Tennis NZ Player Development Strategy 2014-20

HIGH PERFORMANCE P L AY E R D E V E LO P M E N T

S T R AT EG Y 2014 - 2020

Our vision is for New Zealand to consider itself a ‘Tennis

Nation’. By this we mean that tennis is common in

the lives of New Zealanders; tennis is being played in

clubs, schools, parks and on beaches; tennis coaches

are well trained and offer coaching to a consistently

high standard; vibrant tennis clubs offer world class

programs that attract a wide range of participants;

and New Zealanders are competing with distinction at

professional tournaments locally and abroad.

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TENNIS NEW ZEALAND VISION

CONTENTSExecutive Summary 3

Guiding Principles 5

SWOT Analysis 7

Player Development Pathway 9

STAGE 1 Development Targeted Athlete Pathway 11

STAGE 2 Elite Targeted Athlete Program 12

STAGE 3 Transitional and Emerging Professional Tennis Players 13

STAGE 4 Davis Cup / FED Cup 14

Olympics 2016 / 2020 14

High Performance Funnel 15

Tennis New Zealand Support Structure 16

Tennis New Zealand Development Pathway 18

Tennis New Zealand Athlete Pathway 20

Tennis New Zealand Targeted Performance Coaching 22

Over the last 10 years, Tennis NZ has taken a broad-brush approach to its

High Performance (HP) program whereby it provided some funding support,

based primarily on individual rankings, to a wide group of individuals with

very limited accountability required in return for this investment.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2014 - 2020

In 2012, the Board of Tennis NZ identified that this

funding approach was not providing enough impact

to ‘make a difference’ to a player’s performance and

therefore, a new approach needed to be developed

to ensure that what funding was available in

this area could be directed to those players who

demonstrated the potential to reach performance

goals set by Tennis NZ and be held accountable to

these.

In December 2012, Tennis NZ presented to regions

and Tennis NZ selectors, its new draft High

Performance Strategy that would guide Tennis NZ

through its next three year strategic cycle from

2014 – 2017.

Throughout December 2012 and January 2013,

feedback was received on this draft strategy and

Tennis NZ continued its internal discussions on a

range of topics, such as:

• the lack of top level tennis players coming out

of NZ in recent years possibly due to the sport

not having a defined HP pathway or sufficient

support to attract talented athletes or role

models;

• there are limited financial resources at our

disposal;

• the lack of exposure to high level intense

competition in NZ for our athletes; and

• that Tennis NZ has had no real influence or

control over money granted to athletes for

their individual programs.

In March 2013 the Board of Tennis NZ endorsed

in principal a new High Performance Player

Development Strategy for 2014 – 2020.

The new strategy sees a move to a Junior Targeted

Athlete program whereby we invest more

substantially in fewer athletes. This move will give

Tennis NZ the opportunity to make a difference,

and have input to the individual athlete’s program,

and in turn give the athlete an opportunity to better

perform.

The intention is to create a pipeline feeding players

(and their private coaches where appropriate)

through a structured and supported pathway

closely monitored and influenced by Tennis NZ.

This will be performance based, elite, and athlete

focused with the goal of preparing selected

athletes (aged 12 – 18 years) to become professional

tennis players in the future. The long term vision

for these athletes is that they are tracking towards

a ranking of 150 or better on the ATP/WTA circuits

by 2020.

This new strategy has been formulated through

research of other nations’ tennis programs such as

Tennis Canada, Australia, the British LTA the USA

and their college system, and the ITF. These nations,

whilst having a larger population base, operate a

similar standards-based system that defines the

support levels provided. These are similar systems

to those proposed in our new strategy. We have

also modeled our funding structure off other

successful New Zealand sports as well as High

Performance Sport New Zealand which all focus on

a small number of high performing athletes.

Following the endorsement of the new HP Player

Development Strategy, Tennis NZ engaged the

services of a HP Advisor (0.5 FTE) and an additional

Coach (0.75 FTE) to work primarily in the area of

Talent recruitment and Development and initiated

a HP Advisory Group that would monitor the

implementation and delivery of this new strategy

going forward. The HP staff now consists of a

contracted Head of Performance, two full time HP

coaches and a S&C Sports Scientist (0.25).

3

To inspire New Zealanders by having players tracking towards a

singles ranking of 150 on the WTA/ATP tours by 2020. 1

1(Rank 150 is where an athlete can self-fund, is realistic for NZ and is on the fringe of Grand Slam entry).

HIGH PERFORMANCE STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

HIGH PERFORMANCE VISION

• To have a performance driven program that is

respected and valued by stakeholders.

• To increase our ability to achieve our Vision by

directing our best people and resources towards

our Junior Targeted Athletes and their coaches.

• Have these athletes and coaches aligned to the

goal of becoming a professional tennis player

ranked inside the top150 singles players in the

world.

• To have the Davis Cup and Fed Cup teams

cemented in Group 1 by 2025.

5HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2014 - 2020

GUIDING PRINCIPLES2014 – 2020

1. We will take a long-term view to our high

performance development program and

focus in this period, 2014 – 2020, on attracting,

retaining, and developing NZ junior talent (aged

12-18 years). This age bracket has been chosen

because at 12 years old the athlete will be

starting to demonstrate the necessary qualities

required to become a top level player; and at 18

years of age the successful athletes can launch

themselves onto the international stage either

through College or on the Tour and will need to

be based overseas.

2. Due to the differing ages, needs and geographic

location of athletes in the program, it will have

the athlete as its central character and therefore

we will personalise the support offered (this

could mean simply financial support at an

overseas academy or a visiting coach and trainer

to a NZ home town).

3. Our intention is for the 2014 - 2020 high

performance development program to be

exclusive whereby we invest more resources in

fewer players. However, all high performance

NZ junior players will remain on the TNZ radar.

TNZ will be responsible for making all funding

and selection decisions but will liaise widely to

ensure informed and transparent choices are

being made.

4. Investment decisions will be aligned to

supporting junior athletes and their coaches

who are identified and are ‘on track’ based

on Performance Funnels (designed from data

gathered about athletes who have reached 150

or better) that lead to a singles rank of 150 in

the world.

5. Junior Targeted Athletes will be offered a best

possible support structure; they will be required

to work to TNZ individual programs with very

clear accountabilities and KPI’s.

6. Elite targeted athletes will be supported to

travel to Europe and/ or USA to train and/

or compete at selected tournaments; the

development athletes will be supported to

travel to Australia and the Pacific which will

expose them to suitable competitions and

allow them to play on clay surfaces (widely

recommended).

7. Identified Coaches will also be targeted and

upskilled through programs in NZ and Australia.

8. A recommended part of the TNZ pathway

for some of our Junior Targeted Athletes will

include the US College system therefore we

will encourage all athletes to continue to place

importance on their education.

9. We will remove the culture of right and replace

with respect and privilege and a culture in

line with professional athlete behaviours and

expectations.

10. We will communicate our HP development

program and plans to all stakeholders for

understanding, awareness, accountability and

responsibility.

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*Data from Sport NZ’s Young People’s Survey 2012

• High participation numbers in tennis throughout country

• NZer’s are interested and avidly follow sport, incl. tennis. Sports stars have high status in NZ

• Career advantage – lucrative

• We have a good relationship and network in international tennis circles worldwide

• there is a comprehensive international competition tennis circuit available for all ages

• NZ passport holders playing tennis overseas

• Provide attractive programs that encourage High Performing athletes to choose tennis over other sports

• Usetheresourcesofferedatoverseastennisfederations and academies

• Follow other sport codes by investing heavily in fewer athletes

• Educate and upskill coaches

• HPSNZ is a resource potential for expertise and funding – athletes and coaches

• SEED and private funding

• The commitment to many hours of one-on-one coaching, which is an integral part of HP coaching is notfinanciallyviableforcentres/academies

• Tennis is not attracting our best junior athletes

• There was untagged funding to regional performance programs

• Lack of a national HP tennis facility

• Lack of exposure to regular high-level competition in NZ

• Limited access to HP coaching for athletes

• Lack of exposure/ opportunity to engage in intense level tennis training

• Other sports are more attractive/popular(team sports)

• Lack of funds possibly because tennis is a high risk investment

• Tennis is too hard and too competitive for NZer’s (life at home is too good)

• Need for players to commit at 12 – 14 years of age (very young) and spend extended periods of time overseas

• DifficulttoIDtalentatayoungage

INTERNAL

EXTERNAL

SWOT ANALYSISHIGH PERFORMANCE

STRENGTHS

OPPORTUNITIES

WEAKNESSES

THREATS


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PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY

2014 – 2017

TOURING PRO Self-managed programs

monitored by TNZ.Davis CupFed Cup

TENNIS NZ’S PRIMARY AND INTENSE AREA OF FOCUS

TARGETED ATHLETE PROGRAM

NON TARGETED ATHLETES:

(10 – 18 YRS)Those junior players not

selected as a Junior Targeted Athlete will continue to train in local programs while remaining

on TNZ’s radar as either potential future targeted athletes or Davis Cup/Fed Cup players. They will also be encouraged to take the US University pathway (or alternative) which provides

a creditable pathway and opportunity for New Zealand players moving out of the Jr

ranks. TNZ will remain available for advice and planning

assistance as appropriate.

• Individual Performance Programs developed, managed and tracked by TNZ in consultation with private coach and parents.

• TNZ HP coaching assistance and guidance.• Financial investment in training/development

programs and tours for athlete and coach.• International training and competition tours. • Access to TNZ endorsed services.

• Individual Development Plans monitored by TNZ in consultation with private coach and parents.

• Training opportunities and 2 subsidised Aust/Pac tours.

• Access to TNZ endorsed services.

• TNZ HP Coaches will liaise with all these programs through the TNZ targeted recruitment process. They will also monitor players overseas and track progress and results of all New Zealand players.

• Talent ID camps• Coach mentoring

TRANSITIONALUS College OR

Self-managed program

• Davis Cup/Fed Cup player payments and coaching during these competitions.• Non-financial support for planning and advice.• Possible financial support in exceptional cases

for up to 24 months if player is ‘on track’ to achieve TNZ HP Vision of 150 rank singles

• Players monitored by TNZ Coaches and DC Captain; training blocks where appropriate.

• Non-financial support for planning and advice.• Possible financial support in exceptional cases

for up to 24 months if player is ‘on track’ to achieve TNZ HP Vision of 150 rank singles.

• Players monitored by TNZ Coaches and DC Captain; training blocks where appropriate.

ELITE TARGETED ATHLETES (12 - 18 YRS)

DEVELOPMENT TARGETED ATHLETES (10 - 16YRS)

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TNZ TALENT ID AND TARGETED RECRUITMENT PROCESS WILL DRAW FROM LOCAL PLAYER

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS EG:Regional Development Programs

Private AcademiesSchool Academies

Club Programs and NZ Players Training and Living Overseas

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DEVELOPMENT TARGETED ATHLETE PROGRAM (10 – 16 YRS)

STAGE 1:

AIM

The aim of the Development Targeted Athlete

program is to build a base of young players who

have potential to advance to the Elite Targeted

Athlete program level. These players will be

monitored and tracked by TNZ’s coaches.

Development Targeted Athletes will be provided

with access to sports science and subsidised Aust/

Pac tours (funding/support is discretionary and

based on rate of progress).

BENEFITS (NOT LIMITED TO)

• Development Targeted Athletes are clearly on the

Tennis NZ radar and considered to be potential

Elite Targeted Athletes in the future.

• Individual Development Plans will be developed

by TNZ in consultation with the player/coach/

parents and monitored by TNZ.

• TNZ staff available to provide advice and planning

eg fitness, nutritional, training, tournament

schedule etc.

• Tournament/clinic and training opportunities

domestically and internationally (primarily

Australia/Pacific).

SELECTION

Members of the Development Targeted Athlete

Program will be selected by the TNZ Junior

Selection Panel on an annual basis (late January).

Selection will be based on the following criteria:

• Be a minimum of 10 years of age and a maximum

of 16 years of age.

• Meet the TNZ selection criteria (separate

document) and be considered capable of

reaching top 150 singles rank in the future in

accordance with TNZ Performance Funnels.

• Intrinsic ambition and goal to be a professional

tennis player commited to NZ.

• Demonstrate elite athlete qualities and have

the physical and personal attributes/character

required to become a pro tennis player.

• Committed to continuing with their education.

• Agree to working with and support the TNZ

program.

ELITE TARGETED ATHLETE PROGRAM (12 – 18 YRS)

STAGE 2:

AIM

The aim of the Elite Targeted Athlete program is

to select a small number of players (single figures)

who TNZ believe have the ability and potential to

become a senior level top 150 singles ranked player

in the future.

Elite Targeted Athletes will have their individual

tennis programs, both on and off the court,

developed, managed and tracked by the TNZ

Coaches, and staff in consultation with the player’s

private coach and parents, and be provided with

every domestic and international opportunity

possible by TNZ to ensure that they are the

absolutely best prepared they can be to transition

into the senior ranks.

BENEFITS (NOT LIMITED TO)

• As an Elite Targeted Athlete Program member,

you are the primary focus within the TNZ High

Performance program and will be afforded every

domestic and international opportunity that can

be provided by TNZ within available TNZ and

private resources.

• Individual Performance Programs will be

developed by TNZ in consultation with the player/

coach/parents and tracked on a regular basis by

a TNZ Coach. This includes all aspects of their

programs eg sport physc, sport science etc both

on and off the court.

• Tournament and training opportunities

domestically and internationally as deemed

appropriate by TNZ coaches to meet the needs of

the individual player.

• Athlete life, educational planning and off-court

sport science services support.

SELECTION

Elite Targeted Athletes will be selected on an annual

basis (January) by the TNZ Junior Selection Panel

and will be based on the following selection criteria:

• Be a minimum of 12 years of age and a maximum

of 18 years of age and be playing for NZ only.

• Be considered by TNZ, and the majority of its

‘advisors’, to have the ability and potential to

become a senior level top 150 singles ranked

player in the future and ‘on track’ according to

TNZ Performance Funnel.

• 100% committed to becoming a professional

tennis player for NZ and passionate about the

game – it is intrinsic.

• Committed to continuing with their education

to enable possible US College entry if required/

appropriate.

• Committed to playing for New Zealand if selected

for national representation.

• Parents and athlete agree that TNZ Coaches and

staff will manage their child’s tennis program,

in consultation with the child’s private coach

where appropriate, and that TNZ must agree

and endorse their program to enable ongoing

investment.

• Signed TNZ contract which includes behaviour

expectations, media obligations and pay-back

requirements etc.


TRANSITIONAL AND EMERGING PROFESSIONAL TENNIS PLAYERS (18+ YRS)

STAGE 3:

In exceptional cases where a player is well on track to reach the HP Vision of a top 150 singles rank

according to the Performance Funnel, TNZ will assist in seeking private and external funding to help

the player become the best they can.

These players who are in the US College system or self managed

will be assisted by TNZ where possible in opening doors at the US

Universities providing recommendations and advice. TNZ will remain

in contact and monitor progress.

DAVIS CUP / FED CUP STAGE 4:

OLYMPICS 2016 AND 2020

Tennis NZ’s Davis Cup and Fed Cup objective by 2025 is to have

these teams cemented in Asia/Oceania Group I.

Olympic selection in 2016 does not form part of our strategy,

however, TNZ will apply to the NZOC for inclusion in the NZ Olympic

team in singles and/or doubles should any NZ tennis players qualify

by reaching the standards set by the IOC and NZOC selection panel

and meet the DC/FC player requirements.

For the Davis Cup team to achieve this, based on

today’s Group I player rankings, at least one player

needs to be ranked inside the top 150 ATP and a

second player ranked inside the top 200 and/or

a pairing ranked inside the top 50 in doubles or

thereabouts.

The current NZ Davis Cup players do not hold these

rankings and this strategy does not include bridging

this gap; however TNZ will continue to field a DC

team and participate in this competition annually.

Davis Cup players will be paid to play in accordance

with the relevant pay schedules but no on the road

coaching will be provided.

Our vision is for our Junior Player Development

Program to, in the future, produce players that will

enable us to achieve the goal of being cemented in

Group I for Davis Cup and Fed Cup.

As a reference to the level required, the HPSNZ

funding pathway for the Olympics is via a carding

system and PEG grants (world top 16) which is

aligned to their performance standards and the

potential for the athlete to medal. Our strategy

is not aligned to players reaching HPSNZ criteria.

However should they do so in the future we will

approach HPSNZ on their behalf.

DAVISCUP/FEDCUP

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Progression/Targets

STAGE 4

STAGE 3

STAGE 2

STAGE 1

Touring Pro • The athlete is a self-managed touring professional and may be a NZ DC/FC team member.

Top 150 ATP/WTA rankings. TNZ may seek private funding for up to 24 months. Carded PEG.

Transitional • InUSUniversityorself-managed.

• Overseen by Tennis NZ Coach.

• Potential DC/FC member

• InexceptionalcasesTNZwillassistinsavingfunds

Potential for top 150 ranking and tracking Open doors /advise / possible clinics/training as appropriate.

Inexceptionalcases,assistancewithfunding.

PM Sch.

Elite Targeted Athlete • All aspects of program overseen by Tennis NZ HP team

• Coaching and travel substantially funded by TNZ.

• Sport science services provided.

IDaspotentialfor150rankorbetterandtracking Substantially funded domestically and internationally with coaching,travelandsupportservices.Individualprogramsdeveloped.

NIL

Development Targeted Athlete • BeenIDbyTNZcoaches.

• Training in home environment.

• Attend Training Camps.

• Working towards becoming an Elite Target Athlete.

• Competing in Nationals (age group) in NZ and Australia

Maybe capable of future 150 ranking. Funded domestically with support services and training camps, subsidised travel to tournaments in Australia.

NIL

PHASE WHAT THIS MEANS

TNZ SUPPORT STRUCTURE

Progression/Targets

Touring Pro • The athlete is a self-managed touring professional and may be a NZ DC/FC team member.

Top 150 ATP/WTA rankings. TNZ may seek private funding for up to 24 months. Carded PEG.

Transitional • InUSUniversityorself-managed.

• Overseen by Tennis NZ Coach.

• Potential DC/FC member

• InexceptionalcasesTNZwillassistinsavingfunds

Potential for top 150 ranking and tracking Open doors /advise / possible clinics/training as appropriate.

Inexceptionalcases,assistancewithfunding.

PM Sch.

Elite Targeted Athlete • All aspects of program overseen by Tennis NZ HP team

• Coaching and travel substantially funded by TNZ.

• Sport science services provided.

IDaspotentialfor150rankorbetterandtracking Substantially funded domestically and internationally with coaching,travelandsupportservices.Individualprogramsdeveloped.

NIL

Development Targeted Athlete • BeenIDbyTNZcoaches.

• Training in home environment.

• Attend Training Camps.

• Working towards becoming an Elite Target Athlete.

• Competing in Nationals (age group) in NZ and Australia

Maybe capable of future 150 ranking. Funded domestically with support services and training camps, subsidised travel to tournaments in Australia.

NIL

QUALIFYING CRITERIA HPSNZTENNIS NZ SUPPORT

HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2014 - 2020 17

STAGE 4

STAGE 3

STAGE 2

STAGE 1

STAGE 0

Elite Touring Pro

22+ years

Athlete is focused on being world class. Full time touring. FC/DC member. Athlete and coach will use all available sport training technology and science to enhance performance

Top 150 ranking Clinics and support from TNZ on tour where possible otherwise self-managed with private coach.

Mastery and ongoing skill development, skills automated, disciplined,

focused. Consistently benchmarking against relevant competitors

Individualtargetedgoalsand self-driven program

As appropriate. Professional behaviour in place. Mental strength training tailored to suit.

Elite HP – Uni or self-managed

18 – 22 years

Individuallyandindependentlymotivatedtotrain.Identifiedastalented and chosen as Targeted Athlete

Potentialtop150rank.FuturesandITFtournaments gathering points. 50% rule – open /age group.

TNZ Clinics where appropriate. Driven by Uni program.

Individual,benchmarkedagainst international standards. Maximising skills in a training and competition environment.

Individual,independentself-motivated periodised programs

Education regarding expectations. Mental strength training

Talent Development – Elite Targeted Athlete

12 – 18 years

Athletes have become aware of training requirements in order to be competitive and are more involved in own developments. Training and competing is disciplined. Focus on skill and technique development between athlete and coach.

Nationaltop3,ITFtournamentssemis.Comfortableandconfidentcompetinginternationally.

Only play up if likely to win. 33% rule – stronger/comparable /weaker.

National / regional individual performance plan driven by TNZ National coach. National coach involvement and input intoIndividualperformanceprograms.

Identifystrengthandweaknesses and address these to maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses.

Regular individualised and supervised gym training. Specificskilldevelopmentonandoffcourt.Regularrecreational training. Self-performance monitoring. Education around recovery options and cross over skills.

Understanding of the concepts of concentration, commitment, control and strength. Sessions andworkshopsonspecifictopicsapplicable to developmental stage. Parents understand their role and the pathway ahead.

Talent ID – Development Targeted Athlete

10 – 14 years

This is the skill development stage wherefundamentalskillsarerefinedandmademoreefficient.Specificdisciplinesfrom the sport are introduced with basic technique. Coaching hours increase but still with focus on fun.

Nationalagegrouptop3.Introductiontointernational competition and training.

Regional programs driving individual plans. Athlete strengths and weaknesses identifiedanddevelopedbyregional coaches – maximizing strengths and minimizing weaknesses. National coach interfacing with regional coach.

Stablisation of fundamentals in competition environment. Overall skill development focusingonsportspecificskills.Develop generic tennis skills covering all aspects.

Learn how training can be fun. Organised sport and training activities. Cross training activities (soccer, athletics, cricket etc)

Understanding of task orientation and goal setting to achieve short, mid and long term goals. Parent education of pathway and their role.

Junior

Under 10 years

Introductiontothesportandapassionis being found. Becoming involved in the community of tennis and having fun are the primary focuses.

Not competition focused – inclusive and fun.

Weekend or holiday programs. Club/community based tennis with peers/friends.

Have fun learning the basics with mini tennis equipment.

Athlete is involved in a variety of organised sports.

Learn the love of the sport. Explore the concepts of goal setting and personal performance. Achieving personal goals is more important than winning in competition.

ATHLETE DESCRIPTION COMPETITION OUTCOMESSTAGE

TNZ DEVELOPMENT PATHWAYProgression/Targets


Elite Touring Pro

22+ years

Athlete is focused on being world class. Full time touring. FC/DC member. Athlete and coach will use all available sport training technology and science to enhance performance

Top 150 ranking Clinics and support from TNZ on tour where possible otherwise self-managed with private coach.

Mastery and ongoing skill development, skills automated, disciplined,

focused. Consistently benchmarking against relevant competitors

Individualtargetedgoalsand self-driven program

As appropriate. Professional behaviour in place. Mental strength training tailored to suit.

Elite HP – Uni or self-managed

18 – 22 years

Individuallyandindependentlymotivatedtotrain.Identifiedastalented and chosen as Targeted Athlete

Potentialtop150rank.FuturesandITFtournaments gathering points. 50% rule – open /age group.

TNZ Clinics where appropriate. Driven by Uni program.

Individual,benchmarkedagainst international standards. Maximising skills in a training and competition environment.

Individual,independentself-motivated periodised programs

Education regarding expectations. Mental strength training

Talent Development – Elite Targeted Athlete

12 – 18 years

Athletes have become aware of training requirements in order to be competitive and are more involved in own developments. Training and competing is disciplined. Focus on skill and technique development between athlete and coach.

Nationaltop3,ITFtournamentssemis.Comfortableandconfidentcompetinginternationally.

Only play up if likely to win. 33% rule – stronger/comparable /weaker.

National / regional individual performance plan driven by TNZ National coach. National coach involvement and input intoIndividualperformanceprograms.

Identifystrengthandweaknesses and address these to maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses.

Regular individualised and supervised gym training. Specificskilldevelopmentonandoffcourt.Regularrecreational training. Self-performance monitoring. Education around recovery options and cross over skills.

Understanding of the concepts of concentration, commitment, control and strength. Sessions andworkshopsonspecifictopicsapplicable to developmental stage. Parents understand their role and the pathway ahead.

Talent ID – Development Targeted Athlete

10 – 14 years

This is the skill development stage wherefundamentalskillsarerefinedandmademoreefficient.Specificdisciplinesfrom the sport are introduced with basic technique. Coaching hours increase but still with focus on fun.

Nationalagegrouptop3.Introductiontointernational competition and training.

Regional programs driving individual plans. Athlete strengths and weaknesses identifiedanddevelopedbyregional coaches – maximizing strengths and minimizing weaknesses. National coach interfacing with regional coach.

Stablisation of fundamentals in competition environment. Overall skill development focusingonsportspecificskills.Develop generic tennis skills covering all aspects.

Learn how training can be fun. Organised sport and training activities. Cross training activities (soccer, athletics, cricket etc)

Understanding of task orientation and goal setting to achieve short, mid and long term goals. Parent education of pathway and their role.

Junior

Under 10 years

Introductiontothesportandapassionis being found. Becoming involved in the community of tennis and having fun are the primary focuses.

Not competition focused – inclusive and fun.

Weekend or holiday programs. Club/community based tennis with peers/friends.

Have fun learning the basics with mini tennis equipment.

Athlete is involved in a variety of organised sports.

Learn the love of the sport. Explore the concepts of goal setting and personal performance. Achieving personal goals is more important than winning in competition.

COACHING SKILL DEVELOPMENT PHYSICAL MENTAL

TNZ DEVELOPMENT PATHWAYProgression/Targets

STAGE 4

STAGE 3

STAGE 2

STAGE 1

STAGE 0

Touring Pro /

Elite HP

22+ 10 + 4 1-4 Compete to win

Full-time

80/20

5 peak events

20-30 Pro tournaments

Self

HPSNZ

Elite HP /

US University

18 - 22 6 – 10 10 4-6 Train to win

University timetable

70/30

(80-100 singles)

Self

HPSNZ

Talent Development /

Elite Targeted Athlete

16 - 18 4 – 8 10 6-10 Train to compete and learn to win

15-25 hrs tennis

6-8 hrs non tennis

60/40

3 peak events

18-22 tournaments

(65-80 singles/25-45 doubles)

Tennis NZ

Parents

Talent ID /

Development Targeted Athlete

10 - 14 3 - 6 25 8-12 Train to train

8-20 hrs tennis

2-6 hrs non tennis

40/60

10-15 tournaments


Tennis NZ

Regional

Parents

Junior Club Player/ Grass roots

Up to 10 1 – 4 Unlimited 10-20 Learn to train and learn the sport

2-8 hrs tennis

2-6 hrs non tennis

20/80

6-8 tournaments

(15 singles/25 doubles)

Regional

Parents

YEARS IN SPORT ATHLETES (APPROX.)DEVELOPMENT PHASE AGE

TNZ ATHLETE PATHWAYProgression/Targets

10 years and 10,000 hours of focused, deliberate, meaningful practice to reach Pro status.


Touring Pro /

Elite HP

22+ 10 + 4 1-4 Compete to win

Full-time

80/20

5 peak events

20-30 Pro tournaments

Self

HPSNZ

Elite HP /

US University

18 - 22 6 – 10 10 4-6 Train to win

University timetable

70/30

(80-100 singles)

Self

HPSNZ

Talent Development /

Elite Targeted Athlete

16 - 18 4 – 8 10 6-10 Train to compete and learn to win

15-25 hrs tennis

6-8 hrs non tennis

60/40

3 peak events

18-22 tournaments


Tennis NZ

Parents

Talent ID /

Development Targeted Athlete

10 - 14 3 - 6 25 8-12 Train to train

8-20 hrs tennis

2-6 hrs non tennis

40/60

10-15 tournaments


Tennis NZ

Regional

Parents

Junior Club Player/ Grass roots

Up to 10 1 – 4 Unlimited 10-20 Learn to train and learn the sport

2-8 hrs tennis

2-6 hrs non tennis

20/80

6-8 tournaments

(15 singles/25 doubles)

Regional

Parents

YEARS TO TOP 150PROGRESSIONS PHYSICAL HOURS PER WEEK

ORGANISATION RESPONSIBLE (FUNDING AND ATHLETE LIFE)

% COMPETING/TRAINING RATIO

Progression/Targets

TENNIS NZ TARGETED PERFORMANCE COACHINGASSESSMENT OF CURRENT SITUATION

• It is currently difficult to operate a sustainable

career in Performance tennis coaching –

therefore not an attractive or viable career option

• Few NZ coaches have had the opportunity to

become World Class therefore there is limited

depth

• There is no regular collaboration between tennis

coaches or other sport code coaches and no

databases of information or standardisation of

Performance coaching

• No long term plans to recruit potential

performance coaches from a player that have

finished their playing careers - i.e. succession

planning.

• Coaches – day to day have admin and other

obligations, therefore it is difficult for them

to dedicate sufficient hours regularly working

as a Performance coach (ie one on one with a

Performance player) to upskill in this area.

• Training courses are expensive and elite

• Other sports career pathways are more attractive

and secure

WHAT DOES A NZ PERFORMANCE COACH

MOSTLY LOOK LIKE

INTRODUCTION

Successful performance coaching is about the

athlete and the process to deliver the support

they need. It is athlete-centric, the coaches are

leaders of people and process, are learners, are

collaborators and are self-driven.

It is also recognised that with the level of

professionalism and specialised requirements in

the modern professional game, a tailored long term

plan is necessary for Performance coaches.

Being engaged with a suitable long-term plan

would enable them to meet the complex demands

of coaching at this level.

LIKELY CHARACTERISTICS

• Someone who has had an international playing

background

• They are or were named as a Tennis NZ Targeted

Athlete’s private coach

• They Tour or have Toured regularly with athletes

as a coach

• They coach significant hours one on one

• They do extra time with players for a low hourly

rate

• They are passionate about the game and the

players they coach

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PERFORMANCE

COACHES AND COMMUNITY COACHES

Peformance coaches will be capable of:

• Planning of processes towards an outcome (at

elite level)

• Delivery during training and competition over

long periods of time

• Management of resources, people, and

constraints

• Strategic Coordination - priortisation, integration,

evaluation, culture, and long-term planning

There is not necessarily a linear progression from

club or community coaching to peformance.

Performance coaching is about coaching people not

just tennis.

ENABLERS FOR DEVELOPMENT

• Facilitation of applications to:

• Performance Coach Advance

• Prime Ministers Scholarships

• Australian HP coaching course

• Mentors

Additionally Tennis NZ will provide:

• Opportunites to working at the Talent ID/

Training Camps

• Coaching support advice from the Tennis NZ

HP coaches

• Tour opportunities with Targeted Athletes:

Tennis NZ will provide opportunities for

Targeted Performance coaches to travel

to tournaments and academies, which

will accelerate learning, and help them

grow into world-class performers. By

having more coaches regularly touring, it

will enable Tennis NZ to stay in touch with

latest methods and systems, innovations

and opportunities; and it will facilitate

networking and put NZ tennis on the map in

international circles.


HOW WILL THESE COACHES BE IDENTIFIED

The TNZ HP team will identify suitable people via a

competency framework based on past playing level,

coaching level and experience, relationship skills

and interest in continual learning/development.

• They will effectively declare themselves as they

will be around the top NZ players at tournaments

• They are or have been shoulder tapped by

Associations/Academies/Players/Federations

• Essentially the programme is a Targeted

approach aligning with the Targeted Athlete

Player Development Programme.

Appropriate learning and development

programmes for current and potential HP coaches

will be sought, which will assist in achieving the

necessary characteristics of leadership, self-

awareness, critical reflection, ability to provide

feedback, planning skills, athlete-centric, inquisitive,

share info and the drive to be successful.

Phone: +64 9 528 5428 • Email: [email protected]

www.tennisnz.com

Tennis NZ Player Development Strategy 2014-20

Documents

Transcript of Tennis NZ Player Development Strategy 2014-20