The USTA Newsletter for Tennis Coaches
·
2012
The USTA Newsletter for Tennis Coaches
·
2012
3
HIGH PERFORMANCE COACHING
VOL. 13, NO. 1
PLAYER IDENTIFICATION &
DEVELOPMENT
(continued)
PLAYER IDENTIFICATION
Player ID is extremely difficult in tennis. It must be
progressive and systematic. To ensure that the selections
for the Regional Training Center Camps are meaningful,
and that the coaches are selecting the most promising
children, the Player ID process must be ongoing and
constantly in the forefront of each coach's mind.
The focus of the Regional Training Center programs
should be on developing a large base of players who are
technically-developed (strokes are within the parameters
and in line with 10 & Under Competencies). The
technical base will be a direct result of solid teaching,
attention to detail, developmental planning, and using
the correct formats for training and competition.
Characteristics to look for in players, ages 8-13 years
old, are as follows:
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Beginning of a strong technical foundation
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Parents/family who are supportive and committed
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Athletic parents
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Agility, balance, coordination, speed
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Coachability: Willingness to try new things coach suggests
(e.g., grip, transitioning, etc.)
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Love of the game: Desire to play and compete wants to be
first on the court, last one off
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Problem solver
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Resilient
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Self-confident
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Ability to manipulate racquet head, produce different spins
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Multisport athlete: Plays other sports to increase athletic
foundation
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Throwing mechanics: The ability to throw a ball well
transfers over into a better foundation for service motion.
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Established partnership: Trust between player, parent, and
coach educating parents on the pathway and journey
The National Coaching Staff is constantly working with the
coaching community to work on identifying more players
who fit a high performance mold. The bigger base of
players we can work with, the greater chance there is to
have a new wave of World Class American Players.
If you come across a promising young
player or if you would like feedback on
on one of the players you coach please
upload video of your player to the Player
Identification video drop-box at
http://dropbox.yousendit.com/USTAPDtalentID
.
MA
RI
CT
MD
NJ
DE
FL
NH
ME
VT
NY
VA
WV
PA
MN
SD
ND
MO
IA
NE
KS
OK
TX
NM
AZ
CA
NV
CO
WY
MT
ID
UT
OR
WA
AK
MI
OH
IN
IL
WI
NC
SC
GA
AL
KY
TN
MS
LA
AR
HI
NEW REGIONAL TRAINING CENTERS IN 2011
REGIONAL TRAINING CENTERS
NATIONAL TRAINING CENTERS
REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER LOCATIONS.