Bigger Better Tennis - Paul Dale

With the 2012 French Open about to start here are my predictions for the men up until the third Round: Djokovic v Melzer, Davydenko v Verdasco, Simon v Wawrinka, Fognini v Tsonga, Federer v Mahut, Stephanek v Lopez, Del Potro v Ferrero, Anderson v Berdych, Ferrer v Haase, Granollers v Isner, Haas v Gasquet, Falla v Murray, Tipsarevic v Benneteau, Kolhschreiber v Almegro, Monaco v Raonic, Karlovic v Nadal.

 Traveling with players to different countries can be challenging and rewarding As coaches we sometimes forget that the essence of our job is to help players win in competition.   We spend a lot of time on   the practice court but a large portion of our job should involve being with our players at tournaments and helping them translate work on the practice court into results at tournaments. It would be nice if that happened automatically but unfortunately it doesn’t always translate on the match court. It’s difficult during practice however to simulate match-play conditions and to teach a player to create and implement a strategy during the heat of battle.   I have always found that the tournament environment   actually enhances the learning   process because the player is much more receptive to advice.   The player is under pressure and will listen to key instructions on technique and strategy.    Here is a check-list of sugg...