I recently worked with a young player who had made tremendous strides in improving her ball control. She had learned to balance her powerful game with better ball placement and reduce her unforced errors.
Her progress was obvious when she won a local tournament in her age group, defeating a national team member in the final. Notably, she won both the semi-final and final in the third set, showcasing her newfound ability to handle pressure and construct points more effectively.
However, last weekend, she competed in an ITF event against a higher-ranked opponent and reverted to her old erratic self. Instead of maintaining her newfound control and confidence, she reverted back to making repeated unforced errors. It was as if all her progress had vanished under the weight of higher competition.
Why does this happen? And more importantly, what can be done to guard against players slipping back into old negative habits?
"One of the biggest challenges for tennis
coaches is ensuring that the lessons
taught in practice sessions seamlessly
transition into match play, and while
under pressure".
Too often, coaches assume that players automatically recognize when a new topic is introduced, understand its significance, and instinctively apply it in competitive situations.
However, this is not always the case. Coaches often believe that players are on the same page and recognize the "big" topics from the general instruction that takes place daily.
1. Explain Clearly The "Big" Topics and Their Objectives
When introducing a new technical or tactical topic, coaches must frame it as a distinct topic. Players need to be fully aware that this is a point of emphasis.
Coaches should not assume that a player will naturally categorize new topics as important. A player can mistake what you are telling them as a general lesson. You need to articulate that the topic is foundational and that you will be reinforcing its importance repeatedly during training sessions and expecting to see the topic introduced in competition.
For example, if a coach is working on improving a player’s ability to attack short balls, simply practicing the shot is not enough. The player needs to understand:
This is a new topic being introduced and will be followed up in future practice sessions and in matches.
Why attacking short balls is important.
When and how to implement it during match play.
What success looks like in applying this new topic.
2. Reinforcing Topics with a Strategic Framework
A lesson taught in isolation without strategic
context is unlikely to be recalled under
match pressure.
Coaches must bridge the gap between technical execution and tactical application by embedding the topic into realistic match situations. For example, if a player is working on a more aggressive Seturn of Serve, they should not only practice the mechanics but also be guided on:
Recognizing the right moments to use it.
Understanding the tactical advantage of an aggressive return.
Adjusting to different types of serves and opponents.
By reinforcing the topic within a strategic framework, players will be better equipped to recall and apply the lesson when needed in a match.
3. Creating a Strong Association Between the Topic and Match Play
A new skill or pattern must be deeply ingrained in the player’s mind before they can confidently execute it during competition. This requires a period of reinforcement and developing a link in the player's mind between practice and real match play. Coaches can use tools such as:
Verbal Cues: Create a type of on-court mantra. Regularly refer to the topic by name during drills and match simulations.
Apply Pressure in Drills: Introducing match-like pressure situations to test the player's ability to execute under stress. Give the player multiple opportunities to be uncomfortable!
Play Points: Include practice points during sessions where the player has a specific objective tied to the new topic, helping them to create the "bridge" to real matches later.
I believe that the inability to create this "bridge" from the practice court to the match court is the number one reason players struggle mentally during competition. The "bridge" must be worked on in every practice session and later during post-match reviews.
4. Checking for Understanding and Awareness
Before assuming a player has absorbed a new lesson topic, coaches should check for understanding by asking questions such as:
"What was today’s topic?"
"How/when would you use this in a match?"
"What will be the toughest thing for you when using this under pressure?"
 |
Make sure that you and the
players are on the same page. |
These conversations ensure that players are consciously aware of the lesson and can articulate its significance in their own words. Asking questions on a regular basis will also keep players "on their toes", and focused whenever you talk (Just don't overdo the talking portion of lessons as it can create a "deaf ear" whereby students can be listening but not comprehending what you say)
5. Reinforcement in Competitive Matches
Finally, players need to be reminded of key lesson topics before and after their matches.
Pre-match discussions should highlight specific topics of focus. I have always given players a small piece of paper to take onto the court with them that highlights the key things I want them to accomplish during the match. These points should be kept to a minimum (1-3 points) and focus on a technical, mental or strategic aspect of the upcoming match.
I give this piece of paper to the player within 30 minutes of the match.
 |
Each player receives a piece of
paper outlining some key points
for them to focus on. |
There should also be post-match debriefs to assess whether the player applied the points on the piece of paper effectively or not. I also like to bring up any issues during the match that the player should be aware of, usually regarding strategy. The post-match chat can also just be a pat on the back for a job well done.
This ongoing reinforcement strengthens the connection between practice and match play, ensuring long-term retention and execution.
 |
Post-match chats should be done calmly
and after the coach has thought beforehand
the tone and direction of the chat. |
Conclusion
A coach’s role extends beyond merely introducing new concepts—it involves ensuring that players understand, internalize, and confidently execute them under match conditions.
By making topics explicit, reinforcing strategic significance, checking for understanding, and continuously integrating lessons into match play, coaches can bridge the gap between practice and competition. Ultimately, this approach will lead to greater clarity, confidence, and effectiveness for players in high-pressure situations.
.png)
Comments
Post a Comment