Today I only have a few minutes before I head out the door but that's ok because today I have a quick, easy tip for you.
Don't be in such a hurry to win the point so much. Nearly all points are lost rather than won. That means the other person messes up before you can hit a winner on them.
Wait, What's that...?
YOU'RE the one who always messes up...?
Well, try this. Make it your goal to hit at least the first three balls back in the court. Pick a target like deep down the middle, one of the safest possible target zones. If You are still in the point after three shots then you might want to consider being a little more aggressive, but You'll be very surprised at how if you give your opponent an opportunity, then they'll beat themselves.
I use this strategy all the time and I very seldom have to adjust my game plan. When I do, then it's just for a little variety.
That's all I have time for this morning. See You back here next week.
Coach Sam
Monday, April 18, 2005
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Tennis Tip: Realizing One's Potential
Remember my tip last week...? Having a role model...? Well as a coach I have several role models. My coaching style has evolved from being exposed to some of the greatest tennis minds ever. While working at John Newcombes Tennis Ranch in New Braunfels I was trained by Jeremy Fieldsend who has made a career out of managing Newk's. I also took away some good coaching advice from Clarence Mabry, Who was Newk's Coach when he was ranked number one in the world. But enough of the name dropping...
I'll recall some good advice from Jeremy and Clarence in the next few months. But two other coaches who have heavily influenced my teaching style are College Coaches Dave Snyder from the University of Texas and Chuck Kriese from Clemson University. Today's tip is what I've learned from my interaction with Coach Kriese.
Philosophers, psychologists, and teachers all testify to three areas of human development: The Physical, The Mental, and the Emotional. Tennis players must also develop as people in order for their games to benefit. Not only must they be physically capable of the necessary skills, they must have confidence in their ability, and most importantly, be comfortable with each new level of play and it's responsibilities.
In the early stages of development the physical skills must be emphasized. They are the foundation without which the other areas cannot be developed. Later, the mental aspect is developed, enabling the physical to become functional. The last area to be developed is the emotional, which either enables the mental and physical to work together, or becomes the monkey-wrench that eventually breaks down the machinery.
So take care to develop all three areas. Too many coaches focus only on the physical. Too many players also focus only on the physical. After a while, if the mental and emotional areas aren't addressed then there's no way the player will reach his or her potential.
I'll try to address tips on all three areas of player development, so stay tuned. And as always, I welcome your questions or comments. Post a comment right here or send me an email to coachsam@sbcglobal.net
See you next week. Bye for now,
Coach Sam
I'll recall some good advice from Jeremy and Clarence in the next few months. But two other coaches who have heavily influenced my teaching style are College Coaches Dave Snyder from the University of Texas and Chuck Kriese from Clemson University. Today's tip is what I've learned from my interaction with Coach Kriese.
Philosophers, psychologists, and teachers all testify to three areas of human development: The Physical, The Mental, and the Emotional. Tennis players must also develop as people in order for their games to benefit. Not only must they be physically capable of the necessary skills, they must have confidence in their ability, and most importantly, be comfortable with each new level of play and it's responsibilities.
In the early stages of development the physical skills must be emphasized. They are the foundation without which the other areas cannot be developed. Later, the mental aspect is developed, enabling the physical to become functional. The last area to be developed is the emotional, which either enables the mental and physical to work together, or becomes the monkey-wrench that eventually breaks down the machinery.
So take care to develop all three areas. Too many coaches focus only on the physical. Too many players also focus only on the physical. After a while, if the mental and emotional areas aren't addressed then there's no way the player will reach his or her potential.
I'll try to address tips on all three areas of player development, so stay tuned. And as always, I welcome your questions or comments. Post a comment right here or send me an email to coachsam@sbcglobal.net
See you next week. Bye for now,
Coach Sam
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
