Nick’s Notes: What Bollettieri learned from coaching Jim Courier

WATCH: Unstrung: Remembering the late Nick Bollettieri

In memory of Nick Bollettieri, TENNIS.com proudly presents “Nick’s Notes,” an exclusive look at tips, tricks, and takes written by one of the greatest coaches of the modern era.

Today: Nick’s observations from coaching former world No. 1 Jim Courier:

When Jim came to the IMG-Bollettieri Tennis Academy, his mother, Linda, wrote me a thank you letter for giving him a full scholarship and the opportunity to work with me.

Additionally, she asked me to change his baseball grips on his backhand. So what did I do?

I made no change on his backhand, yet in order to protect it, he learned to run around it and hit his killer forehand, even if he was well into the backhand side.

To do this, he had to have the guts to give up 25% more of the court than other players. He also had to cover 25% more of the court to make up for it. This all meant having to make a tremendous mental and physical commitment.

He had become a physical bulldog, building both his body and mind, and fight off the hungry dogs that were after him.

This is what Jim Courier has taught me:

If you want to be a champion, accept what has to be done, and pay the price to do it!

Yes, Jim became a champion not only on the tennis court, but also with outside activities including:

1. The U.S. Davis Cup Captain
2. Becoming one of the best tennis T.V. commentators
3. Becoming a true family man
4. Starting a Seniors Tour

When I ask for his help, Jim is a good friend that doesn’t say, “I’m too busy” but says. “You can count on me!” Wow, I am so darn lucky and so darn proud to have been part of Jim Courier’s road to success.

Jim never once, not once, said “WHY me? Why do I have a neutral backhand?” Instead, he said, “HOW can I protect my backhand?”

He gave all he had physically and mentally to build a killer forehand.