Tennis parent and player questions
Straight answers about footage privacy, pricing, ages, locations and how film coaching works in St. Louis.
ParentsWho sees the footage of my child?
Only you, your player and Ben. Footage is never posted publicly or used in marketing without your written permission, and you can ask for clips to be deleted at any time.
ParentsMy kid already has a coach. Is this a replacement?
No. VTPA works alongside your current coach. The written plan is built to be shared, so your coach can use the same clips and priorities in their lessons. Many families use VTPA as a second set of eyes a few times a year.
Parents$899 is real money. Why not just buy more lessons?
Do the math by the hour. The Match Film Package is about 15 hours of work on your player's game: traveling to and filming 3 matches, editing the film, building a game plan, the breakdown session, and the written plan and follow-up. That's roughly $60 an hour, about what you'd pay for a private lesson, and your player keeps the film, the clips and the plan.
Lessons build skills. Film shows which skills and tactics are costing matches, so every lesson and practice after it goes to the right thing. That's how you get a better return on what you've already invested.
ParentsWill watching themselves lose crush my kid's confidence?
Every breakdown opens with what's working, and every problem comes with a fix and a drill. Kids usually find film motivating once they see the problem is specific and fixable, not a vague “you played badly.”
ParentsCan you film at St. Louis tournaments and high school matches?
Yes, anywhere in the St. Louis metro, when the event allows spectators to film. Ben follows each event's rules and stays in normal spectator areas. If a match can't be filmed, he'll set up a competitive set at a local court instead.
ParentsWhat ages and levels do you work with?
Juniors and adults who are invested in getting better. Private and semi-private lessons fit players at any stage who want to improve. Film analysis is for players who already compete in tournaments, high school, league or team tennis, since it needs real matches to film.
ParentsWhere are lessons held?
On-court lessons are based in Webster Groves, and Ben confirms the exact court when he confirms your time. Match filming and in-person breakdowns happen anywhere in the St. Louis metro, and online analysis works by video call.
ParentsHow do semi-private lessons work?
Bring a partner at a similar level. Semi-private lessons run 90 minutes and cost $45 per player. One person books the time, then texts or emails Ben the group's details: each player's name and level, and a parent's phone number for juniors. Text 314-313-4452 or email Ben.t.keefer@gmail.com.
Players“I play way better than I'll look on film.”
Everybody says that. It's why we film more than one match. One off day doesn't drive the plan; the patterns that show up again and again do.
PlayersCan I send my own match video?
Yes. That's Online Match Analysis ($299). Film at least two one-set matches (three is best), send a link, and Ben breaks it down with you by video call or in person around St. Louis.
PlayersWhat do I need to film my match?
A phone is enough. Set it up behind the baseline and as high as you can, film in landscape, and record the whole set without stopping.
PlayersDo I have to do anything different during the match?
No. Play your normal match and ignore the camera. The point is to capture how you actually compete.
PlayersHow long until I get my plan?
The breakdown session is usually within a week of your last filmed match, and you leave it with your written plan.
PlayersWhat if I need to cancel?
Give at least 24 hours' notice by text and we'll reschedule at no charge. Rain and court closures are always rescheduled free.