My Coach - January 2011 issue

AustrAliAn tennis MAgAzine | January 2011 67

MyCoach

74 Change Agent: High Performance coach Dave Taylor explains the purpose of his work.

76 Adapting to change: has Novak Djokovic’s changed service action reaped rewards?

79 What do you see? Watch how Andy Murray attacks a short forehand.

80 Coach corner

82 Coach talk

84 Coach drills

A SECTION DEDICATED TO TENNIS AUSTRALIA COACH MEMBERS

Tennis Australia Coach Membership T: 03 9914 4191 F: 03 9650 1040 Email: [email protected] Website: www.tennis.com.au/membership

The role of the elite coach, according to one of the most successful coaches in tennis, is to help a player earn

more money. That’s pretty much it in a nutshell. Make the necessary changes to their game that lead to winning more matches, a better ranking and an improved bottom line.

But the coach in question, Bathurst born David Taylor, was never motivated by monetary goals. Nor were those players he

helped to success, namely Martina Hingis, Ana Ivanovic, Alicia Molik and these days, top 10 Aussie Samantha Stosur. Winner of the Coaching Excellence – High Performance Award at the inaugural Australian Tennis Awards in December, Taylor gave up his own tennis aspirations after a successful junior career and a spell on the challenger circuit.

Lacking direction two years into a business and accounting degree at university, he returned to court as a sparring partner at Sanctuary Cove, Queensland, helping players like Conchita Martinez.

Five years at Harry Hopman’s Academy in Florida connected Taylor to future stars of

the game, such as Andy Roddick, when the Texan was 14, and Martina Hingis, whom he subsequently worked closely with in Switzerland from 1999–2001 as coach and sparring partner. “I was so stressed the first years I didn’t make hardly any money,” recalls Taylor. “But I really loved it and I thought I could do a good job and one thing led to another and I had success. I didn’t go into it for the money.”

These days Taylor is considered something of a tennis whisperer to female players. He is the Australian Fed Cup coach and, after five years coaching Alicia Molik to a top 8 world ranking in 2005 (halted only by Molik’s illness-induced hiatus from the game), he has helped Stosur fulfil her potential after she developed career-threatening health problems several years ago.

His view of the job is simple. “You are there to help them win more matches,” he states. “You have to have an immediate impact on the player if you are coaching the professional. They want results immediately.” And there can be a lot of pressure. There was

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High performance coach David Taylor explains the purpose of his work. By Kim Trengove

A SECTION DEDICATED TO TENNIS AUSTRALIA COACH MEMBERS

Tennis Australia Coach Membership T: 03 9914 4191 F: 03 9650 1040 Email: [email protected] Website: www.tennis.com.au/membership

“A coach should only get satisfaction if their player is improving at any level. Whether it’s a young player needing skill, or an older player gaining tactical knowledge or self-awareness, your coaching is to make a player better. It’s simple.”

74 AustrAliAn tennis MAgAzine | January 2011

CHANGE AGENT

Clear communication is a key to Taylor’s coaching success.


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a time when players stayed with the same coach for years, sometimes a lifetime. These days, it’s more of a revolving door at the elite level as players are impatient for quick success.

“It’s dangerous to link your self-worth and value next to a players’ success,” he warns. “That’s silly, it’s not your success, you’re just helping a player achieve their success. Coaches sometimes take too much credit, and sometimes they get too much blame for a player’s results. The coaches that come and go – there’s probably a reason for that.” The key to successful coaching at any level, he says, is for there to be mutual respect. Trust must exist for changes to take place, and the coach must be responsible for affecting change.

“You must be clear about what you want a player to do, you can’t be vague,” he says. The second most important factor is hard work, for both player and coach. Taylor, 38, is a fit man and can hold his own on a practice court with Stosur.

“It would be difficult to coach at a high level without having played at some international level,” he says. Typically they train on court for 3-4 hours a day, plus time in the gym, and he supplements this with running, cycling and kayaking. “I really value on-court fitness more than anything,” he says. “I think the session has to be of the greatest quality and produce that level of physicality you would get in a match. Every time I hit with someone, that is the level I expect. When I first started coaching Ana, she was in shock, she threw up once. I believe in intense, shorter sessions.”

He also places great store in getting a player’s technique rock solid. The physical side is important, as is the mental side, but the player who is wobbly on the fundamentals will have deficiencies exposed under pressure. “Everyone says now that Sam is mentally stronger,” he points out. “That might be because her forehand is stronger and she feels secure in it.”

Taylor thinks coaches should have a strong understanding of sports psychology, and has talked at length with Australian Institute of Sport senior sport psychologist Ruth Anderson to deepen his knowledge of this area, as well as reading a wide range of tennis literature, sporting biographies

and business books. “Successful people are interesting,” says this student of success. “The key is, they just don’t think they will ever fail. Sam never had a doubt she wouldn’t be a professional player. At 15, she went overseas with an AIS tour and didn’t win a set in three months. It never stopped her believing.”

Taylor certainly feels fortunate to have worked with some highly motivated players in his career, although if like attracts like, it’s not surprising he has drawn the most down-to-earth, hard working Aussies into his circle. He’s now thought of as ‘the women’s coach’, a man who understands the female psyche better than most and knows exactly how far to push his charges. He feels lucky to have connected with Molik first, then Stosur, and says the key is respecting the individual. But there’s no mistaking: a lot of girls are difficult to coach. “A lot is expected of them at a young age,” he says. “One person may have control over them, but when they become adults and develop their own opinions, those relationships can break down.”

There is not a great difference in coaching men: most players are afraid of failing. “Men seem to be a little more aggressive in key moments whereas women tend to be a bit passive. At the end of the day, though, a player hires a coach for direction.”

And the difference to coaching at elite or club level? While the student may be different, the task is the same, says Taylor. Move the player on. “A coach should only get satisfaction if their player is improving at any level,” he says. “Whether it’s a young player needing skill, or an older player gaining tactical knowledge or self-awareness, your coaching is to make a player better. It’s simple.”

Taylor, with Newcombe Medal winner Sam Stosur,

received the Coaching Excellence – High Performance

Award at the Australian Tennis Awards.

Achieving success with the Australian Fed Cup team, Taylor has played a key role in the resurgence of Australian women’s tennis.

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At this point in the swing a slight difference exists, the 2007 version (top image) has the racquet further into the pendulum swing. The racquet arm trails the tossing arm which raises to the side to assist the initial shoulder turn. Weight is on the back foot.

The 2007 version has the racquet further displaced away from the body. Greater racquet displacement results in a larger distance for the racquet to travel to generate racquet head speed. The 2010 version (bottom image) has the wrist deviated (radial deviation) so that the racquet head is not displaced as far.

The differences in the images at this point are compelling. In the 2007 version, Djokovic has significantly flexed his elbow to commence the basic throwing motion of the swing. In rudimentary terms, the serve is a throwing motion. In the 2010 version Djokovic’s arm is nearly straight, basically like a cricket bowling motion. The lack of flexion at the elbow has negative implications to the effectiveness of the serve which will be observed in the following images.

At this point, the transfer between the backswing and the forwardswing, the significant differences are most obvious. In the 2007 version, the elbow is quite low and flexed more acutely than 90°. As mentioned, in the 2010 version the hitting arm is too extended, resulting in Djokovic’s service motion more resembling a cricket bowling action than a throwing motion. It is possible that this is due to an intervention that has resulted in an over-correction.

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This month’s analysis compares Novak Djokovic’s serve in 2007 to the 2010 version. The differences in his serve from 2007 are significant and have been discussed at

length in coaching circles. The failed change highlights the challenges to successfully implement a technical intervention, especially to a seasoned professional who

is maintaining a competitive schedule.

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Although it may appear minor, the result of the extended hitting arm of the 2010 version has negative implications on the serve which can be clearly observed in these images. Racquet displacement results in a larger distance for the racquet to travel to generate racquet head speed. The flexed elbow in the 2007 version ‘folds’ further than the extended arm of the 2010 version. Compare the tip of the racquet being behind the knee (2007) version to being level with his backside (2010 version).

It has already been highlighted

that with all other things being equal the racquet head speed will be less in the 2010 version. Another observation from these images is that Djokovic is further off the ground in the 2007 version and his trunk is more vertical. This vertical drive up to impact is desirable, as this is where the ball is.

More evidence that Djokovic

is further off the ground in the 2007 version, these images give evidence of Djokovic demonstrating vigorous internal rotation of the upperarm which contributes approximately 40 per cent of the racquet head speed at impact. The left arm tucks in to allow the transfer of angular momentum to the racquet arm and racquet.

Djokovic demonstrates excessive forward or ‘somersault’ rotation, the largest of the rotations which results in an arabesque position when he lands. The follow-through also allows the racquet time and distance to decelerate without the braking forces of an abrupt finish which could have potential for injury over time.

Geoff QuinlanTennis Australia – National Academy Manager

Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) Human MovementTennis Australia High Performance coach


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Where Science MeetS Art

FrOM the StAnDS …Has it crossed your mind whether it is ever too “dangerous” to play tennis in hot weather?

When using the word dangerous, one might be led to believe that playing tennis in hot weather could potentially be life threatening. While there have certainly

been a number of reports of heat stroke and death during other exercise in the heat, fortunately to date none have occurred in professional tennis.

The risk of heat stroke is generally related to how much heat the body produces during the exercise bout. Continuous steady exercise such as running produces more heat than tennis where the exertion is more intermittent in nature. Tennis is therefore considered a moderately low risk sport when it comes to heat stroke.

To this end, humans have an inbuilt safety mechanism, which closely monitors the core temperature deep within the body. As the core temperature starts to rise the brain perceives this and changes the way we exercise – basically protecting us from ourselves. Although children appear to have a lower tolerance to the heat, they also have these safety mechanisms that help them to avoid over-heating.

Our ability to exercise in the heat has come about because of our ability to sweat. It should be noted that the production of sweat itself does not cool us – rather it is the evaporation of the sweat and the removal of the air closest to the skin once the sweat has evaporated that is critical to the cooling process. That is why conditions where there is low humidity and light wind are much more easily tolerated than prevailing high humidity and no wind – despite the ambient temperature potentially being lower in the latter case. For example most people would prefer playing tennis in Melbourne in 40°C heat, 10 per cent humidity and a light wind than

in Darwin in 32°C, 90 per cent humidity and no wind.Overall a common sense approach to whether or not it is safe to

exercise in the heat needs to be adopted. A short light session on the court may be possible in extreme heat but low humidity. If a coach is dealing with a group of players and anyone develops symptoms related to the heat, then they should be removed from the court and placed in a cool environment lying down with their legs elevated. A rapid recovery can usually be expected.

What is the best way to combat the heat when playing tennis?

With the Australian summer fast approaching, there are a number of simple and practical ways that players can use to prepare for playing tennis in the heat.

• Trying to acclimatise by exposing yourself to increasing amounts of tennis in hot weather can help significantly. If you compare your tolerance to playing in hot conditions at the end of summer to the start of spring, you’ll often notice a difference – that’s acclimatisation at work. The only problem for most players is that they don’t want to wait until the end of summer to feel good playing in the heat, hence the need to try to speed up that process.

• Wearing light-coloured clothing will allow for some of the radiant heat to be reflected before it reaches your body. Loose fitting clothes also assist the circulation of air to help evaporate the

sweat from your body and cool it down. • Finding and spending some time in the shade during the training

and matches is obviously beneficial, while the application of ice (often wrapped in a towel) directly to your skin, can help to cool you down.

• The ability to tolerate heat (heat tolerance) varies between players and can even vary within the same player. That is, on a daily basis, a player’s heat tolerance can change according to his/her hydration levels, the amount of sleep he/she had the night before, any recent alcohol consumption or the use of certain medications. Certainly, three out of four of these variables are generally in the player’s control – it should be relatively easy to ensure that you are well hydrated, to obtain a good night’s sleep and to minimise alcohol use before play!

• Finally, fitness plays a big role as fitter individuals are able to tolerate playing in the heat much more easily. So, get fit!

plAyerS’ cOrner …

Dr Tim Wood is Tennis Australia’s Chief Medical Officer.

SuggeSteD reADing• Heat stress in sport – fact and fiction. T.D.Noakes, Journal Science and Medicine in Sport (2008) vol 11, issue 1 p 3-6• Heat stress and strain in sport. J.R.Brotherhood, JSMS (2008) vol 11, issue 1 p 6-20

After a big season in 2010, Andy Murray continues to show the potential to win a Grand Slam title. His success is driven by an aggressive game which at times includes some spectacular shot making. Here, Murray shows some of the key aspects of how to attack a short forehand.

By the Stroke Master

What do you see?

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Racquet face stays vertical through the hitting zone.


Wrist stability is maintained through contact.

Hips are stable, which allows trunk rotation to generate racquet head speed.

Weight is transferred from his back to his front leg.


Advantages of team

To help tennis grow and truly service the players at the facility well, the best approach for a tennis director or

head professional is to create and develop a coaching team. Teams can be, and produce, more than a group of individuals. Teams allow a facility to move all the players at a facility effectively along a development path. This drives growth and especially retention (which leads to ongoing business revenue).

With a coaching team, a player can take a set of group lessons from one coach and have the skills learned fit easily into the next set of lessons with another coach. With a team, players can even take private lessons from multiple coaches on staff (who don’t have to worry about having their students stolen). Players aren’t caught in contrasting methods and ideas that cause confusion and receive the benefit of less restrictive scheduling.

Key issuesI have had the advantage of being a

certification course facilitator who has trained more than 1500 coaches. The insights gained in all these training experiences have helped me to develop effective staff.

ValuesA tennis director or head professional

needs to identify the values important for the program. Values act as outer boundaries that govern what we do in our relationships. These values can be talked about, modelled and rewarded. The coaching staff will buy in to the values if they are displayed for them to see.

When hiring, I will always hire values first, skills second. Coaching skills can be trained, but values take more effort and time. The appropriate values will easily lead to behaviours and skills but it usually doesn’t work the other way around. Coaches with conflicting values will always be a tough fit and won’t advance the program (only themselves).

PhilosophyIt is important to not only

share values but clarify what the philosophy the facility has. Is it about helping people attain their personal best? Producing high performance champions? Maximising recreational experience? Developing life skills through tennis? Of course, most facilities do a combination, but helping cast a vision about what the program is about helps coaches to not be frustrated by unmet expectations and orients them towards a common goal.

To solidify your philosophy, creating a vision statement is a great exercise. A vision statement is a ‘picture of a preferred future’. What do you want your centre to be known for? Hard working players? Great footwork? Awesome net play? Sportsmanship? Again, facilities will always have a combination, but if you don’t set some priorities that all coaches are working towards, you will end up with players being mediocre at everything.

I believe your philosophy of coaching is the key that unlocks it all. It is not about what you coach (the stuff of coaching is constantly evolving), it is about who you are as you coach.

Methodology As essential as it is to solidify your

philosophy, it is just as vital to determine a unified coaching methodology. This allows for ‘interchangability’ between coaches and students. Every coach is moving every player in the same direction. Coaches will not have the same style but if they have different methodologies, the students will be conflicted and will be on different paths with different coaches.

By having the same methodology, all the coaching information our coaches collect from

outside sources can be fit into what everyone does and everything connects together.

Communication Coaching is all about communication. But so

is maintaining a team. If your staff don’t meet regularly they really can’t become a team. At our facility, it is stated up front in the hiring process that full-time staff must attend unpaid regular coaching team meetings.

As the tennis director, I could make all of the decisions alone, but in opening it up to the staff, they feel ownership for every decision made and will all be of the same mind.

ConclusionAs a tennis director or head professional

you must see yourself as more than a coach as in actual fact you’re also a leader. Developing a coaching team can be one of the most rewarding aspects of your job. As you invest in the lives of others and they in turn invest in yours, everyone in the facility benefits.

Wayne Elderton is the Head of Tennis Canada Coaching Development and Certification in British Columbia. He is a certified Canadian national level 4 coach. Wayne is currently Tennis Director at the Grant Connell Tennis Centre in North Vancouver.

Coaches’ corner

Tennis is an individual sport where there is an advantage of being competitive, independent, and self sufficient. All these qualities that work to a player’s

advantage can become detriments if these players go on to become a coach, especially if they work with other coaches at a tennis facility.

Coaching staff verses coaching team

When success is achieved the whole coaching team benefits: Ana Ivanovic shares her joy with her coaching team.

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Back in a local town in North Yorkshire, UK, Darran Wrighton was exposed to tennis by his grandfather – a local coach

in the area. “For many years, he was responsible for

the running of junior inter-club fixtures and coaching of many club juniors in Regional Northern England,” Wrighton says. “As a teenager I was an assistant coach to my Grandfather and I helped him to deliver club and holiday coaching sessions.”

At 16 years of age Wrighton was given the opportunity to move from the countryside in Yorkshire and undertake an apprenticeship at the National Training Centre (at the time) at Sutton in London.

“It would help me work on my game as well as gain the skills and knowledge to become a qualified coach,” he says. “It was during this apprenticeship whilst training part-time with players who were on a full-time squad that I found myself wanting to be involved with the coaching of players rather than being coached.”

Now a qualified coach for more than 16 years, Wrighton has experienced a vast array of coaching assignments that included a lot of travel.

“I feel lucky to have worked in most tennis environments from tennis academies and summer camps in the US, to tennis resorts in Europe

as well as indoor centres and private member clubs in Australia, New

Zealand and the UK,” he says.Wrighton settled in Prahran

in Melbourne’s east, and completed the Tennis Australia Master Club Professional qualification, delivered in partnership with Deakin Prime. But after three years he decided to leave the leafy suburb and travel 3000 kms to a remote part of north-west Queensland – Mount Isa.

“I became a regional partner when I was offered the contract as the coaching provider for the centre. I had to kick start the coaching program,” he says. “Momentum Tennis was established as a business in June 2010. Forming part of my contract as head coach was to be the regional coach for north-west Queensland.”

In the short seven months Wrighton has seen the uniqueness of the Copper City Regional Tennis Centre – the first of five regional tennis centres opened in 2010.

“It is run by a dedicated and amazing voluntary committee. This committee has been instrumental in obtaining the funding that was necessary to redevelop the venue into the facility it is today,” he says.

“I am in the enviable position of being able to run my coaching business from the centre in unison with the committee. I know that this is a rarity in the coaching industry but I hope that we can be used as a case study showcasing how coaches and committees can work together to achieve successful outcomes for the club and the community.”

The community pride is second to none and Wrighton feels that the local population

has embraced him. “The fact that you are the only coach servicing a population of 22,000 people with the closest opposition some 700 kilometres away, I potentially have a very captive audience.”

“I am particularly passionate about giving rural venues the assistance and knowledge to make their own internal programs a success so that generations may continue to use their facilities. To me a town with tennis courts being unused is a travesty and I always will have an internal need to find a way to utilise them in a way that benefits that local community.”

But with the multitude of sports available to juniors, a number of things need to be considered.

“Planning in advance to avoid clashes is paramount while conscientiously ensuring the service you are providing doesn’t just meet expectations it exceeds them while constantly creating an awareness of how a quality coaching program should be delivered.”

Wrighton offers junior coaching, matchplay programs, the tennis in schools outreach program as well as catering for adults.

“We fully embrace the coaching revolution brought about by modified balls and equipment and these features heavily in all that I do,” he says.

“My first intention was to have a clear and concise coaching and competition pathway that parents could follow with ease. At any time players are able to enter any of my programs irrespective of age and ability.”

If you are interested in completing the Master Club Professional course please visit tennis.com.au/tacourses or contact your local Coach Development Coordinator.

Darran Wrighton may not have any personal outstanding centre court memories, but the joy he receives from helping others experience the sport is reward enough.

Name: Darran Wrighton

Qualifications: Master Club

Professional

Club: Momentum Tennis –

Copper City Regional Tennis

Centre, Mount Isa Queensland

A region benefits

There’s unmistakable pride for Wrighton in building tennis in the regional community.

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CoaCh Talk

The tennis toolkit is about providing a communication tool to clubs, coaches and the tennis community.

Tennis Australia want to create a partnership with our clubs and coaches across all levels of tennis, growing the game by providing information and support in a simple, easy to understand format so clubs and coaches become part of the larger team.

The toolkit is designed to be concise, simple to navigate and provide you with a snapshot of what is happening within your state or territory.

The toolkit is available from your Community Tennis Officer or Coach Development Coordinator.

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Todd Woodbridge introduces Your tennis toolkit to your community

This effective marketing tool is now available to qualified coach members. At just $29

including GST you can purchase the tennis branded personalised artwork for car window signage.

Simply take the artwork and specification sheet provided to your local sign-writer to arrange quote and installation. This product will increase awareness of your coaching services within the community, whether you are driving the vehicle or have it parked at the facility where you are coaching.

It’s a great way to promote your name, business name, contact points (phone, email, web) in the

community. Turn your vehicle into an effective marketing tool for your business. The one way vision film is applied to the inside rear window, you can see out but cannot see in, providing added protection for contents in your vehicle.

The design allows for a locked logo so please indicate on the order form if you would like your locked logo included. Apply now for the artwork using the order form and forward with payment to Coach Membership.

Order forms can be downloaded from tennis.com.au/membership. Go to Benefits, Marketing and Car window signage.

Car window signage

State and territory Community Tennis Managers have sent mail correspondence to all school principals and physical education teachers across Australia

promoting the tennis in schools initiatives available. The message “Is your coach qualified?” was advertised

and included details on the benefits of using a Tennis Australia coach member who is qualified, screened and insured.

The MLC Tennis Hot Shots program was also promoted and each school was asked to nominate a school tennis representative and complete a brief survey about tennis in their school.

The correspondence included a lanyard with the message “Get an advantage. Find a Tennis Australia coach”.

Promotion of tennis to schools across Australia

new


CoaCh Talk

Tennis promoTions The summer of tennis in Australia provides a great

opportunity to showcase MLC Tennis Hot Shots on stadium courts at events such as the Brisbane International,

Medibank International Sydney, Moorilla Hobart International and the Australian Open in Melbourne. Selected MLC Tennis Hot Shots deliverers have been invited to participate in various promotions around the country. There will also be great fan engagement zones at each event, offering a range of tennis activities and information for patrons. Right: MLC Tennis Hot Shots Ambassador Alicia Molik, with Jason Lindeman, Tennis Australia Club Professional coach and his students at a promotion during Australian Open 2010.

2011 Australian Grand Slam Coaches’ Conference

The 2011 Australian Grand Slam Coaches’ Conference will be held from 13–15 January on site at Melbourne

Park prior to Australian Open 2011.

Don’t miss out Join some of your fellow coaches and

industry professionals from across Australia and around the world at this premier professional development event. Learn from a range of world-class speakers who, this year, will present in conference streams. Choose your own pathway and elevate your coaching to “A whole new level”.

What can the 2011 event offer you?

Something for everyone Delegates have an option of choosing

their afternoon streams, making the 2011

Coaches’ Conference the most diverse yet. Choose between the ‘Community Tennis’ and ‘Champion’ streams, and tailor the conference to suit your specific needs.

Catch all the action of Australian Open 2011

All coaches who register for the full Coaches’ Conference package will receive official Australian Open accreditation allowing ground pass access to Melbourne Park from 13–19 January 2011.

Learn from the best in the businessSome of the most respected tennis

professionals in the world will be presenting at this year’s conference including:• Ken DeHart – PTR and USPTA Master

Professional Coach

• Scott Draper – ATP Professional, Australasian PGA Tour Player, Tennis Australia Head National Coach

• Professor Bruce Elliott – Professor of Biomechanics, University of Western Australia

• Frank Giampaolo – Owner/Director, The Mental, Emotional Tennis Workshops, The Tennis Parent’s Workshops, Author, The Tennis Parent’s Bible

• Michele Krause – Cardio Tennis Manager, Speakers Team Director

• Michael Mahoney – Vice President and General Manager, Midtown Tennis Club, ChicagoTo view the conference program or to

register online please visit tennis.com.au/coachesconference or email the team at [email protected].

Keep an eye out during the Australian Open Series and Australian Open 2011 for qualified Tennis Australia coaches

wearing their “I am a qualified coach” “Is yours?” polo shirts.

There are more than 2800 qualified coaches delivering tennis at all levels around Australia, making it easier than ever to enlist

the help of a coach qualified to develop athletes’ skills faster than ever.

Tennis Australia qualified coaches are insured and screened, and also have the technical expertise and up-to-date education. They are unique from non-trained coaches because they have the training and expertise behind them to nurture

talent all the way from a local court to international competitions. These are the same coaches who can identify the next superstars and help give athletes access to the right pathways to take their game as far as possible.

Find a qualified coach at tennis.com.au/coaches.

Find a Coach and coaches profile page

Find-A-Coach on tennis.com.au is the most effective way for players/parents to a find a qualified tennis coach. A new

look Tennis Australia website will be launched soon, including an improved Find-A-Coach function. To ensure that your details are accurate and up-to-date, coach members can now log in to the Coach Membership page on My Tennis to update their profile. The previous Find-A-Coach details will NOT be transferred across to the new website, so please check all your details appear on your profile page.

Please go to tennis.com.au/coaches/membership/update-profile with your My Tennis ID and update your contact details, qualifications, facilities/schools, and list of coaching services. These details will all appear on the Find-A-Coach function, making it easier for customers to find coaches.

Find-A-Coach is available to Tennis Australia qualified coach members only. If you are a qualified coach member and DO NOT want your details promoted on the Find-A-Coach facility, please email

[email protected] or call (03) 9914 4191.

You can now order more benefits onlineTennis Australia coach members can log in

to My Tennis and:• order local area marketing products, incl.

business cards, signs, banners etc. • purchase a locked logo design• purchase new Tennis branded

merchandise, including tracksuit, polo shirts and caps.Log in at tennis.com.au/coaches/

membership/update-profile.

Get an advantage with a qualified Tennis Australia coach


Objective For players to understand 90 percent of winners are hit from the net

in doubles, while 90 percent of errors are made from the baseline.

Description 1 • Coach feeds to player A on baseline and the point is played out.

Play best of three points or five points.

• If the challenging team wins, then the coach’s partner becomes

the challenger and all players rotate.

Description 2 • If player B can intercept, then they automatically win the best of

three points and rotation happens straight away.

Description 3 • If player A can sideline the coach, then they become the coach.

• Players love becoming the coach by beating them down the line.

• However if they miss, they have to do a lap of the court using a

footwork pattern designated by the coach.

Up your alleyTim Connelly, Tennis Australia Club Professional coach www.completetennis.com.auFocus: players intercepting at the net, players shifting forward and back, players get to copy coach movementStage: develop (7–10 years), encourage (10–12 years), enhance (12–15 years), cultivate (15–17 years), performance (17+ years)Equipment: noneTime: 10–30 mins

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Coach Coach feed Ball direction Spot markers Buckets

Player Thrower/Catcher Player movement Drop down lines HoopsKey

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My Coach - January 2011 issue

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