Damien Lafont

Damien Lafont, Ph.D., is a true polymath. Born in France, he earned his Ph.D. from Blaise Pascal University (now Université d’Auvergne)—tennis coach, physicist, Caltech/NASA/JPL postdoctoral researcher, and pioneer in the study of flow, anticipation, and high performance.

With a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science and a B.S. in Sport Science, Damien has published peer-reviewed research on climate science as well as on attention, cognition, and anticipation, and developed a groundbreaking model of anticipation in sport. His work has been presented globally—from Penn State to Swiss Tennis, and USC to Melbourne—engaging leading experts in cognition, vision, and perceptual-motor control.

As a tennis coach across France, the U.S., and now Australia, Damien blends scientific insight with Eastern wisdom. His tennis journey led to Kung Fu Tennis—a bestselling book and revolutionary method offering the fastest, simplest, and most intuitive way to learn tennis, especially for children and beginners. It restores the core fundamentals of the game with unmatched clarity and ease. Designed with both structure and freedom, Kung Fu Tennis is also uniquely effective for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and other developmental differences—empowering neurodiverse kids through rhythm and movement. He also developed the Tennis Master System—the first comprehensive “bible” of tennis fundamentals, delivering a complete framework that redefines how tennis is taught and understood.

As a coach and mentor, Damien has guided junior players to reach their full potential—supporting several in earning NCAA Division I tennis scholarships in the U.S. He has also served as a mental coach and performance mentor for elite athletes and Olympians, including members of U.S. Olympic teams in swimming and BMX, a UFC fighter and MMA world champion, and professional performers seeking to perform in the zone, even under pressure.