A SECTION DEDICATED TO TENNIS AUSTRALIA COACH MEMBERS
MyCoach
78 Be the perfect example:
Many coaches become enduring role models to students.
81 What do you see?
Roger Federer’s fierce forehand is one to emulate.
82 Coach talk 83 The family tradition continues: Coach Scott Marshall is following the path of some well-known tennis names.
84 Coach drills Australian Tennis Magazine | January 2012
69
A SECTION DEDICATED TO TENNIS AUSTRALIA COACH MEMBERS Tennis Australia Coach Membership T: 03 9914 4191 F: 03 9650 1040 Email: coachmembership@tennis.com.au Website: www.tennis.com.au/membership
Be the perfect example Children look up to people in the public eye, to movie stars and sports stars, but sometimes the most influential role models are closer to home. By Daniela Toleski
MyCoach
What is a role model? A role model is usually seen as a person who serves as an example and in most cases their behaviour is emulated by others. Although children will say that their role model is someone in the public eye, in more instances than not these people take the position of being a hero or idol, while the people in their lives that they see face-toface pose the greatest influence. This extends to parents, older siblings, grandparents, teachers and even tennis coaches. Each person holds a significant part 78
Australian Tennis Magazine | January 2012
in the personal development of children. From the moment they enter the world children are usually taught how to talk, eat and walk by their parents but as they grow they are exposed to diverse behaviours, which may have a significant impact. Most people learn human behaviour through what they experience and even though it is mostly unconsciously there are times when it is copied consciously. For the majority of the time verbal and non-verbal behaviour is learned by observation and interaction.
If the child holds you in high regard though, they are more likely to follow your example and as a tennis coach, you’re in a position to leave a lasting impression for your athletes. But at the same time, you’re actions are being watched closely and the way you act or respond to situations on the tennis court could have positive or negative connotations to your athletes.
Being professional This is where professionalism comes in. Children are brought to you in trust by their parents and as such need to be surrounded by a responsible and caring adult. A tennis coach is usually in the lives of children when they’re working out, consolidating their personality and finding their identity as a person. As such, during this time, children are more vulernable to negative behaviour.
Encouraging athletes Coaches are in the primary position to inspire athletes to achieve their goals. Your athletes may feel like that cannot reach a particular level in the sport, but with your encouragement there’s the potential for them to go further than their wildest dreams. “It feels good and positive to be considered as a role model. It really feels like my coaching is helping them out and feels like I can get even more out of those students and push them to their limits if they’re looking up to you,” Tennis Australia’s Club Professional coach Ryan Kebblewhite says. They probably admire you and this is most evident if you practice with them and complete the same activities that they’re expected to complete on court, especially if they’re moving within the high performance level. This is one way of showing them that they can achieve what you’re able to achieve and give them the added confidence to believe in themselves. It will also help them to establish the mentality that trying something and being committed until they achieve what they set out to do is within arms reach.
players, we can be one of the greatest influences in a child’s life outside the family unit,” Tennis Australia Club Professional coach Jay Deacon says. “With this, I hope I provide the athlete with a positive experience in encouraging them to achieve their goals.” Multi-tasking and having a strong work ethic are also powerful attributes to being admired. “My role as a tennis administrator, pro shop operator and tennis coach only works if I exercise a certain level of discipline and professionalism,” Tennis Australia Junior Development coach Mark Bloomfield says. “I hope that young players at our centres see that as a positive influence with their own level of professionalism and work ethic.” Tennis has long been a sport stepped in tradition with etiquette, rules and values and these can be translated into everyday life. “I feel privileged and try to set a standard in sportsmanship and etiquette because it is the character and manners of the players that makes for a wonderful sporting environment,” Tennis Australia Club Professional coach Scott Marshall says. So you may not be splashed across magazines worldwide or be making millions of dollars in endorsements, but your interactions with your athletes have the potential to establish world-class people on and off the court.
1. Do as you say Put into action what you expect the athletes to do.
2. Explain your reasoning Tell the athlete which decision is best on court for a particular scenario, but also how you came to that conclusion. This way, they’ll be able to follow that reasoning when they find themselves on court in a similar situation.
3. Be true to your word From being on time to meaning what you say, you can help your athletes adopt the same attitude in their life.
4. Be respectful Showing respect to others helps athletes to understand that you can still be successful in business and relationships without stepping on other people’s toes.
5. Show professionalism Exercise a high level of professionalism with parents, club volunteers, acquantainces etc. to show proper business relationships.
Sportsmanship Being a role model though is a huge responsibility, but at the same time you can provide inspiration and motivation to help athletes accomplish their dream and live fulfilling lifes. “It is a great honour and responsibility. With the amount of time we spend with students, in particular the tournament
Behaviour learnt on the tennis court can be translated to everyday life.
Australian Tennis Magazine | January 2012
79
MyCoach
“I hope they see me as someone who takes a professional approach to helping them, no matter their level, to achieve their goals,” Tennis Australia Club Professional coach Peter Apin says. But as the old saying goes ‘practice what you preach’. Children will notice your behaviour and there’s nothing worse than being seen as a hypocrite. You’re in a position of power and have the chance to mould your athletes to grow up and portray positive behaviour during their adolescent years in particular. The earlier years offer the prime opportunity to teach social behaviours that will not only assist your athletes on the tennis court, but be translated into everyday life, lasting with them forever.
Being a positive role model
The transition from clay to grass and implications on a physical program
O
ne of the many challenges in tennis is dealing with regular changes in court surface. There is a great deal of variety in the competition schedules of athletes due to the wide range of competitive opportunities available. However, most elite players will have to deal with the transition from play on clay courts to play on grass courts. There is often a very short time between the clay and grass court “seasons”, which poses a challenge for the strength and conditioning coach responsible for preparing athletes for the varied physical requirements of matchplay on different surfaces. The differences in the physical requirements include: ■■
A general acceptance that points are longer on clay courts (7.4 to 7.6 seconds) than on grass (3.8 to 5.5 seconds).3
■■
The average heart rate and blood lactate concentrations are significantly higher on the slower clay courts when compared to the faster surfaces such as hard and grass courts.6
■■
There are also a higher proportion of baseline rallies on clay, compared with grass.2,8
■■
Grass courts often encourage a more aggressive game style on serve and return and increased serve volleying.1
■■
MyCoach
■■
Coinciding with the differences in strategy, there is a larger amount of forward movement on grass, and less lateral movement. A major difference in movement patterns between the two surfaces is the use of sliding as an efficient change of direction on clay, which is not possible on grass particularly with the use of dimpled shoes.1,4,7 This means the force involved with decelerating and changing direction on grass occur over a shorter time frame resulting in more stress on lower limb joints and muscles.
■■
Players are often more susceptible to injury on grass with some statistics showing an increase in injury treatments during matches.1
■■
The combination of the different style of play, a change in movement patterns and a lowered hitting position means players will often experience some soreness in common muscle groups such as gluteals, groins and lower backs when first transitioning onto grass.5 This increased injury risk and altered physical demands
80
Australian Tennis Magazine | January 2012
Table 1: Training differences between clay and grass
Clay
Grass
On-court focus Longer duration drills to induce a greater physiological load
On-court focus Shorter duration drills emphasising forward movement, net play and more aggressive game style e.g. drills: approach/pass drill, transition volley drill
Emphasis put on disciplined shot selection and consistency Example drills: point out of the hand (no serve or return), wash drills Movement drills Specific to the individual but generally focusing on sliding technique, lateral movement across the baseline and movement in and out of the court (backwards off the baseline, then recovering back towards the baseline between shots) e.g. slide and catch drill, reactive baseline shadow swings, medicine ball in/out drill
Movement drills Focus shifts to more forward movement (i.e. serve volleying, increased net play), staying lower in hitting positions due to the lower bounce e.g. drills: figure 8 change of direction drill, reactive lateral change of direction drill, shadow lunge volleys, shadow serve volleys, back foot rudder drill, ball rolls and returns, low cone touches
Resistance training Individualised but focusing on local muscular endurance in the lower limbs, and some specific work through adductors e.g. exercises: slideboard lateral slide, side lunge variations
Resistance training Greater focus on power production, specific work through gluteals and lower back e.g. exercises: forward leaning lunges, deadlifts
Recovery Various recovery modalities cycled as appropriate e.g. contrast baths, hydrotherapies, massage
Recovery Emphasis during initial transition on lower limb stretches post training combined with regular recovery modalities e.g. hip flexors, hamstrings, calves and gluteal individual and partner static stretches
means it is important to plan for the change of surface and alter training both on and off the court accordingly. Some practical ideas to prepare tennis players for the varied physical requirements when transitioning from clay to grass include those outlined in Table 1 as well as those listed below: ■■
The introduction of specific exercises such as forward leaning lunges and deadlifts to target the posterior chain to prepare athletes for the lowered hitting position and anticipated soreness through the gluteals and lower backs.
■■
The introduction of movement sessions conducted on grass, wearing dimpled grass court shoes to help prepare for the altered movement mechanics and increased joint stresses.
■■
Ideally a training week conducted on grass before competition.
■■
Alter on-court training to simulate the shorter point durations, more aggressive game styles and increased forward movement.
■■
Ensure compliance with lower limb stretching routines, particularly hip
flexors and hamstrings for the first few days on grass. By David Jones, Tennis Australia’s AIS Strength and Conditioning Coach.
References: 1. Bastholt, P. Professional tennis (ATP tour) and number of medical treatments in relation to court surface. Med Sci Tennis [online]. 5(2). 2000. Available at http:// www.stms.nl/index.php?option=com_content&task= view&id=881&Itemid=263. Accessed 25th May 2011. 2. Fernandez, J, Mendez-Villanueva, A & Pluim, B 2006. Intensity of tennis matchplay, British Journal of Sports Medicine. 40: 387–391. 2006. 3. Fernandez-Fernandez, J, Sanz-Rivas, D & Mendez-Villanueva, A. A review of the activity profile and physiological demands of tennis match play. Strength and Conditioning Journal. 31 (4): 15–26. 2009. 4. Girard, O, Eicher, F, Fourchet, F, Micallef, J & Millet, G. Effects of playing surface on plantar pressures and potential injury in tennis. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 41:733–738. 2007. 5. Maes C. Planning physical conditioning with professional players. In: Strength and Conditioning for Tennis. Reid M, Quinn A, and Crespo M, eds. Spain: ITF Ltd, 2003. pp. 217–225. 6. Martin, C, Thevenet, D, Zouhal, H, Mornet, Y, Deles, R, Crestel, T, Abderrahman, A & Prioux, J. Effects of playing surface (hard and clay) on heart rate and blood lactate during tennis matches played by high-level players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 25 (1): 163–170. 2011. 7. Miller, S. Modern tennis rackets, balls and surfaces. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 40: 401–405. 2006. 8. O’Donaghue, P & Ingram, B. A notational analysis of elite tennis strategy. Journal of Sports Science, 19: 107–115. 2001.
What do you see? By the Stroke Master
Roger Federer claimed the 2011 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals for the second consecutive year and moved back up to world No.3. Below we look at his fierce forehand.
The racquet turns high to allow for an effective circular swing.
Left arm shadows the right to provide balance and coordination to the upper body.
The racquet face is slightly closed which allows the racquet face to be perfectly vertical at contact with no wrist movement.
MyCoach
Backswing has effectively put the trunk on pre stretch to allow for greater rotation in the forward swing.
Semi open stance allows for greater hip rotation and the effective use of angular momentum.
Australian Tennis Magazine | January 2012
81
Coach Talk The rules of tennis are changing
L
Bounce online learning platform is now available for Tennis Australia qualified coach members
B
ounce is an initiative by Coach Development to improve the already world leading qualifications, by providing far greater professional development opportunities than ever before. Bounce is a brand new online platform which will bring about a fun and interactive learning environment to further develop the learning journey as a coach. There are many features of Bounce which include: ■■ Videos from conferences and workshops. ■■ Discussion forums. ■■ Coaching tips and activities. ■■ Interactive flash presentations.
■■ Questionnaires. ■■ Networking opportunities. ■■ Marketing resources and templates. Coaches who are an MLC Tennis Hot Shots Deliverer, Head Cardio Tennis Coach or Talent Development Coach will receive the added benefit of additional content on Bounce which is directly related to these programs. Each qualified coach member can access Bounce through their MyTennis profile at tennis.com.au/coaches/login. For further information on Bounce or for technical support please contact bouncefeedback@ tennis.com.au.
Our transition into Coach and Talent Development
W
MyCoach
e bid farewell to Travis Atkinson and Karen Clydesdale as they turn their focus to Cardio Tennis after helping to build Coach Development into what it is today. We welcome Geoff Quinlan, previously from Athlete Development, the new Coach and Talent Development Manager. As Project Talent is incorporated with Coach Development, Kim Kachel is now also part of the team as the Project Talent Manager. This program will create more successful programs through the network of Talent Development coaches. Patrick McInerney whilst maintaining world
82
Australian Tennis Magazine | January 2012
leading coach education now takes Coach Membership under his wing as the Coach Education and Membership Manager. The process of recruitment is also well underway with Coach and Talent Development managers being appointed in each state to lead the future direction of coach and talent development. They will also facilitate workshops, talent development camps and assist you with your coaching needs. Keep your eyes peeled for future updates from the Coach and Talent Development team as we endeavour to recruit and develop coaches who drive participation and performance.
earning to play tennis is about to get a whole lot easier. As of 1 January 2012, the ITF has specified that all 10 and under tennis competitions will be required to use low-compression, red, orange and green balls and be played on smaller courts. For years most sports have taught children the basics through the use of smaller or modified equipment and a reduced playing area. Research shows that kids who learn to play using lowcompression balls on smaller courts with kid-size racquets enjoy more hitting opportunities. The benefits of this are numerous – more chances to hit means longer rallies, improved swing patterns and better footwork. Playing with modified equipment helps kids develop better technical skills as the ball bounces at a height that is comfortable for them to hit. While playing on a scaled court allows beginner players to cover the whole court and develop better footwork and tactical skills. All of this adds up to kids having a better chance of early success on the tennis court and a great experience creating the want to keep playing tennis. For more information about the rule change, low-compression balls, scaled courts and equipment, temporary line options, scoring and MLC Tennis Hot Shots go to tennis.com.au/rulechange.
The family tradition continues “After the AIS training program in Canberra and College Tennis in Texas. An opportunity to direct Arthur Marshall’s Tennis Academy presented itself and I took it,” he says. “Training under the tuition of some great Australian l l sh a ia t ra l t e Ma r s t coaches is also something t u o A ci a n is e: Sc A sso Ten , I rate highly as part of : Na m h n c o coa ati na l li fic my qualifications … Ray Qua rofessio n P e Law Ruffles, Bob Carmichael Club s deg re nt le a a i l m t a e r r r t A F s f and Helen Gourlay at the t o as n Au he E s t er T e : AIS, Neale Fraser, Allan b W Clu lub, n is C Stone and Arthur Marshall n e T at the National Philip Island Training Camps and Rob Kilderry and Rob Casey in Western Australian state squads.” Marshall’s Tennis Academy has been associated with many clubs and schools over the years. With its 26 courts and river views, Some of tennis’s well-known East Fremantle Lawn Tennis Club is a worldclass facility. names have played a significant It’s also seen the game evolve from wooden racquets and all white attire to the part in Scott Marshall’s journey modern power game of graphite racquets, heavy spin and cutting edge games styles. in the sport. Marshall’s Tennis Academy is pivotal to tennis in Western Australia. Over the years Scott Marshall’s father, Arthur, the academy has managed state teams, founded the Arthur Marshall’s Tennis run state squads, developed elite coaches, Academy at the East Fremantle Lawn produced state champions, organised tennis Tennis Club in 1958. Marshall himself was camps and tournaments. among a number of talented juniors to Marshall’s father learnt his trade under progress through the academy. the watchful eye of Harry Hopman with His love of tennis began at the tender age tennis legends Lew Hoad and Ken Rosewall. of six, but as he got older, travelling in style The Marshall family has drawn on two was the icing on the cake. generations of elite tennis experience and “My most treasured moment was knowledge, offering a state-of-the-art tennis representing Australia with Brett Edwards coaching system. at the Japan National Lawn Tennis “The passing on of knowledge is rewarding Championship. It was the first time I had and it’s great to be out of the office enjoying travelled first class and we had our own the social interaction that comes with chauffeur,” he says. He went on to represent Western Australia teaching our great game,” Marshall says. A harmonious environment though is in the Reid Cup, Linton Cup and Pizzey Cup. required for athletes to achieve their goals, But his most notable achievement was being with the approach being critical to their the first player to represent his state at the development. Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). “I take an interest in the players Marshall also won two Western Australian themselves and critique them on State League Pennants, as well as claiming performance, not on results,” he says. the East Fremantle singles title 17 times. “Establishing short-term attainable goals, In college tennis in the US, he was named and longer-term attainable goals, as well as ‘All American’ after back-to-back titles, but daring to dream is the start. Taking pride in coaching was a natural progression for the performance and celebrating achieved goals tennis-loving Marshall and has been his is the next step. Drawing inspiration from the career for over 30 years.
deeds of others is another important part of staying motivated.” Marshall’s coaching technique analogy is all about learning the correct fundamentals, which once established help athletes to move on to bigger goals. “Each skill is like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle. Just like a jigsaw, start with the corner pieces and frame then the rest starts to fall into place. In other words get the fundamentals correct and then build your game from there,” he says. And he is well placed to talk about this having started playing as the number one State League player in 1990 for Hensman Park and retiring as a number one State League player for East Fremantle Lawn Tennis Club only five years ago. The East Fremantle Lawn Tennis Club will hold the 35th Junior Tennis Classic in 2012. Some past winners of this tournament have gone on to compete on the Pro Tour. These Maximising player enjoyment is a main aim for Scott Marshall.
include Pat Cash, Liz Smiley, Jenny Byrne, Paul Killderry and Casey Dellaqcua. “My goal and that of Marshall’s Tennis Academy is to give as many people as possible the skill and knowledge required to play the game of tennis at the level they aspire to and to maximise the players’ enjoyment in all aspects of the game. “We’ll be resurfacing and re-fencing five of our 25 tennis courts. The money spent on improving the quality of bounce in our 16 grass courts will be very attractive to our new and old members alike.”
East Fremantle Lawn Tennis Club The East Fremantle Lawn Tennis Club boasts 16 grass and 10 hard courts, breathtaking river views, playground and a supervised crèche for children of tennis players.
Australian Tennis Magazine | January 2012
83
MyCoach
S
Stroke warm-up ideas and Drive, loop, chip drill – An extract from the MLC Tennis Hot Shots Delivery Manual
Green stage stroke warm-ups
Teaching points (use a combination of these service box warm-ups)
1
Six steps
A simple rally but players must take six steps between each shot.
2
Alternator
Players must hit alternate forehands and backhands.
3
One-leg wonder
Players must strike each ball standing on only one leg to promote better balance.
4
In and volley
One player hits alternate ground stroke and volley patterns – complete 10 shots and swap roles.
5
Bump it
Players must hit the ball into the ground to get it over the net. Can be played both competitively and cooperatively.
6
Half-volley King
Every ball must be half volleyed.
Focus: develop ability to vary spin and adapt to different shots from the opponent Stage: green stage, encourage (nine years plus) Equipment: only the player’s racquets and low-compression green stage tennis balls C
Instruction: • Two players start a rally with an underhand feed. • They must adapt their spin depending on the shot they receive from their opponent. • For example: –– for a high bouncing ball – loop –– a ball that pushes them back – loop –– for a comfortable waist-highball – drive –– a ball that they can be aggressive on – drive –– for a low-bouncing ball – chip –– a ball they have to stretch for – chip.
Coaching notes: This drill develops advanced rallying concepts with players reading the characteristics of their opponent’s shot and adapting their shot accordingly.
C
MyCoach
Progression: i. Players call their intention before they hit the ball (as early as possible). This will show the speed they perceive the incoming shot and give the coach a good indication of their reception skills. This may start with calling either “loop” or “drive” and progress to “chip” once they are comfortable. ii. Players call out the shot that their opponent is going to play based on the ball that they sent to them to develop this into an anticipation drill.
Key
84
Player
Drive
Australian Tennis Magazine | January 2012
Loop
Chip