Archive for May, 2008»
There is some confusion concerning Imagery and Visualization and we need to deal with this to start with. It is only in recent years that more emphasis has been placed on the mental side of tennis together with other sports, even though tennis is 65% mental once you have got past the learning of techniques, tactics etc.
Visualization has been used for some time in certain sports but this is only part of the equation and only refers to the practice of mental rehearsal with the emphasis on the visual sense, to imagine a sport situation.
Tennis players use visualization on a daily basis when getting ready for the serve, whilst doing their preliminary routines they are visualizing in their minds where they are going to place the serve. This can be very powerful and should not be overlooked as a help to your serving practice.
As an experiment, the Boston Celtic Basketball team split into two sections. One section spent the time practicing their free-throw shots from the line, the other half sat on the bench and in their mind visualized doing the free-throws. They all then took a quantity of free-throws and those who had sat and visualized out scored those who has actually practiced.
Imagery is best described as a method of using all the senses to create or re-create an experience in the mind.
Imagery can be used to encourage you to see your successful performances - either in a re-run of previous events or successfully performing a new task. It helps you to focus on the key points that contribute to those successes and to develop ways to enhance these performances in future events.
Mental imagery techniques are critical tools in an elite performers training and it is believed that up to 90% of Olympic athletes regularly use these imagery rehearsals as part of their training.
Imagery is very versatile and to put it into perspective, whereas using visualization in placing your serve where you want it to go, with imagery you would go through the complete serve routine in your mind. i.e. right from the setting up of the correct stance through the turning and coiling of the body, the bending of the knees, correct movement of the racket to hitting the ball and a secure follow through.
You would see and feel the whole movement in your minds eye and in your body.
Your mind controls all of your body movements.
You should use two distinct types of imagery in your tennis training.
The first is external imagery and we are all familiar with this, even though it is only now being used more within the game. You will most likely understand this, and it is the taking of a video of your body executing a particular skill. When I show players a video of them performing a particular skill i.e. the serve or groundstroke, they are surprised that what they are doing often does not conform to what they believe they are doing. This is particularly so with the serve, being the most difficult shot to execute to a specific design. Get your coach or a friend to video one of your shots and then analyze each segment in comparison to how you believed you were performing.
The second is internal imagery, that we have discussed earlier, you would picture a visual image as if you were looking through your own eyes and at the same time feeling the muscular contractions and movement sensations that occur during actual movement.
To learn more about these skills visit our website.
To find out more about the great game of tennis and to subscribe to a monthly news letter, visit http://www.tennisatthenet.ws
John Hoskins is an L.T.A. and a PTRUK qualified licensed tennis coach working at a number of facilities as head coach in Kent, England.
Tennis is one of the biggest, most competitive and glamorous sports in the world, and 2008 looks set to be a vintage year for the sport, with an exceptional standard of tennis across the major tournaments already this summer. Whether it’s been a match from the well established stars on the tour to the new up and coming talents, this season has given all tennis fans something to smile about.
Who can forget THAT Wimbledon men’s singles final? In years to come, we may look back at the history books and determine that it was on Sunday 6th July that signaled the changing of the guard for the title of world’s greatest tennis player, as Rafael Nadal finally became the first man to beat Roger Federer on grass, and end his 59-match unbeaten run. It was truly a Wimbledon epic and worthy of any Grand-Slam tournament final, and will live long in the memory for many years to come.
With all this excitement, tennis is set to be one of the hot sports of the summer and not just for the British who suddenly find themselves with both ladies’ and men’s hopefuls for the future. We can look forward to more thrilling matches from Andy Murray and his brother Jamie, who are competing together in the men’s doubles in the upcoming Beijing Olympics. British tennis fans also have a new face to cheer as fans eagerly wait for more from Laura Robson, the 14 year old tennis hopeful who made her mark by winning the Wimbledon junior title in the women’s singles.
As the football season takes a break in the summer, the popularity of tennis at grass roots level always soars. This year’s much improved weather in the UK has also helped, and across cities and towns you can see local tennis courts packed out with players of all ages old trying their best to imitate Roger Federer’s forehand or Venus Williams’ serve. Tennis has also always had its personalities who express their own unique styles and fashion sense on the court, which is often replicated by amateur players.
Whether it’s Rafael Nadal’s vest top with long past-the-knee shorts, Roger Federer’s cardigan or Serena Williams’ rain jacket you don’t have to look hard to see the fashions made famous by the players being copied across a tennis court near you.
Some players try a fashion accessory which is slightly more subtle than the traditional sweat band or baseball cap, and instead sport a tennis bracelet. First made famous in 1987 by glamorous tennis star Chris Evert, the tennis bracelet is a string of dazzling diamonds worn around the wrist. Prior to 1987, tennis bracelets were previously known as in-line bracelets, because it is, essentially, a line of diamonds around your wrist. During a match in 1987 Chris Evert’s in-line bracelet broke, scattering diamonds around the court and buying her time to recover her breath and eventually go on to win the match. Since then in-line bracelets have been known as tennis bracelets and have become synonymous with style, elegance and the summer.
So if you’re looking for a slightly different accessory to make your tennis outfit stand out this summer, forget the sweatband and try a tennis bracelet instead.
Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
Mini Tennis, Pee Wee Tennis, Tiny Tots Tennis, Little Mozzies! Coaching Junior Beginners has been called everything. The bottom line for tennis coaches is that having a strong beginner tennis coaching program is the key to a long term sustainable business operation.
Putting together an exciting and challenging tennis coaching program for the young player should be a priority for any serious coach. These young beginners also need some special coaching methods to teach them to love tennis and stay in the game.
Tip 1 - Success equals Confidence equals Fun! Tennis is in the recreation business and coaches are fighting to attract young athletes to the sport so that grass roots programs flourish and we produce players at the elite level. Be constantly positive; play fun games which all players can succeed; create an atmosphere at your club that parents and children can enjoy. Do your best to keep children in tennis for life.
Tip 2 - Use modified tennis equipment. This relates to tip number one because by using lower nets, softer tennis balls, lighter tennis racquets and fun equipment we can help our students succeed and therefore enjoy tennis.
Tip 3 - Use cones to position players. Use cones or spots to position students for games and activities. This will give them a reference point and prevent them from wondering off.
Tip 4 - Refer to the names of lines and areas of the court. Use the names of lines and parts of the court when giving directions. This will provide a “full” tennis education and help when playing matches later on.
Tip 5 - Demonstrate before you explain the drill. Young children are fantastic learners. They learn best from observing and copying; as well as experimenting and feeling how something works. In your tennis lessons give the players lots of visual coaching and have them shadow swing so they can feel the correct stroke. This will be far more effective than explaining to a child with a very short attention span who may not fully understand the meaning of your words.
Tip 6 - Don’t get too technical! This relates to tip number five. Technical instruction is wasted on young children but they do understand simple distinctions. For instance using higher or lower; softer or harder; to the left or right are effective words to guide a young player. This is one reason why the use of targets and cones can be a very valuable coaching tool.
Tip 7 - Use targets for students to aim at. The reason for using targets is to compel the players to use control over power. Many young players will associate success with how fast and far they can hit the ball. Studies have shown that in sports that require both speed and precision (like tennis) it is far better to learn slow, controlled moves and then make them faster; than learn fast uncontrolled moves and them slow them down. By hitting accurate controlled shots our players will become better at rallying (which should be foremost goal of any program.)
Tip 8 - Don’t take private lessons too early. While some parents will expect us to dress up in a clown suit and entertain a 4 or 5 year old in a private lesson it is inappropriate at this age. The children at this age enjoy the excitement of playing with their friends and social interaction - the coach will soon become weary and lose passion for their job.
Tip 9 - Progress the program. Keep giving the students a reason to come back to the game. Progress from a mini court to full court; a mini racquet to a graduate racquet; low compression balls to championship balls; a 30 minute lesson to a 45 minute lesson. Keep challenging the students or they will feel they are not improving and find another sports which offers a pathway.
Tip 10 - Let them play the game. As coaches we are trying to teach players the game of tennis. Once the fundamentals have been taught modified game play should become an emphasis. While at a young age hitting the ball over the net seems miraculous, and returning an impossible dream; let the students experiment with a modified rally. The coach can help or make special rules so it remains enjoyable and the students can experience some success.
Follow these tennis tips to success in your own junior tennis program!
By Rufus Keown
Club Professional Coach
Co-founder http://www.globalsportscoaching.com
The global website for tennis coaches and players with 1000’s of tennis drills, tennis articles, tennis tips and tennis lesson plans.
One of the more difficult and stressful aspects of being a Director of Tennis is staff management. You are not only responsible for your own performances but also for those of your coaching staff.
After many management positions in both the tennis coaching and fitness industry I have compiled a list of key points to make your life as a manager more productive, successful and less stressful. Managing a large group of employees requires a certain skill set for a manager to gain the respect from their employees. You do not necessarily have to be friends with your employees but you do need to be friendly and respectful of each persons own beliefs and individual personalities.
One of the hardest aspects for me personally when it comes to managing was the hiring and firing of staff. When it came to hiring i always placed more emphasis on the interview and the candidates’ references than just what their resume looked like. I have met many people with outstanding resumes but who were unable to deliver and live up to the hype that surrounded them. When hiring a coach it is recommended to have them coach a lesson and then you can really see how they coach, their knowledge on tennis, how they handle the student and the drills that they use during the lesson.
When it came to firing a person it was always, and will always be, something that I dread doing. It is never a pleasant feeling telling someone that their services are no longer needed. However, I strongly believe that if someone is being paid to do a job then they need to be able to handle the requirements that come a long with the job. It is all about doing what is right and being respectful of the fact that people depend on that income to live.
Below is a list of key points that will help you to become a good manager, hopefully avoid the “firing” aspect of your position by hiring and retaining good employees and being able to run a successful program.
Management Tips
First is to hire the right person for the position and do all you can do to retain them. The extra bit of money required to retain those exceptional employees will be worth it in the long run.
Don’t try to become great friends with your employees as it will be a tough and difficult situation if you find yourself having to talk to that person about their responsibilities and performances. Be friendly but maintain a professional friendship!
Act professional at all times. You must lead by example and practice what you preach! Be on time and punctual, take care of your own responsibilities and lead by example.
Be a leader and make decisions based on what is right and best for the situation.
Develop rules and policies and then set goals for all employees to achieve these goals on a daily basis. Use your meetings to cover any neglected or new policies.
Conduct weekly meetings. Don’t waste your employees time by having meetings just for the sake of having them. Don’t judge the success of a meeting by how long it goes rather by how much was achieved during the meeting.
Constantly try to educate yourself on new tennis drills, exercises, skills and techniques or attend conferences where you can gain fresh information to pass onto your coaches.
Reward your tennis coaches when they do a great job. It could be a simple as taking them out for lunch or what most like and that is a pay rise or bonus.
Keep each individual’s pay packet confidential and make it a policy that employees are not to ask, discuss or talk about their salaries with other coaches. Otherwise you will have some unhappy tennis coaches if they find that they are at the lower end of the pay scale regardless of how good they are.
Be fair but firm!
Have a back-up plan if one of your coaches leave. Your best option here is to maintain a large network of fellow coaches to call upon when looking for a new coach. One thing you don’t want to do is to turn away customers because you don’t have enough coaches!
Improve on your communication skills. Talk to your coaches and ask them how they are doing or if they have any feedback about what can be done better with the programs. They will respect you for asking them their opinion.
Be honest because if you get caught-out lying then your staff will lose respect for you.
Be observant!
Have fun and provide a pleasant working environment for all coaches and staff.
Learn to work with employees if they are having personal problems that they need to deal with.
Be organized and structured!
When promoting an Assistant Coach to the Head Coaching position you should always try to promote from within as long as you believe that one of your current coaches can do a good job.
By promoting from within you are rewarding your employees and providing them with an incentive to stay and do a good job.
Learn from past experiences, realize that you will at times make the incorrect decision but always try to do the right thing at the time and you will soon develop into a respected manager!
Good Luck with your tennis programs!
David Horne is a former professional tennis player who has created several online sports web sites including http://www.globalsportszone.com which is the Ultimate Sports Directory for all sports fans! Everything in Sports at Global Sports Zone
Online Tennis News and Coverage
Tennis lovers can find all the truth, hot rumors, and gossips about tennis and tennis players by browsing the Internet. Now, Internet offers the tennis lovers with copious information about the current happenings in the world of Tennis.
People can find online sports web sites on the Internet, especially designed to offer the latest news and coverage of Tennis to viewers. Fans can come across top Tennis stories and players information through these web sites. These web sites also include videos of latest events.
Some of the online sports web sites are free, while some require paying. Often, people go for free web sites, since they show and reveal news and videos at free of cost. However, the speed and reliability of such online sports web sites are not 100% assured, which is not an issue in chargeable web sites, but they demand certain membership fee to log in or join. After paying the necessary membership fees, they may easily access latest videos and info amount tennis.
A few online tennis web sites offer tennis news and coverage around the clock. They provide information about the upcoming tennis events and the players. Viewers can see tabled schedules of different matches on these web sites. Sometimes, these web sites show photos and interviews of tennis players. Other than recently covered news, these web sites also offer general news about the game such as its history, records of players, and tournaments.
Other Info:
Fans may also search for profiles of several tennis players at these web sites. A tennis enthusiast can find excellent coaching and training information on most of the tennis web sites. There are chat rooms available, wherein fans can talk and ask about the latest and upcoming news about various tennis events. These web sites work continuously to provide the tennis enthusiasts with fruitful information on various tennis events.
Hence, people do not have to gaze at their daily newspapers to gain the required sport’s information. Just explore various sports web sites to find the latest happenings in the tennis world. People simply need to type in ‘Online tennis News’ in a specific search engine to get a list of numerous web sites to obtain updated results.
Submitted by Marcia Henin, Content Editor at Inter-dev - Internet marketing company, On behalf of Sportingo.com - Provider of Tennis news and Online Tennis games.
When you are playing the game of tennis you are susceptible to many injuries like tearing ligaments, tearing tendons, pulling ligaments, pulling tendons, anything can happen when you are playing the game of tennis. You can be running and then pull your calf muscle and then it is over. After you hurt yourself playing tennis it will be even harder to get back in shape to where you can play the sport hard like you did before. If you are a person that can get in shape quick then you should already be flexible and shouldn’t have gotten an injury. So when you are playing tennis you will want to be careful as you are running across court for the ball.
When you are playing tennis one of the most common injuries is an injury to the elbow. When you get this kind of injury you are almost hurting your elbow itself because you are hurting the ligaments and the tendons that are so close to it that it just feels like you messed up your elbow but its really not. Like I said before the elbow injury is the most common injury that you can get when playing the game of tennis. You can also hurt many other things while playing like your legs your arms and your back. You can hurt your back very easy by be stationary and swinging too hard. You can hurt your back very bad doing that while trying to play tennis.
The other highly common injury that will occur when you are playing the game of tennis will be tendinitis. You can get this from playing tennis to much and by the way you play the sport. You will get this injury around the shoulders, wrists, and neck when you are playing this sport. Tendinitis is kind of like having weak bones because you cannot use them as much as you could before you got the injury. This can put you out of tennis for a long time if you get hurt.
The other kind of injury that you can get while playing the game of tennis is hurting your knees. You can hurt your knees in any sport but tennis is a sport where you can hurt your knees very easy. You are always running when you are playing tennis so you are going to fall sometimes by tripping over your feet or your partner if you are playing teams. So when you are playing tennis you will want to be careful where you run and how you run so that you don’t mess up or tear your ACL of your knee because that will put you out of playing tennis for a long time if not forever.
The thing that you need to keep in mind the most is that when you play tennis and you get hurt those injuries will rack up and you will start to ache from playing so much and getting hurt so much. So that is why it is important that you not get hurt so much and you play good tennis.
Gregg Hall is an author living with his 18 year old son in Jensen Beach, Florida. Find more about tennis gear as well as a tennis equipment at http://www.nsearch.com
Maria Sharapova (3.8 to win) will start as favourite and is always a dangerous player on grass. She announced herself as a serious contender on the tour by winning Wimbledon in 2004 and increased her grand slam haul by winning the US open in 2006 and this year’s Australian. She is one of five Russians currently ranked in the world top 10 and is certainly the most likely to triumph thanks to her heavy serve and powerful hitting.
Serena Williams (5.2) is returning to her best after a period plagued by injuries and loss of form. Wimbledon winner in 2002 and 2003 and owner of six other grand slam trophies, she has won more majors than anyone on the tour and will be well-backed to add to her collection in London. She usually plays herself into form in the early part of tournaments and is my selection to win if she reaches the quarter finals.
Ana Ivanovic (6.2) is the latest star to emerge from Eastern Europe and arrives at Wimbledon having replaced the retired Justine Henin as the world number one. Champion at the French open and runner-up in Melbourne, she is in fine form and proved herself adept on the unfamiliar grass surface by reaching last year’s semi finals.
Four time winner and reigning champion Venus Williams (6.6) has the ultimate Wimbledon pedigree having reached the final six times in the last eight years. Her world ranking of seven (one below her sister) and poor showings at other majors - she has not reached the final of another grand slam since 2003 - counts for nothing in SW19. She has perhaps the best serve in the game and will be tough to beat if her precision baseline hitting is again in evidence.
Jelena Jankovic (16) is the last contender to be on offer at relatively low odds. She completes a Serbian one-two at the top of the rankings but will receive plenty of British support after winning last year’s mixed doubles title with Brit Jamie Murray. A semi finalist at both of this year’s grand slams, doubts remain about her ability to beat the best in the latter stages, although she did win the Rome Masters in May.
Another popular winner would be Lindsay Davenport (44). The amiable American is now 32 and is regaining her feet on the tour after having a baby, but still possesses the experience and grass court attributes to do well. She missed the French open and might struggle to last the distance and is very much an outside bet to repeat her 1999 victory.
World number four Svetlana Kuznetsova (46) reached the last four in Paris and is a sound bet for at least a quarter final place, a stage she has reached three times in five Wimbledon appearances. However, respective win records of 1 - 4 against Serena Williams and 1 - 5 against Ivanovic suggest a final appearance might be too much to ask.
My outside selection is Daniela Hantuchova (140). The world number 10 has flattered to deceive for many years but is ready to make the step up as a grand slam contender, having reached her first major semi final in Melbourne this year. She led Ivanovic 6-0 2-0 in that match but missed the French open with a stress fracture of the foot. Her preparations have therefore been disrupted, although her strong serve and skill at the net make her well-suited to Wimbledon. Fitness-permitting, she could be a threat to the main contenders.
