Tennis, like most competitive sports, is a game where the margin of error is often tiny. Sometimes, it’s only a matter of inches. Which side of the line the ball bounces on makes all the difference in the world, and that’s just a matter of millimeters. To account for this small margin of error, solid practice players need cannot rely on their raw talent alone. At every level of tennis, from rising juniors looking to seasoned veterans competiting in tournament play, the fine edge, the difference between winning and losing, comes down to who wins that millimeter.
In order to reach this level, and achieve this fine edge, every player must have top-tier coaching.
Individualized Training is Far Superior to Group Lessons
Just like how each person is different, no two tennis players are completely alike. Everyone hits the ball with their own level of force, torque and backspin. Stressful match scenarios hit in different ways as well. Everybody handles pressure differently. The one size fits approach only works on the most basic fundamental level, for beginners. Once we get beyond forehands, backhands, groundstrokes and serving, it’s time to make the lessons individualized.
Eltie coaching begins with a comprehensive overall player assessment. For example, Leonard Stakhovsky tennis coach and founder of Stakhovsky Tennis, works according to this exact methodolgy. Based in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, Stakhovsky works with all levels, from promising junior prospects to experienced adults, on refining their game through individualized training regimens.
These regimens focus on addressing the strengths and weaknesses present in each player’s athletic profile.
Specialized Technique and Unique Tactics
In today’s version of tennis, form almost always follows function. Good coaches know that you can’t try to change habits and techniques until you first diagnose the player. The coach must first learn each player’s physical capabilities versus liabilities, playing styles, movement styles, emotional patterns and levels of previous experience. Once the coach knows the player’s tennis CV and psychological temperament, the individualized programming can begin.
Once an individual tennis player’s biomechanical efficiency is assessed, the coaching can then move on to streamlining stroke mechanics, and doing so in a way that fits their body type. For instance a larger, heavier person may want to focus on adding more touch on their hits, emphasizing finesse and restraint over brute force.
Meanwhile a lighter individual might want to hit the ball with everything they got. You want to maximize racquet speed, power, and spin potential, while at the same time, making sure the ball doesn’t fly out of the court! A good rule of thumb is to hit every ball with the visualization of hitting three balls in straight succession, as this concept emphasizes follow through.
Shot Selection, Game Pattern Recognition
Continuing along those lines, players must learn how to work all the angles, both literally, and figuratively.
Every good tennis player masters the basics of geometry, and how those landing targets work within those geometric principles. From there a good instructor can coach the player on how and when to execute specific shots. Court awareness comes first, and with it, the recognition on hitting short balls early, lobbing them late, and getting up to the net as soon as possible to smash it home.
Whichever tactic you employ, adaptability is the key. A truly complete tennis competitor has to be able to adjust their style against different opponents, and maintain these transitions seamlessly.
Whether it’s the baseline grinding of a long rally, counter-punching each shot, or stepping up for aggressive net play, in the hopes of killing off the point quickly, everybody must learn to play both the ball and the opponent at the same time. And in some cases, play the court as well.
When Video Analysis and Performance Analytics Meet
The best opportunity to review and analyze your technique comes from video analysis. Reviewing footage from both practice and matches helps to highlight your tendencies in form. Reviewing the video footage helps the player to analyze numerous fundamentals such as footwork and serving patterns.
You can also get an “aerial view” on where you position yourself, on serves, returns and in other key situations. When you combine video analysis, which gives the player an opportunity to review real footage, with modern digital athletic apps and fitness trackers, it’s a winning combination.
When a tennis player can synergize smartphone apps and cutting edge A.I. the information from the performance analysis is truly next level. Synergize that with video analysis and all tennis players can build stronger self-awareness in their game.
And pulling it all together can help to accelerate the tennis player’s learning curve.