Schools tennis: Coach Reed revels in Scottish role

The chance to establish a Tennis Academy at Kilgraston School was the reason that Daniel Reed, a renowned global coach, set up business in Scotland – now he is spreading the word throughout schools in the Perthshire area.

Reed set up his business – DAR Tennis – based on the Spanish RPT (Registro Professional de Tennis) coaching philosophy of “aggressive defence”. It was a method followed by Andy Murray during his time as a teenager based in Barcelona.

“I’ve been working in Scotland for the past two years and have just finished a round of Easter camps,” said Reed.

“I am working at various tennis centres and some local schools, with an age range of four to 18.”

His places of work include Glenalmond and Ardvreck Schools and the local primary in Dunning. He is also working at an exclusive indoor court in Fife, Morton of Pitmilly at Kingsbarns near St Andrews with the intention of offering tennis to kids at schools around Crail and Anstruther.

Eilidh Smith, a partner at Morton, asked Reed to help her grow tennis at the facility. She will captain the women’s Scotland 35 Vets team in the Home Nations Championship in Dublin from the 3-6 May.

“I want to welcome all ages, abilities and backgrounds and encourage more people, particularly youngsters, to play tennis,” added Reed.

“For me, it’s about nurturing grass roots tennis. I enjoy the challenge of fast tracking players to competitive level, whilst also overseeing the performance route.”