Coaching

I have written about this before but after watching the 2021 U..S Open, I felt the need to repeat. Novak Djokovic was always the poster boy for my idea about following through the same way, regardless of how your opponent hits their shot. However, Danil Medvedev beat Novak at his own game in the...Read more

Watching the 2021 U.S. Open, it is pretty clear that there are a lot of players who thrive on using the opponent's pace of the ball to hit their best shots. It is also apparent that when a player is able to mix up the speed, it can help draw errors or weaker shots from their opponent. A well-placed...Read more

Getting your opponent on the run is one of the best ways to get them to make some errors. Usually this means hitting your shots to the opening as much as possible. If you keep hitting the ball away from your opponent, it would seem that they will be running all over the place. The problem is that...Read more

There are different methods to estimate the intensity in sport such as using heart rate, VO2, blood lactate concentration, and Rated Perceived Exertion (RPE). Breathing techniques have an effect on the Nervous System, and the heart rate and is a good method to measure the athlete's optimal...Read more

Over the years, I have seen many examples of players over analyzing what they need to do against a specific player. They "scout" the player, figure out the opponent's strengths and weaknesses, and then come up with a game plan. My philosophy for most players is to focus on what you want to do based...Read more

When your opponent hits the ball to you at a high speed, your reactions need to be fast. You turn your shoulders, get your feet to the ball, and swing. If a ball is hit to you at a slower speed, the tendency is to get ready slower and also to have less of a sense of urgency to move your feet. It is...Read more

1. Who is the G.O.A.T.? I love Roger Federer and I admire Rafael Nadal, and at this moment, there is a strong case for either to be called the G.O.A.T. of men's tennis. Roger, however, is unlikely to add another major and Rafa looks like he might be losing a step or two and it's hard to imagine...Read more

I am very much in favor of live ball drills, playing a lot of points, games, sets, tiebreakers, and any other competitive practice situation. However, one of the best drills that I have found to get your players to swing consistently and with the same follow-through on every shot is a feeding drill...Read more

There are so many ups and downs in tennis. One minute you are on top of the world, and the next you are wondering if you actually know how to play the game. Novak Djokovic came into the Olympics having won just about everything he has played (with a couple of exceptions) including the first three...Read more

There are many things to think about during a match. If you can create some good habits with the small things you are doing, the rest of your focus can be on the "difference makers" in the match. First, always call the score out prior to serving. Make sure your opponent hears you and remember to...Read more