Tennis Coach #153: Mario Matejcek - Create your Vision & Work Backward

Welcome to The Coaching Podcast, where we talk about the dynamic world of coaching through an insightful conversation with a young game-changer, Coach Mario Matejcek. Mario is the Director and Head Coach at Spark Tennis, whose journey as a player and a coach reflects his dedication to excellence. Mario's story is one of passion, perseverance, and an attitude of curiosity. He is a life-long learner and shares some great advice for young and experienced coaches. Get ready to be inspired and empowered as we uncover the secrets behind Mario's success and his mission to shape exceptional athletes and individuals alike.
Here is a summary of the key points;

1.19: Do you prefer fruits or veggies?
1.54: What's your playing background story?

Hard work and no shortcuts can be a double-edged sword! 


3.16: Is starting tennis at 3 years of age too young?
5.14: What's your coaching story?
7.24: Where does your lifelong spark and passion for learning come from? 

You as a coach have to know the WHY behind what you are doing.


8.39: Why is it important to listen to the needs of your clients? 

Find out their pain points! 


9.12: How do you navigate the balance between listening to your customers and staying true to your principles?  
10.38: What makes a great coach? (WMAGC)

Curiosity – About yourself, the game, and the person in front of you.
Empathy – Can you be in your client's shoes?
Listening – To the needs of your clients.


11.56: How have you grown as a coach since your junior development coaching course?

Realizing that I'm the second most important person!


13.16: What are your top 3 tips for young coaches? 

 1) Approach each day as a beginner- learn something new each day.
2) Keep it simple and learn how to do the basics well.
3) Create a vision for your future (30 to 40 years from now) and work backward creating a step-by-step plan. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

What and who do I want to be when I grow up?
What's my ideal life?
What's my ideal career or business?




16.28: In the ever-evolving coaching landscape, what disruptive idea do you have that could impact the way we coach in 2030?

Mandatory communication and psychology within coaching courses.


18.01: Social media tips: Understand your market to meet their needs with short and sharp videos.
18.51: What's next for you?

The Coaching Podcast is sponsored by The Sampson Agency - a talent entertainment and sports management company owned and operated by Tina Samara.
Visit: www.thesampsonagency.com or  email: tina@transitioncoach4athletes.com
To learn more about becoming a workplace coach or advancing your coaching skills, visit: www.opendoorcoachingusa.com or email: info@emmadoyle.com.au 
About Mario Matejcek
Mario Matejcek is dedicated to the art of tennis coaching, transforming players, one serve at a time as the Director and Head Coach at Spark Tennis, Mario leads with an unwavering commitment to excellence, both on and off the court. With a career spanning years in the dynamic world of tennis, he has not only dedicated his life to the continuous improvement of his craft but also harnessed the same energy and passion for business.
As a 17-year-old, Mario was invited to train at the prestigious Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in Paris. There, he had the honor of hitting with the likes of Serena Williams, as well as many of the world’s Top 100 ATP-ranked players.
Over his 18-year playing career, Mario achieved an Australian ranking of 72 and has won 10 AMT tournaments that included more than 20 Junior titles. Having traveled all over the world from Europe to Asia and Africa, Mario has competed in many ITF and ATP tournaments both locally and internationally and has completed his Club Professional qualification with Tennis Australia.
My mission is to inspire and shape not just exceptional athletes but well-rounded individuals, instilled with the values of sportsmanship, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. My coaching philosophy encompasses not just technical prowess but also the mental fortitude required to excel in sport and life. 
Connect with Mario
Website: https://sparktennis.com.au/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-matejcek-011a5b174/ 
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/sparktennisaus/