[tennisbiz] Re: Coaching Question

Let's be honest. The following statement:

"The harder you work them, the more they will respect you, and more pride
each kid will take in his or her effort to make the team."

really doesn't apply to JV HS tennis or HS kids in general. Boot camp will
not make them better players nor will it garner you respect from 98% of them.
Remember you have a very short tennis season (especially if weather is a
concern). You need to get them to get in shape in the offseason (workout program or
playing other sports) and focus on tennis during the season.

Second, 99% of the tennis books that are out there are not worth the paper
they are written on. I was in Barnes & Noble yesterday and skimmed through 4
books that purported to provide the reader with insight into how to succeed at
tennis, play tennis well, etc. etc. All four books had photos of woefully
incorrect techniques and mechanics (ex. I can't say that my left knee is often on
the ground as I am volleying a ball from the air 18 inches from the net as one
book said to do) I burst out laughing right then and there. Don't believe
everything that you read.

MECHANICS!!! Do your best to seek out someone who can provide you with the
ability to focus on both the basic and advanced mechanics of tennis. As soon as
you can, try to give more than the typical "follow through" or "bend your
knees" comments that you hear from so many pros and coaches. It will take time,
but start somewhere. Learn to question why certain habits are there. Thik for
yourself about mantras that are outdated or often incorrect, like why you "need"
a loop on your forehand, why you should bend way down for a volley, and
remember that "hitting balls" alone will not do very much for most players.

ORGANIZATION!!! Make lists, write out practice routines (until you have them
ingrained in your mind), get player lists, phones, addresses, etc. Find a
reliable and energetic student manager (or more than 1).

I definitely agree that you have to establish your authority. Think about
rules you put in place and make them abide by them all the time.

Good luck Kristy, let me know if you have any questions.

Ante Udovicic
Canedo Tennis Academy

  
Received on Wed Apr 14 2004 - 08:11:34 CDT