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