tennis und bin sehr froh über meine erste Erfahrung mit Tennis in Kalifornien. Mit Brent als meinen Lehrer war ich mehr als zufrieden, und würde ihn deswegen sofort weiterempfehlen!

My experiences in the Joy of Tennis/Effortless Tennis program

In 2017 I was an au pair in Marin County and signed up for Brent’s program through the College of Marin. Before the program I had a little bit of experience with tennis, I went to a tennis camp when I was little. So I already knew I liked tennis and my host family was playing some tennis and I wanted to be able to play with them. I totally loved the program. Although it was technical, it was still fun! There was no pressure and everyone could learn at her own pace. Brent always took time for everyone and definitely had some great tricks that helped us. I definitely grew a lot thanks to the lessons and I always looked forward to those lessons. I always felt like after every lesson I made a step forward and it was still fun! Brent is very patient as a teacher and he was always in a good mood. And there was room for some jokes. We all had different backgrounds and were from different countries, for example I’m from Belgium. So our English is not native and still it was always clear what he meant and what we had to do. So do I recommend the Effortless Tennis program, do I recommend Brent as a teacher? Absolutely I didn’t only love the program, but I also learned so much and I could keep up with my host family who play competitive tennis. To bad I had to return back to Belgium, I think I would still be in the program if I didn’t had to return home.

Birte Storms—Holsbeek, Belgium 2017*

I have always been an extremely competitive child. Winning, being the best was my only goal. But as I began my tennis path in Brent’s Joy of Tennis class, I was forced to escape this toxic pattern. Frustrated as I was at the beginning with my inability to serve and volley, I persisted without the fear of losing, which was the difference between progressing and giving up. Brent taught me to focus on the effortlessness of my swing, to truly watch the ball — to be aware of watching it– which is much harder than it sounds. Even now, as I reached the 3.5 skill level and began engaging in USTA tournaments, I still hear Brent’s voice reminding me to have fun, to stay cool, calm and collected and to never ever sacrifice Joy for winning.

Nina Rodenko —Tiburon, CA, formerly Kyiv, Ukraine 2018*

Будучи ребенком я всегда любила соревнования. Выигрывать, быть лучше всех было моей единственной целью. Но как только я начала свой теннисный путь в классе Брента, я вышла из этого токсичного паттерна. Сначала я была очень разочарована своей неспособностью подавать, но как только я отпустила страх проигрыша, дело пошло на поправку. Брент научил меня фокусироваться на легкости моего замаха и показал как важно следить за мячом до последнего момента, что намного тяжелее чем кажется. Даже сейчас, когда я достигла уровня 3.5 и начала участвовать в турнирах USTA, я все еще слышу голос Брента, напоминающего мне получать удовольствие от игры и никогда не жертвовать радостью ради победы.

When I was sixteen I suffered a back injury and playing tennis was a painful undertaking. In Brent’s course, he always emphasized on using the right techniques, practicing them intensively, but without overdoing it physically. In general, the non-competitive learning environment enabled me to focus on the right technique instead of just hitting the ball with force. Consequently, I was able to play tennis almost pain free and had a lot of fun doing it. I can highly recommend Brent’s way of teaching tennis!

Daniel Schuetz—Linz, Austria 2017*

Als ich 16 Jahre alt war, erlitt ich eine Rückenverletzung und Tennis spielen war fortan ein schmerzhaftes Unterfangen. Brent vermittelte in seinem Kurs, wie wichtig es ist, die richtige Technik zu trainieren, ohne es körperlich zu übertreiben. Das nicht-wettkampforientierte Lernumfeld ermöglichte es mir, die richtige Technik zu erlernen. Folglich konnte ich ohne Schmerzen Tennis spielen und hatte sehr viel Spaß dabei. Ich kann Brent’s Kurs und seine Art und Weise Tennis zu spielen jedem empfehlen!

I participated in Brent’s classes during my time as an au pair in San Francisco. Today I am in my final year of a bachelor degree at Stockholm School of Economics. When I enrolled in the beginner class I had never played tennis before. What struck me was how fast I got better. I could see my game improve each session, thanks to your instructions and your eye for detail in every player. I believe that the main reason for my fast development was the non-competitiveness, it helped us all relax and enabled us to have FUN, we all trusted that our skill would improve with practice – and it did. It was also a great way to get to create friends, some of which I still have today. Effortless Tennis together with you and the rest of the students became one of the highlights in my week. That is why I also enrolled in your intermediate class, it was simply too fun to miss out on continuing my journey to become a better tennis player. You instructed us in the basics of how to move on the court and how to swing effortlessly. When I play today I am able to think back on the tips you gave me, and multiple times I have given the same advice to people that I play with to help them improve as well. Thank you for these two courses, if I still lived in SF I would love to continue learning from you.

Malin Almkvist—Stockholm, Sweden 2017*

Jag deltog i Brents lektioner under min tid som Au Pair i San Francisco. Efter det flyttade jag tillbaka till Stockholm för att läsa min kandidatexamen. Nu ska jag fortsätta med min masterutbildning på Handelshögskolan i Stockholm. När jag började i Brents nybörjarkurs hade jag aldrig spelat tennis tidigare. Det som förvånade mig var hur snabbt jag blev bättre, tack före hans instruktioner och öga för detaljer i varje spelare. Jag tror att den främsta anledningen till min snabba förbättring var hans avslappnade och icke-tävlingsfokuserade sätt att se på tennis. Det fick oss alla att slappna av och ha roligt, vi alla litade på att vi skulle bli bättre – och det blev vi. Det var också ett fantastiskt sätt att skapa nya vänner, vissa av dom umgås jag fortfarande med. ’Effortless tennis’ tillsammans men Brent och alla andra spelare blev en av höjdpunkterna med veckan. Därför började jag också på den avancerade klassen, det var helt enkelt för roligt för att avsluta resan att bli en bättre tennisspelare. Brent lärde mig grunderna i hur man ska röra sig i banan, tekniken för olika slag och framförallt – att ha roligt på planen. Jag spelar tennis än idag, och då har jag möjligheten att tänka tillbaka på alla tips som Brent gav mig, och ett flertal gånger har jag kunnat hjälpa mina medspelare att bli bättre utifrån dessa tips. Tack så jättemycket för två riktigt bra kurser som också fick mig att hitta denna otroligt roliga sport!

I joined the College of Marin class with no knowledge about tennis. It was really hard even to just hit the ball. After the first class I thought I will never learn tennis, maybe it’s not for me. When it began to work out a little, I happily went to class. In the end of first fall session I was annoyed sometimes that most of times I play with people who are playing worse than me (I thought so haha) and always wanted to play with someone who was more experienced. After the first session I thought I already learned something and it’s enough. But I joined for the second fall session and I would say it was an excellent decision. I enjoyed every class and I miss our trainings.

To sum up, I like the class even though I was the youngest one I always felt comfortable. I also liked that you used some humor in class. Also worth noting is the individual approach, it seemed like you always see everyone. I will also mention some disadvantages from my point of view. I worked as a ski and stand up paddle board instructor and we always did a light warm-up at the beginning of the class, so I missed that. Also sometimes I wanted more rotations to try playing with different people, but I understand that you have sorted us by level. Eventually, I enjoyed every class and it was a lot of fun. Thank you!

Best regards,
Anastasia Gogoleva—Russia 2021*

We have known Brent for 12 years and have taken lessons from him for 10 years. When we first started with Brent we played at approximately a 2.5 USTA rating, even though we had been playing for nearly 15 years. Although we had taken lessons from various tennis professionals prior to starting with Brent, we were at a point in our tennis game where our improvements were coming at a very slow pace.

Brent introduced us to Effortless Tennis. The transition from a competitive game to a relaxed, cooperative and joyful game of tennis has not been easily obtained, however the methods have proven correct.

Over the last several years Brent has taught us how to breathe properly, allowing us to stay relaxed and focused under the most adverse conditions. He has taught us how not to be intimidated when playing the game with other players. We have applied these philosophies to many other aspects of our lives. They have benefited us both professionally as well as personally.

My wife and I are currently playing with a USTA rating of 4.0 . We believe our ratings would be higher if we had started with Brent from the beginning.

We support and recommend Brent’s style of teaching for everyone. We especially think that if a child were to begin lessons from Brent at an early age, that child could be as good as he or she chooses to be. Brent is not only our tennis professional, we also consider him a very special friend. He maintains a high level of professionalism and has high values. We think any person, especially children, will benefit immensely from the teaching of Brent, not only from the sport of tennis but more importantly in the sportsmanship of all games.

Rick & Kim Clark
Sonoma, CA

I’m writing to express my appreciation for your enjoyable and productive tennis instruction. Not only did I enjoy it; you clearly did, too. I find it rare to encounter a teacher who combines the head, heart, and skills with an expanded perspective.

Your “Effortless Tennis” addresses the practical realities of learning the skills and principles of tennis; but more than that, it bridges tennis and life. In other words, like the old martial arts master, Zen teachers, and the Greek sages, you teach not only an effort-less approach to sport, but to living well.

Whether someone wishes to learn tennis as a recreational activity or seeks the highest reaches of professional ranks, I believe that you rise above most teachers with your emphasis on skill mastery before competitive focus. I know, from our conversations, that your cooperative mind-set not only enhances the joy of the game, but helps one to achieve true victory.

I thank you, congratulate you, admire you, and encourage you to continue your mission to show how to combine breath, relaxation and a sense of joy, turning tennis into an art as well as a path of personal discovery.

Dan Millman
author, “Way of the Peaceful Warrior”, “Body Mind Mastery”, and many other enlightening books,
Brooklyn, NY, formerly of San Rafael, CA

Losing Battle?
I have been playing tennis for 14 years. I played for my high school team and had planned to play for a college team. I ended up helping coach intermediate and advance players in college, but not playing. The reason, winning was always what I was thinking about, but I didn’t know how to do it. When I didn’t win, I felt that I was a failure—this only increased my self-esteem problem on court and I kept losing. It was a vicious circle. Up until now this has been my problem, and I am just beginning to resolve it.

During my whole tennis career, everyone told me what a great player I was, how I should win and there was a great deal of pressure put on my by myself and coaches etc. No one told me how to win or what the real reason for playing tennis was. I ended up just playing friends and making it a hobby when I had planned to do a lot more with it. I just couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t win on a consistent basis. The reason—I was putting too much emphasis from the beginning on winning, not concentrating on the fundamentals and not realizing that tennis is supposed to be fun. I had started almost immediately in competition after learning the game and this did not help.

This year I started working with Brent and his Effortless Tennis program. Although we are changing some things in my game (almost everyone needs to do that since we all fall into bad habits) we are mostly changing my attitude towards tennis. When I start getting angry at myself for missing a shot or losing a point, Brent asks “How’s the fun factor?” which always makes me laugh and loosens me up. This then makes me play better because I really start to relax. Tennis is fun and that is the reason we play it, isn’t it? Unfortunately, when it isn’t fun it is because you are putting too much pressure on yourself to win. When you do this it is only a losing battle and I have found this out the hard way. Effortless Tennis is changing my game and my mind for the better and I wish that this program and Brent had been around when I was learning tennis—maybe then I would have lived up to my dreams in the game.

Lisa Hanks
Fairfax, CA

I began playing tennis in junior high school about 22 years ago. I was certainly enthusiastic and enjoyed the sport, but always experienced my efforts as fighting an uphill battle against clumsiness and sloth. I wanted to play tennis better and more often, but actual reality was that I found it a lot easier to succeed at academics and give up sports. Some people have math anxiety—I had “athletic anxiety;” I could not visualize myself as succeeding at any sport consistently. There was some fundamental component of being physically adroit that I had not gotten. The difficult, irregular and awkward way I played confirmed my belief that I was not cut-out for sports.

Nonetheless, I persisted, and continued to play tennis intermittently over the years, picking it up, dropping it again, never quite willing to give up yet never developing any real skill nor enjoying the game much. However, about 21/2 years ago I found a tennis instructor with a different approach to teaching: Brent Zeller. In effect, Brent has a system which starts back at the beginning of tennis training recognizing that I—and apparently many people—do not miraculously grasp all the fundamentals of a sport at once. Physical skills build atop previously acquired physical skills, and if we miss a step we may be able to compensate, yet we will have inhibited our ability to make much progress.

Rather than allowing steps in learning to be missed, Brent emphasizes what he calls Effortless Tennis, in which he breaks the complex moves of each stroke into a series of fundamental actions which we can practice until the correct way to make each motion is automatic. And the process proceeds very slowly—with a great emphasis on learning the proper form, and a sharp de-emphasis on competitive pressure.

So, bottom line, what are the results? Have I become a tennis robot executing a repertoire of boring, mechanical moves? Actually, no. The slow, steady concentration on fundamentals has given me a base that I never had before. Now, when I play, I have the freedom that comes from not having to think consciously about each motion I make. And this is very interesting, because it has allowed me to discover a part of myself that I could not see before. I no longer judge my athletic abilities on the basis of quick successes or instant failures—but I know from my own experience that I can develop a skill, and ability to remain calm and concentrated.

The benefits are persistent. I’ve learned a new way to learn and a new respect for my athletic abilities. Though I moved about 6 months ago to Seattle, I have continued to apply the principles of slow, observant learning—and I now play tennis several times each week. Relentlessly I keep getting better. What is most important to me is that I am enjoying the sport—I’ve gone from “athletic anxiety” to athletic enthusiasm.

Andrew Layman
Seattle, WA

As the father of one of Brent’s students, I have had ample opportunity, over the last two years, to observe my sixteen year old daughter’s remarkable growth both as a tennis player and as an athlete. Ashley took up tennis during the summer just prior to her freshman year by attending a two week beginner’s tennis camp. Then, on a dare, she went out for the high school girls tennis team. Ashley had neither the skills nor the athletic background to begin competing but, being a member of a weak team, she was able to earn a varsity letter.

Ashley began working with Brent and his cooperative tennis system the following summer. It was a good match because it was based entirely on skills development and the mental aspects of the game rather than competition. Brent is an excellent communicator and works very well with teenagers. He kept Ashley motivated during those early days by teaching her the principles of Effortless Tennis. He explained to Ashley that she could become a competitive tennis player but she would have to build a foundation of skills first.

Ashley agreed and what followed has been extraordinary to observe. After only one summer with Brent, Ashley was named the most improved player on the varsity team. This year as a singles player the quality of her entire game is elevated. Further, she is mentally stronger and more prepared for competition than ever before.

What is important to note is that Brent has taught Ashley, and his other students, much more than basic tennis skills and the mental aspects of the game, he has instilled important life skills such as patience, perseverance, self-motivation, and personal responsibility. I firmly believe that Ashley’s success in tennis is due in great measure to Brent and his method of teaching. If it takes a village to raise a child, I feel fortunate that Brent is a part of our village. For the good of the kids, I strongly urge you to support his program.

Harley Christensen
San Rafael, CA

I have been a participant in Brent Zeller’s tennis program, Effortless Tennis, since March of 1996. I have been an active tennis player since 1989. Brent’s program has been extremely helpful to me. Brent has taught tennis skills in a cooperative environment, while removing the pressure of competitive situations. It has provided a much better learning experience than other programs that I have participated in, where the emphasis is on winning and beating the other players. I have found, through Brent’s program, that it is best to first acquire tennis skills before jumping blindly into competitive situations.

A large part of Brent’s instruction is on the mental aspect of the game, how to breathe, how to mentally approach the game so as to hit the ball solidly and in control with every stroke. Once you take the aspect of winning and losing out of the equation, you can learn more about yourself and your game and how to improve both.

I have invested 2 hours most every Sunday with Brent since 1996, and his program has been very valuable to me and has greatly increased my abilities as a tennis player. I doubt I will ever outgrow this program as these is so much to learn of this aspect in the game of tennis.

Eric Engstrom
Corte Madera, CA

I just wanted to let you know that your Effortless Tennis approach works! I’ve shied away from competitive sports since I was a little girl. Far too often I was thrown into a sporting situation without the essential skills. Whether from a lack of time or knowledge on the part of my teachers and coaches, I developed a fear of participating. While in high school I wanted to play tennis, but by then I had sufficient negative programming that I didn’t even try. From my first lesson with you almost four years ago, you taught non-competitive tennis, stressing the idea that all of us can learn sports and be successful with a positive approach.

Well, your patient non-competitive coaching and belief in “muscle memory” has withstood my two-year absence from your program. You said that the muscles would remember what to do and eventually the movements would come without thinking. I recently returned to you clinic and much to my amazement, my first strokes and serves were as if there had been no time lapse. Indeed, my muscles remembered.

Effortless Tennis builds life-long skills. Your non-competitive approach should be taught in schools so that our youth may experience the joy of learning and playing sports from an early age. Not only would they be better athletes, but the confidence and self-esteem gained can only have a positive effect on their lives.

Tressa Breslin
Mill Valley, CA

In January of 1993 I was introduced to a new concept of training to become a more accomplished tennis player. The Effortless Tennis concept developed by Brent Zeller has helped my game beyond my wildest dreams. I have played tennis for close to thirty years and all of a sudden realized that I very rarely look at the ball. The 10 steps to improve your tennis listed on the Effortless Test List have had an enormous impact on me. First of all, I now see the ball most of the time – my court coverage has improved to a degree that often baffles my opponents – my footwork improved (I no longer grow roots while waiting for the ball!!) and above all my enjoyment of the sport is exactly where it should be. Believe me, Brent Zeller’s philosophy works.

I wish this concept would be employed by all tennis professionals, especially when instructing children. The results would be astounding.

Marianne Strotz
Marin Open Singles League
Tiburon, CA

My experience with Effortless Tennis was extremely positive. Not only did this evolutionary approach to the game of tennis help me become a stronger player, it helped me manifest a deep appreciation for playing the game. Effortless Tennis taught me to relax and enjoy each shot, to breathe and focus mentally as I honed solid physical skills. By simultaneously learning the mental and physical components of the game, my ability to play continually transcended itself.

As a member of the victorious 1991 Sir Francis Drake High varsity tennis team, I feel confident in speaking about the success of Effortless Tennis. Our large and eager, yet under skilled freshman class was introduced to this method of coaching in 1988. During our freshman season we lost every match except for one. However, through Effortless Tennis we learned to forget about defeat, even to forget about victory, and to concentrate on each ball as it came. Over the course of the ensuing years we underwent an incredible transformation. Our skills improved, our attitudes improved, our ability to enjoy ourselves on the court became natural, and the outcome took care of itself. As seniors we were undefeated, beating a team that hadn’t lost a championship in at least a decade.

For me, this approach to the game has extended well beyond the tennis court. It has enabled me to deal with the game of life in a profound way. I breathe, I meditate, I focus on tasks at hand, I improve my skills, I enjoy it. Although it may get difficult at times, I am not worried about its outcome.

Jacob Simon
1991 Drake High Tennis team
Fairfax, CA

I have been a student of Brent Zeller’s Effortless Tennis program since 1988 when I started playing for Drake High. The Effortless Tennis program not only drastically helped my game, it turned our loosing team into MCAL undefeated champions. In addition, Brent’s program made tennis more enjoyable, which is by far the most valuable gift that I received.

Brent worked closely with our team starting in 1988. Our practices were immediately transformed from monotonous and sometimes frustrating to fun and challenging. The effortless philosophy helped us to develop our game, without feeling the overwhelming pressure to win. Winning became the natural outcome of doing something that we truly enjoyed. Our team was young, mostly freshman, which meant that we had tremendous potential to pull together by our senior year. We lost most of our matches that first year but we never got too down on ourselves. Brent continually raised our morale by imparting his effortless philosophy. He would sit us down and just talk to us about the game. He would tell us how important it is to put our emphasis on having fun and to take the game one ball at a time. These words of wisdom got us through many matches, especially tough matches. Most players give up on a game if they are down 40-love, even at 30-love they’d already be thinking about the next game. When you are playing effortlessly, the score doesn’t intimidate you and cause you to self-destruct, you just play one ball at a time, with your complete focus on the present moment.

By our senior year we were a force to be reckoned with. It was like we had gone through a major growth spurt, the once tiny Drake High tennis team was standing tall and proud. We glided into the finals where we faced Redwood High, a team that had won the MCAL championship for the last 13 years. The match was close, it came down to the final doubles team, but the victory was ours. The 4 years of practice under Brent’s mastery and committed guidance to our team bestowed us with the physical, mental, and emotional strength to pull off the upset.

I highly recommend Brent Zeller, he is an exceptional coach and teacher who has created a philosophy that has the potential to revolutionize tennis.

John Paradiso
Drake High tennis team 1991
Woodacre, CA

I started the Sir Francis Drake High Tennis team during my sophomore year. That year I was placed number eighteen on the roster, dead last. Prior to this I had played sparingly with a couple of friends, always in the form of sets, never practicing the fundamentals.

Brent Zeller with his Effortless Tennis program taught me the fundamentals I never learned. A lot of people shy away from drills and prefer to play sets. Those people don’t ingrain a solid foundation to their game. Brent helped me understand that the energy I was putting into playing sets, while good for match experience, could be more gratifying if I used it to practice and hone my skills.

Brent emphasized having fun and made me realize that enjoyment wasn’t something that one felt just because he/she won a match. He taught me to appreciate the learning process and find my joy of the game while I was playing, not in the result. If I didn’t play to my potential, I found that I was less self-critical and could forgive myself easier and move on. I learned to find or maintain a freedom in myself to grow and not stagnate myself through “shoulda, coulda, woulda’s.”

In my 3 years working with Brent and his Effortless program I grew tremendously as well as the whole team. Brent really helped the team turn around its attitude and behavior. Match play became much more fun. The team became much more consistent on the court and it really showed in our record—during my senior year the team went undefeated and beat perennial power Redwood. Personally I experienced much growth—I went from number 18 to number 3 in just 3 short years, with only a few graduations during those years. I had a win-loss record of 12-3 and was voted most improved player and co-captain of the team.

Effortless Tennis taught me to use the power of my playing partner off my racquet with timing, weight transfer and use of breath. This saved my own energy, put my body at less risk for injury and took me out of a position of engaging in a power struggle to see who could “slug it out.” I was using way less energy than my partner, yet I was hitting just as hard and usually more accurately.

The Effortless program is powerful, because it transcends the succeed or fail mind set. In Effortless Tennis there is no option to fail. It does not exist. The mind of an Effortless player is not looking for ways to beat oneself, as so many people unconsciously do with self-deprecating thoughts, but to look for ways to get out of one’s way and create a healthy, encouraging, stable mind set.

This more harmonious way of thinking also helped me in daily life off the court. It challenged me with new ideas and ways of approaching life. Rather than letting stressful moments get the best of me, I apply Effortless ways of thinking to work with them. My patience and focus has grown since I worked with Brent. Effortless Tennis is about balance on the court and it can carry into your daily actions off the court.

I am grateful and owe a big thanks to Brent Zeller and his Effortless program for helping me realize my potential.

John Patterson
Drake High team 1991
Santa Barbara, CA

I started to work with the Effortless Tennis approach in 1994. I had played tennis on and off for years but without very good instruction. I also had a bad case of “John McEnroe” disease. I would become angry and throw my racquet when I could not hit the ball properly which was pretty often.

We started by hitting the ball softly at short distances until I felt comfortable with the basic forehand and backhand stroke. The emphasis on relaxation and letting the smooth motion of the stroke provide all the momentum for the ball allowed me to relax and really enjoy playing. I learned how to enjoy the “learning process” and move onto the next step only after feeling very comfortable with the current strokes. I also learned to play cooperatively with my tennis partner. Hitting the ball to a point that would stretch their tennis game instead of trying to hit it past them has immeasurably improved my consistency, accuracy and my love of the game.

After 1994, I moved to New York for 3 years and then to Los Angeles. I periodically go to the Bay Area to take lessons with Brent. Because the basic approach to tennis strokes is so relaxed and easy, I’m able to take the lessons home and work with them easily. I can’t wait to get up in the morning and go out and play tennis, usually with a smile on my face.

Nina Rote
Los Angeles, CA

Some years ago I decided to learn a new sport. I had been a long distance runner for many years and was looking for something which required technical skill and was mentally challenging. In high school I had played football, basketball and run track. I had experienced the excitement of victory and the frustration of defeat. What I most enjoyed about sport was the participation and having fun with my teammates. Over the years I had thought about tennis but never got into it. I believed I was too old to ever become good at the game. Deciding to try tennis anyway, I knew that I would require some instruction. A friend introduced me to Brent Zeller and I took my first lesson. I was 29.

I approached the lesson with a total beginner’s attitude, being completely open and ready to learn. From the beginning, Brent systematically and methodically instructed me in the fundamentals of the game. In his relaxed and supportive learning environment I progressed at a steady and gradual rate. Though I wanted quicker results, I got a lesson in patience and perseverance.

Over the years I continued my commitment to the long-term learning process with continuous improvement in my strokes and footwork. It was this commitment to learning more than to winning that really held my interest in the sport. My interest with the learning process inspired me to want to become a tennis instructor in 1987, only a year after I began to play. I realized that with Brent’s information, I could become an instructor of Effortless Tennis.

I began to assist Brent with his workshops and entered into a whole new learning experience-that of becoming a tennis instructor-as well as learning to play the game myself. Since the method focused on the basics and fundamentals of the sport, learning to teach progressed in the same gradual and steady manner as playing. For years we taught group lessons locally, statewide, and in Mexico. The opportunity to teach others as well as play improved my game dramatically. I also witnessed excellent results in all of our students while having a lot of fun playing cooperatively.

My competitive game has had its usual ups and downs. I have spent much time exploring my psychological relationship to winning and losing. Through Brent’s guidance, I have seen that winning is not the most important thing in sport. For me, competition is now a choice rather than a requirement for success. This freedom to choose has made all the difference in my enjoyment of the game.

Ron Eliggi
Rest in Peace my friend. We had some fun together!

I joined Brent Zeller’s Effortless Tennis program four years ago as a beginning 3.5 level player. I had played for over ten years with occasional lessons and a lot of practice but without a clear sense of how or why to improve. Nor did I believe that I could improve in some reasonable amount of time given the difficulty of the sport.

I am a 42 year-old architect and a serious “club” player. I spend as much time as I can either practicing, playing matches or competing in USTA tournaments. The four years of work in Brent’s program have helped me to “rethink” the game that I thought I knew. Intense practice two or three times a month in a cooperative, though challenging, non-competitive environment has in turn actually improved my play in competitive matches. During the stress of match play I can draw upon my real experience of those many hours of hitting many, many balls in a relaxed way and transfer that feeling and that focus to the match with usually positive results. As a result, I have since significantly raised my level of play to that of a 4.5 level player.

While at this point I may sometimes lack the consistency needed to play at still higher levels, my experience in the Effortless Tennis program gives me confidence in my ability to stay focused and relaxed during both practice and matches and to realize that the power, consistency and better “game” will naturally follow.

Anthony Grand
Berkeley, CA

Attitude Adjustment
As a USPTA teaching pro, I decided to take a lesson from a fellow USPTA pro. No easy task, mind you, as ego always makes one think twice—talk about an attitude!

What I discovered was another approach to teaching tennis beyond any of my expectations. It is called Effortless Tennis and is pioneered by Brent Zeller. Since I describe myself as intense, you can well imagine my feelings about the word effortless, especially in connection to tennis. Well, as the lesson progressed I found the “effortless” approach to be fun and full of merit for both the teacher and the student. In short, the effortless method de-emphasizes competition and focuses on fundamentals, (with the emphasis on fun)! With this method you improve the ”fun factor” and are, and really feel you are, a winner at any level.

Shawn Cole
Tiburon, CA

My husband Leo and I have been participating in Brent Zeller’s “Effortless Tennis” classes for approximately 9 months. We’d had a few prior experiences with the game. Leo took tennis in junior college 25 years ago and while he liked the activity, he didn’t care for the rigid, rigorous method of instruction. I attended a few adult ed classes 15 years ago, and once a friend tried to teach me, both were frustrating failures. Together Leo and I had a few lessons with a local pro about 5 years ago. For whatever reasons, none of these attempts worked for us and I, at least, came away certain I just didn’t have it in me to become any kind of tennis player at all.

Then we discover Brent and his “Effortless Tennis.” After only a few lessons (with 3 to 5 others in the class), we knew we’d finally found a teacher whose gentle, non-competitive approach, impeccable technique, and consistently patient and inspiring manner is producing no less than miraculous results for me, and has allowed Leo to at last enjoy playing tennis.

What I appreciate most about Brent’s teaching philosophy—aside from the fact that it works!—is how much FUN it makes tennis. In his class you get to play a lot, and the feel and sound of your racquet hitting that ball right is extremely satisfying. You come away feeling good and accomplished and like you want to go out and play again.

Barbara den Ouden
Lagunitas, CA

I want to lend my wholehearted support to Brent Zeller and his Effortless Tennis program. I have known Brent for many years. He has been my tennis coach and friend, as well. I have had several coaches over the years, but I can say that Brent is one of the best.

Through the years, when I had injuries, I went to Brent because I knew that he would work with me through the injury. His patience and good humor went a long way in helping me to heal.

It is not only his tennis skills that make him exceptional, but it is also his philosophy of life. He has strong opinions and his heart is always in the right place.

Diane Bagley
San Rafael, CA