Tennis Coaches

Peter Sutcliffe, Head Coach

Do you want to improve your tennis game? That's what coaches are for! We are proud to serve up professional tennis programs with the expert coaching and friendly service of our OTLBC Tennis Team, led successfully by Peter Sutcliffe for many years.

Once again, we have a great team of competitive young pros just coming off the Junior and University Tennis Circuits, and we are really looking forward to another great summer of tennis fun at the OTLBC.

Peter has been part of the OTLBC family for many years and has extensive tennis experience, including over 16 years in competitive player development. Peter is former under 18 Quebec #1 champion and #5 junior in Canada. He also played NCAA Division 1 for Virginia Tech and competed on the satellite circuit. His unique coaching methods integrate match strategy and tactics into all his training routines.

Peter is a former President of the National Capital Tennis Association (NCTA) and was tournament chair of the Under 14 Canadian summer nationals in 2004 and 2005 hosted by OTLBC.

Peter’s Approach

Professional tennis coaching—Why try it?

All of our programs integrate elements of fundamentals, fitness and fun. We can help you to develop a consistent and confident style based on acquiring sound strokes and match strategy.

Move your Feet! Drills to teach you basic tennis footwork: getting to the ball, finding the right recovery position and moving into the court.

Hitting the Ball with Power and Control! Drills to develop basic stroke mechanics. Learn to hit the ball with power and precision.

Setting up Winning Points!  Tactics for moving your opponent around the court, creating opportunities to take control of the point and setting up to hit easy winners.

Serving, Returning and Putting Away those Volleys!  Learn to serve with confidence and return serve with precision. Introduction to net play and putting away your volleys.

Doubles Tactics and Match play Learn the essentials of good doubles positioning and tactics in match situations.

Michael Sutcliffe, Assistant Coach

Michael is a former nationally ranked Canadian junior and top ranked player in Ontario. Since coming onto the tennis scene, Michael has been a strong presence in the City, due to both his high skill level and his positive attitude for the game. Michael has acquired a strong sense for proper shot selection and choosing the right strategies when playing difficult opponents and is able to effectively communicate these skills during lessons. Michael has taught tennis for 6 years and will be available to deliver lessons throughout the day, as well as early evenings.

Joanne Homza, Assistant Coach

Joanne has been a student of the game from an early age. A member of the Quebec Tennis Team since the age of 12, she’s competed on both provincial and national stages, achieving a career high #14 ranking in Quebec. A certified Tennis Canada Coach, she’s lent her talent to several top Quebec Academies and numerous Montreal municipalities, specializing in adult and junior lessons. She especially thrives in a private teaching setting where she is proud to pass on the knowledge bestowed upon her by Greg Rusedki’s former mentor, George Patriche.

Matus Culen, Assistant Coach

Matus is a certified tennis instructor who has more than 10 years of experience in coaching and teaching tennis in Europe and North America. His extensive international experience in teaching both private and group lessons for juniors and adults enables him to adapt and create lessons tailored around each student's needs. His adult clientele enjoys his teaching methods and juniors adore him.

Jason Lian, Assistant Coach

Jason is a Tennis Canada Certified Club Professional, a certified personal trainer and Jiu-Jitsu black belt. His main focus when teaching is to have students develop proper technique to apply topspin, allowing them to hit a more consistent and challenging ball. Jason has had the opportunity to work with a number of great coaches over the years and enjoys sharing with others his enthusiasm and love for the game.

Photos courtesy of Paul Sutcliffe