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Charting and Video Taping

Posted on June 22, 2015 by in Match Charting and Video

The following post is an excerpt from The Tennis Parent’s Bible.  Thanks for visiting, Frank Giampaolo

The Match Chart Collection by Frank Giampaolo

 

Watching their matches versus charting and video taping

Smart training begins with providing valuable feedback to your child’s coaches. Charting and videotaping actual matches is one of the best ways to assist your child in progressing at the quickest rate.

There are several types of charts a parent can use during an actual match. Later in this book we’ll decipher each type of chart. (Part Four: Parent and Player Accountability) We’ll spend some time reviewing the benefits of each.

Parents keep in mind that the most common learning style is the visual learner. Having your child sit down and review their match performance often provides valuable insight, as well as proof.

Here are a few topics to look for while reviewing the match videos: strengths and weaknesses in stroke production, shot selection, dissecting the opponent, movement, emotional and/or lapses in concentration. Trust me, break out the video camera and begin to document one match every tournament and you will be on the road to discovery.

Expecting Your Child to Win Their First Few Big Events

Remember back as a kid at Halloween; you and your friends were walking into a haunted house for the first time. You didn’t really know what to expect. Your heart was racing, your palms were sweating and you were scared to death, but did your best not to show it. By the fourth or fifth time running through the same haunted house, it wasn’t so scary anymore right?

It’s difficult for even the best competitors to compete at their peak performance levels in this heightened state of arousal.

Explain to your child that these first few larger events are just rehearsals. This approach will de-stress your child. As a matter of fact, if your child’s young enough, don’t even tell them it’s a higher level.

FUN FACT: The number one seed seldom wins in junior competition.

 

Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
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Economics Before/After a Match

Posted on June 21, 2015 by in The Tennis Parent's Bible

The following post is an excerpt from The Tennis Parent’s Bible.  Thanks for visiting, Frank GiampaoloFrank Giampaolo

 

Talking Economics Before/After a Match

Dumping unnecessary loads of pressure on a player before or after a match is one of the most common mistakes. I have often heard parents say “If you lose one more time to someone ranked lower than you, we’re pulling the plug! Do you know how much we spend on your tennis?”

How do you expect them to hit their performance goals, if you are stressing them out about finances?

FYI: An average family with a young tournament player participating in local/ sectional events spends an average of $300.00-$500.00 per week on tennis related activities!

Estimated Annual Expenses of National Level Sport

Developing world class level athletes takes serious money. Be grateful tennis parents, it could be worse. Here is a 2010 example of estimated costs (found on Google) of individual national level sports and their estimated average annual price tag:

Cycling and Paintball – $18,000 – $40,000

Dance and Cheer – $50,000 – $70,000

Golf and Tennis – $40,000 – $80,000

Gymnastics and Figure Skating – $70,000 – $100,000

Equestrian, Yachting and Motocross – $80,000 –$150,000

 

Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
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Listening

Posted on June 20, 2015 by in Parent Player Communication, The Tennis Parent's Bible

The following post is an excerpt from The Tennis Parent’s Bible.  Thanks for visiting, Frank Giampaolo

This post was requested by a reader to be re-posted.  

Listening

(Written by a teenage girl to her father)

Dear Dad,

What I’m about to say is hard for me. So hard I can’t seem to look you in the eyes and say what I want to say. I guess I’m afraid. Maybe it’s best this way. Maybe you’ll listen with your eyes since you haven’t been hearing me. Maybe you just want to see what you want to see. That’s the champion you’ve been forcing me to be.

Dad, are you listening?

I know you want what’s best for me. I know you believe all the messages you’re sending will make me a better player. Dad, communication isn’t just sending messages, it’s also receiving them.

Dad, are you listening?

Look at my face, there is no joy. I’m angry all the time. I still continue to play week after week, tournament after tournament. I’m sad. No I’m miserable. Why can’t you see that? Do you notice any of this? I utter how I hate competing. I protest every single practice and yet you push me to try harder. You demand, “Be tougher Sasha, you have to aim to be perfect!” Well Dad, I’m not perfect. I just want to be normal.

Dad, are you listening?

I’m depressed and confused and feel that this life is your life, not mine! I love you. I don’t want to hurt you. I’m sorry. Please forgive me but I don’t think I want to play tennis any more.

Dad, are you listening? Love, Sasha

On the other side of this coin, is whether gently pushing your child through a difficult stage in their career/development is the right thing to do? You bet! There isn’t a single champion who didn’t have a parent or paid authority figure pushing them past their comfort zone or carrying them when they couldn’t go on. After he received the letter, I met with Sasha’s Dad and my advice was this:

Stan ask Sasha this question, “Would it be alright to take a one month sabbatical?” Then, take her rackets away and hide them. Don’t even mention the word tennis to her. If she never again brings up the subject, then she is done. That means you have a normal, healthy, average child. Go on vacations, enjoy weekends and appreciate your family!

If the game begins to pull her back, then she’ll be engaged for all the right reasons. It’s about choices. Giving her some time to see for herself that being an average teen, playing video games, texting nonsense to her friends and hanging out at the same mall every weekend isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. She needs to see for herself that the grass isn’t always greener. She’s a great kid. She’s got talent. Trust me, just let this play out.

NOTE: By the tenth night of Sasha’s sabbatical, she was bored to tears. She came into her parent’s room and asked if they can hit a few balls tomorrow. Sasha went on a tear. She has won two national titles in the just last months.

 

Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
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Academy Scholarships?

Posted on June 19, 2015 by in The Tennis Parent's Bible

The following post is an excerpt from The Tennis Parent’s Bible.  Thanks for visiting, Frank GiampaoloFrank Giampaolo

The XYZ Tennis Academy has offered us a scholarship, should we take it?

This is a touchy subject. Some of my best friends and lifelong business partners run successful academies. I am often presented business plans to open a full time academy, but I am convinced that a new blueprint is needed to ensure that each student is receiving the customized attention he/she deserves. I’ve opened and directed clubs and academies since the mid 1980’s. These include Vic Braden Tennis Colleges, the Rancho San Clemente Tennis Club and the Sherwood Country Club- some of Southern California’s most prestigious clubs. As a result, academies are very familiar territory.

FUN FACT: Since closing my academy and opening The Mental, Emotional Tennis Workshops our players have won 77 National singles titles since 2003.

Here are my feelings toward academies in this stage in my coaching career.

The Positive Side:

  1. Academies provide a terrific social environment for the players. The players can hang out with their peers of both genders.
  2. Players can experience the bonding of a team versus the individualism the sport often requires.
  3. A few top players receive free t-shirts, bags and sweats with the academies logo. Other players may receive a discount.
  4. Academies provide a convenient one-stop shop for parents. In essence, the parents can rely on others to organize and develop their child’s career.
  5. Academies should provide plenty of free hitting, off- court training options and match play for the motivated individuals.
  6. Live ball sparring. Players grow from the daily battle.
  7. Academies get players good. How good? With the rare exception, most attendees advance to high school varsity, top sectionally ranked and/or NAIA to Division 2-3 level college ball.
  8. Players experience many different coaches and coaching styles.

FUN FACT: Most juniors are not truly interested in putting the hard work it requires to be a national champion.  They are hobbyist. In that situation, academies could be the right choice. Remember, tennis is a terrific hobby.

SPECIAL NOTE: If your child is ranked higher than most players in the academy, you may be able to negotiate attending for FREE in exchange for attracting paying customers to the program. Also, some academies give every attendee a price break thus giving everyone a partial scholarship. That is, if you pay up front! Folks, that’s marketing 101.

The Negative Side:

  1. Most academies recruit their top players AFTER a quality teacher has developed the student’s skills.
  2. The paying customer should receive instruction equal to that given to the elite superstars, which attend for FREE. Unfortunately, in some cases, the experienced coaches are busy working privately with the non-paying super stars and NOT with your child.
  3. In the higher levels of high performance tennis, detailed customization of the lesson plans are required. For example, if a player has holes in their transition game, sending them down to court #6 to get in line with the rest of the group and hit forehands and backhands may not be in the student’s best interest.
  4. Paying customers do not progress at the quickest rate.
  5. Often they have to win to move up into the “higher” level courts. This forces the junior to choose outcome goals over performance goals. This means they avoid building their new weapons as they choose to use their old comfortable “flawed strokes” to try to win. This behavior stalls the exact progression you seek.
  6. A great young talent positioned in an unsupervised setting will often learn how to goof  off, throw their racquet, waist time, go for low percentage shots, over hit, and give half effort.
  7. Often inexpensive overworked introductory coaches are employed to oversee the paying customers.

 

FUN FACT: In the last decade, most park & rec’s, high school courts, apartment complex, college courts, country club and city facility have changed the name of their after school junior tennis program to an academy. It sounds more official, doesn’t it?

 

 

Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
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Proper Nutrition and Hydration

Posted on June 18, 2015 by in Maximizing Tennis Potential, The Tennis Parent's Bible

The following post is an excerpt from The Tennis Parent’s Bible.  Thanks for visiting, Frank GiampaoloThe Tennis Parent's Bible by Frank Giampaolo

Just as proper nutrition and hydration are essential to maximizing athletic peak performance, poor nutrition and hydration can ruin any real chance of even reaching peak performance.

Athletes employing improper nutrition and hydration can expect:

  • Lethargic play
  • Decreased strength & reaction time
  • Low physical, mental & emotional endurance
  • Impaired concentration, reduced court awareness & problem solving skills
  • Emotional break downs
  • Delayed muscle repair and recovery

Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
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Managing Without Guidance

Posted on June 17, 2015 by in The Tennis Parent's Bible

The following post is an excerpt from The Tennis Parent’s Bible.  Thanks for visiting, Frank Giampaolo

Managing Without Guidance

Would you expect a talented, beginner athlete to be a world champion without proper coaching? Not likely. As a parent, plan on seeking out assistance and guidance through this journey. In today’s world, coaching has moved past the athletic playing fields and into every aspect of life. One of the best kept secrets of the successful junior tennis champion is a knowledgeable, educated primary tennis parent.
Parental coaching can be done in-person, by phone, in groups or in private, customized settings. Wonderful skills can be developed through attending seminars, Googling topics of interest, watching the Tennis Channel, accompanying your youngster to college or professional matches or purchasing instructional DVD’s and books!
Serena Williams said her parents learned how to coach her by watching Vic Braden instructional videos. Seek out those who can help you make clearer decisions for your child and your family. Like gasoline and fire, your education can accelerate your child’s success!

 

Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
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Return of Serve

Posted on June 16, 2015 by in Championship Tennis

The following post is an excerpt from Championship Tennis.  Thanks for visiting, Frank Giampaolo

 

Championship Tennis Cover

Return of Serve Mind Set

 

Regardless of the type of opponent or a player’s style of play, the most important thing regarding the return of serve is to simply start the point. This may seem obvious, but unfortunately, most players are overly aggressive and try to end the point with their first strike. The psychological task on a return of serve is twofold. First, when returning first serves, the returner’s goal is to demoralize opponents by consistently getting the ball back in play. Big servers are accustomed to receiving free points. A steady return sends this message: No free or cheap points today. Also, the return of the second serve provides the opportunity to punish the server for delivering a weak ball. As mentioned previously, offensive, short-ball options may include crushing a winner, hitting a chip and charge, placing a drop shot, or using the side-door pattern.

Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
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Cultivating Life Lessons

Posted on June 15, 2015 by in The Tennis Parent's Bible

The following post is an excerpt from The Tennis Parent’s Bible.  Thanks for visiting, Frank Giampaolo

Cultivating Life Lessons

Choosing to embark on this journey has lifelong benefits. It is widely known that having your child participate in the game of tennis is cultivating life lessons. Tennis is an individual, elite sport. Participation in the game of tennis breeds leaders. Congratulations for developing leadership qualities in your child.

The game of tennis teaches the ability to understand and develop the following traits:

1) Time management

2) Adaptability and flexibility skills

3) Ability to handle adversity

4) Ability to handle stress

5) Courage

6) A positive work ethic

7) Perseverance

8) Setting priorities

9) Goal setting

10) Sticking to commitments

11) Determination

12) Problem solving skills

13) Spotting patterns and tendencies

14) Discipline

15) The understanding of fair play and sportsmanship

16) The development of focus

17) Persistence

18) The importance of preparation

19) Dedication and self-control

20) Positive self-image

My favorite life lesson of the top 20 is persistence. As a coach, to see a talented player without persistence or the willingness to sacrifice and work hard is my worst nightmare! That is why at every level it is often the less talented who are willing to pay the price with smart work, and they have all the trophies!

“Nothing is more common than unsuccessful tennis players with tons of physical talent.”

Finding a way through a tough opponent even though you’re having a bad day is persistence. Staying in the right side of your brain even when things are clearly not going well is persistence. Staying engaged until the very last point is persistence. Now you know my favorite life lesson. What’s yours?

Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
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Pre-Match Visualization and Imagery

Posted on June 14, 2015 by in Match Day Preparation, Maximizing Tennis Potential

The following post is an excerpt from Match Chart Collection.  Thanks for visiting, Frank GiampaoloMatch Day Preparation by Frank Giampaolo

PRE-MATCH VISUALIZATION AND IMAGERY

Warming up doesn’t stop at the physical. Players need to build up their “wall of defenses” in preparation for the continuous onslaught of mental and emotional challenges that competitive tennis encompasses. What we think about often dictates what we create. A mental, emotional no-no is to obsess about the next opponent’s past success, ranking or seeding. Winning tough matches begins with a winning mind set.

Pre-match visualization topics are unlimited, but some of the best visualization exercises include the following:

  1. Perfectly executed primary and secondary strokes
  2. Top seven favorite perfectly executed patterns
  3. The three pillars of between-point rituals
  4. Successful patterns of play against the four main styles of opponents
  5. Preset protocols for common emotional issues

To learn more visit my book Championship Tennis (Human Kinetics Publishing or Amazon)

ASSIGNMENTS:

Begin your pre-match visualization by arriving on site early enough to set aside 20 minutes to mentally rehearse the performance goals you’ve been rehearsing on the practice court.

  • Start this self-hypnosis by seeking out a quiet area away from other competitors and distractions- with closed eyes; take several deep and relaxing breaths.
  • Then create a vivid mental image of numerous tasks being performed successfully. Let’s call this your positive movie. To build confidence and reduce pre-match stress, you should mentally rerun the “movie” several times to reinforce the positive thoughts.

Make a list of your Top 5 Visualization Rituals.

 

Positive constructive visualization actually trains a player to perform
the skills imagined without hesitation.

ntact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
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Pre-Match Warm-Up Rituals

Posted on June 13, 2015 by in Match Day Preparation, Maximizing Tennis Potential

The following post is an excerpt from Match Chart Collection.  Thanks for visiting, Frank Giampaolo

Frank Giampaolo

 Pre-Match Warm-Up Rituals

Before each PGA tournament round, Tiger Woods warms up every club in his golf bag, just in case he needs it. In the high performance tennis world, players who routinely warm up both their primary and secondary strokes have a major advantage in tightly contested matches. Grooving fundamentals before a match is important, but let’s go deeper.

A first-set tiebreak can often come down to a player executing a winning secondary stroke such as a swing volley or topspin lob.  To confidently perform secondary shots at crunch time, without hesitation, stems from properly warming them up before the match. Players who neglect their secondary strokes have a very different mind-set when faced with the same exact situation. Instead of instinctively moving forward to hit the swing volley to take the tiebreaker, they hesitate and are caught thinking, “I don’t remember the last time I hit one of these? Can I make it? Should I go for it?”  Now guess who misses the easy shot, gets upset and blows another breaker?

 

Obviously, any stroke has to be developed on the practice court long before tournament competition begins. Once developed properly, it should be placed into your match day tool belt.

 

ASSIGNMENT

Make a brand new normal warm up routine. Leave the old school warm up routine behind and begin to warm up in the manner that you are expected to perform.

 

The 5 different forehands and backhands:

  1. Primary drive ground strokes
  2. High and heavy ground strokes
  3. Short angle/side door ground strokes
  4. Slice and drop shots
  5. Defensive lobs

The 3 different serves:

  1. Flat serve
  2. Slice serve
  3. Kick serve

The 5 different volleys:

  1. The basic punch volley
  2. The swing volley
  3. The drop volley
  4. The half volley
  5. The transition mid court volley.

The 2 different overheads:

  1. Stationary, service box overheads
  2. The turn and run, scissor kick overhead with movement

The 5 different approach shots:

  1. Serve and volley
  2. Return and charge
  3. Moon-ball approach to swing volley
  4. Traditional approach to volley
  5. Spot a vulnerable opponent and steal the volley

 

Let’s return to the golf analogy. Tiger Woods knows that each day’s course conditions dictate his upcoming club options. Within your tennis world, your warm up is often dictated by the style of opponent you’ll be facing in the up-coming match. For example, if you know that your next opponent is a Moon Ball/ Pusher, it might be wise to warm up your swing volleys, side doors and drop shots.

 

Often, what separates two talented players is the time and

energy put into properly preparing for battle.

Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
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