CHICAGO, IL, July 06, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- After three decades of leading real estate ventures across the United States, Jeff Rothbard, known affectionately on the court as "Coach Jeff," has traded in his boardroom briefcase for a tennis racquet and is making an impact that extends far beyond the baseline. With the founding of Baseline Tennis Academy, Rothbard is bringing a new level of strategic thinking, discipline, and leadership to the world of tennis instruction, redefining what it means to be a coach in today's competitive sports landscape.

Combining his background as a successful entrepreneur with his lifelong passion for tennis, Rothbard has created a coaching model rooted in accountability, detailed analysis, caring about his students, resilience, and precision. After training and teaching students in Charleston, SC, he is now based in both Carmel, Indiana, and the North Shore of Chicago, IL, Coach Jeff is inspiring players of all ages and skill levels to excel in tennis, and in life.

Business Discipline Meets Athletic Development

Before returning to tennis, Jeff Rothbard spent more than 30 years in real estate and the helm of SilverCreek Properties, a commercial real estate company he founded and grew across 18 states. Under Rothbard's leadership, SilverCreek expanded to more than 60 properties nationwide, eventually leading to a successful exit in 2006. His post-exit ventures included residential remodeling and "flipping" of properties and property investment.

Now, Rothbard is leveraging that same entrepreneurial drive in a completely different arena: the tennis court.

"There's a surprising amount of overlap between coaching a player and managing a business," says Rothbard. "Both require structure, vision, feedback loops, and a culture of growth. The difference is, on the court, I get to see those transformations happen in real time."

This unique approach has quickly made Baseline Tennis Academy and Coach Jeff a standout in a crowded field. By applying business principles like goal setting, strategic planning, and performance metrics to his training methodology, Rothbard empowers players to approach the game and life with clarity, consistency, and confidence.

Coaching with Purpose: The Baseline Method

At the core of Coach Jeff's philosophy is a simple but powerful belief: great attitude + great effort = great results.
Whether he's working with young beginners or experienced adult competitors, Rothbard emphasizes the importance of purposeful movement, mental discipline, and technical mastery. His one-on-one sessions or dynamic group clinics are designed to build skill and character.

Players at Baseline Tennis Academy learn to:
Trust the process through consistent, fundamentals-focused drills. One of Coach Jeff's favorite sayings and things to teach players of all levels is "Have intention with your shots and intensity with your footwork"

Cultivate resilience using his "Next Time" reflection technique, which encourages players to grow from mistakes rather than dwell on them.

Master court awareness through his "bounce-swing" and weight transfer rhythm concept, improving timing and shot selection.
Embrace a growth and accountability mindset which is essential for competition and personal development.

"Mistakes aren't failures; they're feedback, and it is OK to miss shots," says Rothbard. "When players understand that, their whole approach changes. They become more confident, more coachable, and more driven."

The results speak for themselves. Jeff's players routinely improve their USTA and UTR rankings, earn scholarships, and grow into leaders on and off the court. But for Rothbard, the ultimate win is seeing a young athlete become more focused, and disciplined, with a racquet in hand, and in everyday life.

Two Cities, One Mission

Splitting his time between Carmel, Indiana, and North Shore of Chicago, IL, Jeff Rothbard has managed to build thriving tennis communities in both regions. His flexible schedule allows him to offer year-round coaching and programs tailored to the needs of each area and player.

In Carmel, Jeff partners with local facilities and schools to offer junior development clinics, High Performance junior programs, adult clinics for beginners and advanced players, and private instruction. In the Chicago area, where the tennis scene is equally active, he runs seasonal camps, private coaching for players looking to compete at higher levels and anyone who is looking to improve and get started playing tennis.

Regardless of the setting, Rothbard's mission remains the same: to use tennis as a vehicle for personal growth, resilience, and high-performance living.

A Coach Who Listens and Leads

What truly sets Coach Jeff apart is his teaching style and his ability to connect. Parents routinely praise his patience, positive reinforcement, and attention to detail. Adult players commend his analytical eye and ability to break down complex techniques into simple, actionable steps. And junior athletes say he makes tennis fun while pushing them to be their best.

"Jeff's background in business shows in everything he does," says one parent. "He's structured but encouraging, firm but fair. He holds players accountable without crushing their confidence."

Rothbard also emphasizes regular progress tracking and open communication with players and families. Each student receives personalized feedback and a development roadmap, ensuring their training is always aligned with their goals whether it's making varsity, earning a college scholarship, or simply becoming more active and confident.

From Founder to Coach and Back Again

While some might see Jeff Rothbard's transition from real estate developer to tennis coach as a reinvention, he sees it as a return.

"Tennis was my first love," Rothbard explains. "Business gave me incredible opportunities, but coaching brings a different kind of fulfillment. I get to shape lives in real time. That's a responsibility I take seriously and a privilege I don't take for granted."

By blending decades of leadership experience with a deep love for the game, Rothbard is proving that coaching is about more than just improving a backhand or winning matches. It's about showing up day after day; with purpose, focus, and heart.

About Baseline Tennis Academy

Baseline Tennis Academy, led by Coach Jeff Rothbard, is dedicated to developing tennis players of all levels through a unique blend of technical instruction, mental training, and personal mentorship. Based in Carmel, Indiana, and North Shore of Chicago, IL, the academy offers private lessons, group clinics, junior programs, and seasonal camps designed to help athletes grow on and off the court.

The academy's core belief is great attitude + great effort = great results. It guides everything from lesson plans to player development. With a focus on purposeful practice, mental resilience, and a love for the game, Baseline Tennis Academy is shaping the next generation of confident, capable athletes.

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