Structure in practices gives players a sense of security and helps accelerate their development

Explain the "why": Make it clear to the player why each exercise is important.

• Provide targeted feedback: Stick to essential points and avoid overwhelming the player with too much information.

• Use external cues: Help the player focus on the right elements by using cues, like "imagine hitting the forehand volley like it’s a tilted high-five."

• Evaluate drills continuously: Ask the player about their experience with each exercise based on the agreed purpose and focal point and adjust as needed.

Active listening is essential for understanding the player’s needs and challenges.

• Be present: Put your phone away and give the player your full attention.

• Ask open-ended questions: Encourage the player to share their experiences of training and matches.

• Summarize and confirm: Show you’re listening by repeating the player’s key points and validating their feelings.

• Allow for silence: Give the player time to think before responding.

The pre-match talk is crucial for performing at tournaments.

• Develop a game plan: Define 1-3 focus points for the match, such as covering 2/3 of the court with the forehand, returning first serves deep down the middle, or stepping in and being aggressive on the second serve return.

• Adjust your communication style: Consider the player’s personality and learning style.

• Normalize nervousness: Remind the player that it’s natural to feel nervous before a match.

Your support during the match can significantly impact the player’s performance.

• Be mindful of body language: Avoid closed-off body language, like crossed arms, as this can appear unapproachable.

• Use the "support buckets":

  • Encouragement: “Great job,” “Keep it up!”

  • Reminders: Repeat the agreed-upon focus points.

  • Adjustments: Give short, clear advice.

• Communicate clearly and concisely: Avoid lengthy explanations and use cues instead.

A good match evaluation focuses on learning and development.

• Start with the player’s perspective: Ask about their experience of the match.

• Use rating scales: Ask the player to rate the agreed upon focal points pre-match (e.g., covering 2/3 of the court with their forehand or stepping in being aggressive on the opponents 2^nd serves) on a scale from 1-10.

• Highlight positives: Emphasize what went well.

• Identify improvement areas: Pick 1-2 aspects to focus on in future training. Those are not necessarily mentioned in the post-match talk, but noted for the next training session or block.