Junichi “JJ” Minakata is a former NCAA Division I collegiate player with extensive experience coaching high-performance juniors, competitive adults, and aspiring professional players. In addition to his collegiate career, he has competed on the ITF Junior Circuit and selected ITF/UTR tournaments, and continues to pursue his own development as a high-level player, maintaining a strong connection to the demands of competitive tennis.
JJ most recently coached at Renouf Tennis Centre in Wellington, New Zealand, working under New Zealand’s Davis Cup coach. In this role, he was closely involved in the long-term development of junior athletes, with a strong emphasis on match tactics, technical refinement, and preparation pathways for U.S. college tennis (NCAA Division I and II).
Beyond private coaching, JJ has also supported young aspiring professional players from Japan during ITF and Challenger-level tournaments, providing on-tour assistance, match preparation, and performance support. This exposure to the international tournament environment informs his coaching approach and allows him to bridge the gap between training court work and real competitive demands.
JJ’s coaching philosophy is built around structured, purposeful training designed to produce measurable improvement. His areas of focus include:
• Efficient biomechanics, including serve mechanics, movement, and stroke production
• Tactical awareness, point construction, and match-play decision-making
• Mental discipline, competitive habits, and professionalism on and off the court
While JJ specialises in high-performance and competitive player development, he also works with motivated adults and juniors of all levels, tailoring each session to the individual’s goals — whether preparing for competition, refining technique, or building a deeper understanding of the game.
He believes that effective coaching goes beyond simply feeding balls, and that consistent progress comes from clear structure, intelligent training design, and accountability.
IMS Tennis 