If you're reading this post, then you already know that Tennis Life Hacks is always looking for better "hacks" to help make you the best tennis player you can be, from the inside out. And now we have a fantastic opportunity to bring you game-changing tennis tips via video from our friend Jane Forman, who not only used to play tennis professionally, but who now runs the very successful Jane Forman Sports in Miami. Seriously, peeps...how cool is that?!
There are many reasons why we're so stoked about having Jane on board. For one, she teaches players of all levels (kiddos and adults alike) so there will be something here for everyone. For another, her videos are like mini tennis lessons in that she not only verbally addresses certain problem areas in which many players may struggle, but she also SHOWS us exactly what to do, by either using herself or other players as examples; aside from learning something completely new, you also may see some things that will refresh your memory on past lessons you've forgotten. And if you have something in particular that you need help with, simply put in your request in the comment section below, and she'll do what she can to provide you with the best learning experience possible.
Jane Forman is a true ace, but you don't have to take our word for it...these are just some of her many accomplishments, before, during and after her professional tennis career:
About Jane Forman
Jane began her tennis career as a Junior Player in Providence, RI. She began competing in Rhode Island at the age of 10 and won the Rhode Island state championships every year that she lived in the state. From the ages of 10-18, Jane competed in United States Tennis Association (USTA) Junior Tournaments all throughout New England. She never dropped below a 3rd ranking in New England throughout her junior career. At the age of 18, Jane won the women's New England championships, ranking her the number 1 women's tennis player in New England. In 4 years of high school tennis play, Jane never lost a match; in fact, she never lost a set.
Jane attended Clemson University in 1980 on a full athletic scholarship and was named to the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) All American Team for four consecutive years; she achieved the most solid record in Clemson University history, a record that still stands today. In 1980, she started her professional career as an amateur so she could continue to work towards obtaining a college degree.
In 1984, Jane became an "official" professional player and competed for 10 years, reaching top 50-ranked player status in the world on the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Circuit; she also competed on the following circuits: the United States Tennis Association pro circuit; the International Tennis Federation (satellite); Grand Slam tournaments; and the Virginia Slims Circuit. Some of Jane's most notable top ten opponents include Tracy Austin, Pam Shriver, and Andrea Jaeger. Her most memorable match was playing Martina Navratilova on Wimbledon's Center Court in 1986.
Jane retired from professional tennis in 1989 and turned her efforts and enthusiasm for the sport to teaching tennis. In 1990, she founded The Jane Forman Tennis Academy (JFTA) in order to bring high-quality tennis to non-club amateurs, both children and adults. The JFTA staff is comprised of retired touring tennis professionals and certified instructors who specialize in teaching children. The Academy provides classes, instruction, after-school programs, leagues, and tournaments for adults, teens, and children.
In 2002, Jane expanded her and created a Miami-based sports management group, Jane Forman Sports, that consisted of: (1) The Jane Forman Tennis Academy; (2) Jane Forman Golf School; and (3) Dade County Sports. Additionally, she established the Dade County Sports Foundation, which is a not-for-profit enterprise that provides sports scholarships to any of the sports programs managed by Jane Forman Sports. Each of these companies is unique; however, they are all similar in their mission to provide recreational sports programs for all ages, demographics, and levels of ability.