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What can parents, coaches and players control?
WHAT CAN PARENTS AND COACHES CONTROL IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ELITE JUNIOR PLAYER?
In tennis we know that it is the individual COMBINED WITH the daily training environment, that will determine how quick an athlete improves throughout their junior development years. Parents and coaches cannot control the individual ALTHOUGH WE CAN INFLUENCE, but we can control the environment. Below I outline what can be controlled, what can be influenced and what is all down to the individual.
ENVIRONMENT – SOMETHING WE CAN CONTROL!
A GREAT TRAINING ENVIRONMENT CONSISTS OF:
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A high volume of quality training consisting of private, small group, squad and match play sessions.
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Quality surfaces and venues
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Good coaching and hitting partners
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Opportunity to compete in tournaments throughout Australia and overseas
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Strength and conditioning
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Access to medical services such as physio, doctors etc
AS PARENTS AND COACHES, MOST OF THIS WE CAN CONTROL. THERE ARE NOT MANY ENVIRONMENTS OR COACHES AROUND AUSTRALIA RIGHT NOW (SINCE THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES WERE SHUT DOWN IN 2020) THAT HAVE ALL THESE THINGS (THE NTA IN BRISBANE MAY BE THE ONLY ONE). SO PARENTS AND COACHES NEED TO SEEK THESE THINGS OUT TO PUT TOGETHER THE WEEKLY ENVIRONMENT – THIS IS IS SOMETHING THAT IS “CONTROLLABLE”.
THE INDIVIDUAL – HOW MUCH INFLUENCE CAN WE HAVE?
When assessing an individual, I have narrowed it down to 3 categories that make an individual elite tennis player, and all 3 are very important. These are:
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The personal characteristics of the player
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The competitive ability of the player
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The X-Factor qualities of the player
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Some personal characteristics include:
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Attitude (glass half full or empty person?)
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Resilience – ability to bounce back after losses or setbacks
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Work ethic and dedication
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Passion for the sport
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Determination to reach their goals
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Self-drive and motivation
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Professionalism, attention to detail
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Ability to self-analyse and learn from mistakes
I BELIEVE THESE CHARACTERISTICS ARE PART NATURE AND PART NURTURE. A GROWING CHILD CAN DEFINITELY BE INFLUENCED BY THOSE PEOPLE AROUND THEM WHEN DEVELOPING THESE CHARACTERISTICS, BUT ALSO IT IS PART GENETICS
2. Competitive ability of the player during matches. This includes
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Guts
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Courage
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Composure
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Dealing with whatever comes at them and having the ability to adapt
THIS IS A TRICKY ONE. YES COACHES AND PARENTS CAN HAVE AN INFLUENCE, BUT I BELIEVE THIS AREA IS LARGELY DOWN TO THE INDIVIDUAL TO WORK OUT. EXPERIENCE IS THE NO.1 DEVELOPMENT FACTOR IN THIS AREA IN MY OPINION.
2. The "X Factor" qualities of the player. These include:
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Ball striking/timing
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Natural athleticism
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Competitiveness
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Confidence/self belief
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Ability to learn things fast
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Resilience to injury
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Ability to consistently come up with great shots and points in clutch moments
I BELIEVE THESE THINGS ARE EXTREMELY HARD OR ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO “TEACH” IN A PLAYER. THESE THINGS ARE WHAT SEPERATES THE “GOOD” FROM THE “GREAT”.
AS A PLAYER, PARENT OR COACH – ARE YOU “CONTROLLING THE CONTROLLABLES”?