Meet the TNT Sports Coaching Team
Passionate. Certified. Focused on Your Growth.
At TNT Sports, our tennis coaching staff in Johannesburg is the heartbeat of everything we do. From tennis mentors for kids to adult tennis trainers, each TNT coach brings a unique blend of experience, energy, and empathy to the court.
Whether you’re enrolling your child in their first-ever tennis lesson or refining your own technique, our certified and experienced team is here to guide you with personalized coaching, positive reinforcement, and a commitment to holistic development — both on and off the court.
Kids (Ages 4–12)
Fun, safe, skill-building sessions with tennis mentors who specialize in youth development
Tennis for Beginners
Step-by-step guidance from patient coaches who make learning enjoyable. Both personal sessions & group sessions available.
Adults (All Levels)
Technique refinement, match strategy, and fitness coaching tailored to your goals. Both personal sessions & group sessions available.
Intermediate Players Tennis
Tactical training and performance feedback to elevate your game. Both personal sessions & group sessions available.
What Makes Our Coaches Different?
- Certified Tennis Instructors with national and international credentials
- Experts in beginner tennis training and intermediate tennis development
- Fluent in communication styles that suit kids, teens, and adults
- Passionate about building fitness, focus, and character
- Committed to affordable, high-quality coaching for every player
Local Coaches, Local Impact
Our team lives and breathes Johannesburg tennis culture. With coaches based in Johannesburg, we’re proud to serve our community with flexible schedules and a personal touch.
Active Students
Derik Swanepoel
Head Coach & Performance Strategist
Derik Swanepoel – Head Coach & Performance Strategist
With over a decade of experience in intermediate tennis coaching, Derik leads TNT Sports with a focus on technique, mental resilience, and match strategy. Known for his calm demeanor and sharp eye for detail, he helps players transition from casual learners to competitive athletes.
Specialties: Adult tennis training, tactical match play, fitness integration
Derik’s buzz words: best tennis trainer in Johannesburg, top intermediate tennis coach for fun adult tennis lessons Sandton.
Melissa Dowse
Youth Development Specialist
Melissa Dowse – Youth Development Specialist
Melissa brings energy and empathy to every session, making her a favorite among parents and young players. Her tennis coaching for kids blends fun with fundamentals, helping children build coordination, confidence, and a love for the game.
Specialties: Kids tennis lessons, beginner drills, parent-coach communication
Melissa’s buzz words: our best tennis instructor for kids, and our favourite kids tennis academy coordinator and point of contact regarding beginner tennis coaching Johannesburg.
BA Sport Science; PGCE; SA Level 2 Coaching (Advanced Instructor)
2004 – 2011 Part-Time tennis coach
2012- current Full-Time tennis coach at TNT Tennis
084 333 3034
Bevan Christie
Adult Coaching & Technique Mentor
Bevan Christie – Adult Coaching & Technique Mentor
Bevan’s coaching style is rooted in patience and precision. He works closely with adult beginners to build strong foundations in grip, footwork, and serve mechanics. His sessions are ideal for professionals seeking a healthy, skill-building outlet.
Specialties: Beginner tennis coaching, evening adult classes, one-on-one technique refinement
Bevan’s Buzz Words: adult tennis coach Johannesburg, beginner tennis lessons for adults Sandton, tennis classes for professionals
Hockey coach
Play & Stay Tennis Instructor
2021-current Tnt tennis Full-time coach
2014-2017 Tnt tennis Full-time coach
2010-2014 Tnt tennis Part-time coach
Sports coaching diploma
Clarissa Van Der Hoven
Movement & Mindset Coach
Clarissa Van Der Hoven – Movement & Mindset Coach
Clarissa combines sports psychology with dynamic tennis instruction while teaching tennis to pre-teen kids. She’s passionate about helping beginner and intermediate pre-teen players break through plateaus, tackle court hesitation and develop match confidence, while also having fun. Her sessions often include mindset coaching and agility drills.
Specialties: Intermediate pre-teen tennis training, mental focus, agility development
Clarissa’s Buzz Words: tennis coaching for kids and pre-teens, intermediate tennis coach Rivonia, tennis fitness coaching
Clarissa van der Hoven
Play and stay instructor
Children kinetics course
Sport conditioning coach cathsseta.
Physical education coaching 2016 to 2022
Part time tennis coaching swakopmund Namibia 2013 to 2014
Mpumalanga tennis coaching 2009 to 2011
Tnt tennis from 2023 to current.
Gregory Forbes
Private Coaching & Elite Prep
Gregory Forbes – Private Coaching & Elite Prep
Gregory specializes in private tennis coaching for both kids and adults who want personalized attention and accelerated progress. His tailored programs are ideal for players preparing for tournaments or seeking rapid improvement.
Specialties: One-on-one coaching, elite player development, flexible scheduling
Greg’s Buzz Words: private tennis coach Johannesburg, tennis lessons near Bryanston, elite tennis training
Play & Stay Tennis Instructor
Full time coach 2020- current at Tnt Tennis
Hockey coach ( level 1) part time 2013- Current
Hayden Siglar
Coach
Hayden Siglar
SA Play & Stay coaching; Bachelor of Commerce (Current)
2024 – 2025 Full-time tennis coach at TNT tennis
060 615 8216
What Our Students & Parents Say
Ready to Train With Us?
Whether you’re searching for tennis coaching staff near Sandton or a certified tennis instructor for your child, our team is ready to help you take the next step.
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers
What qualifications should a tennis coach have?
A certified tennis coach typically holds national or international credentials and has experience working with players of various skill levels.
At what age can kids start tennis lessons?
Most children can begin tennis coaching around age 4–5, with programs tailored to build coordination and confidence through fun, age-appropriate drills.
Do I need a coach if I’m just starting out?
Yes — beginner tennis coaching helps you learn proper technique from day one, preventing bad habits and boosting progress.
Can adults with no experience join tennis classes?
Absolutely! Adult tennis lessons are designed for all levels, including complete beginners looking for fitness, fun, or a new hobby.
How often should I train with a tennis coach?
For steady improvement, one to two sessions per week are ideal, depending on your goals and availability.
What’s the difference between group and private coaching?
Group coaching offers social interaction and affordability, while private coaching provides personalized attention and faster skill development.