Tag Archives: tennis

Introduction into The Soft Science of Tennis

Posted on April 2, 2021 by in Maximizing Tennis Potential, The Soft Science of Tennis

The following post is an excerpt from Frank’s newest book, The Soft Science of Tennis.

Click Here to Order through Amazon

INTRODUCTIONIMG_080_R_WHITE

 

Let’s begin by using a computer analogy, if strokes and athleticism are the athlete’s hardware, mental and emotional skills are surely the athlete’s software.

We all know that mental toughness and emotional resolve are critical in competition. The Soft Science of Tennis is specially designed to improve the mysterious software skills. With this groundbreaking book, respect is developed, and trust is earned as coaches and parents create an exceptional culture, sharpen stronger communication techniques, and connect with each student at a much deeper level.

The Soft Science of Tennis identifies each athlete’s individual personality profile and unique cerebral design. Throughout these pages, we’ll expose how your athlete’s inborn genetic predispositions affect their behavioral attributes and on-court competitive characteristics.

Getting into the student’s world requires the open-mindedness to embrace how the student’s genetic predispositions impact their match play.

 

“You must first get into their world to change their world.”

 

This book challenges coaches, athletes, and parents to recognize that preferred learning styles and training requirements are unique to each athlete.

The science of profiling personality isn’t new or even unique. Today there are dozens of profiling programs including Disc, Social styles, Predictive Index, Profiles Int., HBDI, Strengthfinder, Keirsey Temperament, TTI, Human Metrics, and MBTI to name a few. These models all share in helping us better connect and communicate. The Soft Science of Tennis applies the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator because it is the most widely recognized profiling application in use around the world.

MBTI is a registered trademark, and inside this book, I am simply sharing my unique, tennis-specific understandings of their application.

Brain design awareness enhances our ability to customize our teaching approach to the different personality profiles found in the sport. While there are many interpretations of personality profiling, The Soft Science of Tennis aims to share techniques that I’ve found highly successful in my 30 years of coaching tennis.

Also included is the importance of nurturing positive character traits and life skills, and why developing a healthy moral compass matter. This soft science book dissects how to conquer essential performance anxieties such as overriding negative belief systems, eliminating internal judgment, and building coachable athletes.

 

“In the coaching field, there is more to the story than teaching fundamental strokes. An athlete’s negative emotional state can and will derail great game plans and exquisite strokes.”

 

Rounding out this book, are several chapters uniquely focused on how to change fixed mindsets, managing fear, and risk, and developing confidence and self-esteem. These are some of the favorite topics of high IQ coaches attending my conferences around the world. Consequently the question, “Why doesn’t anyone else teach this stuff?” has become a reoccurring theme of discussion among coaches and parents alike throughout my travels. Within these pages, it is my goal to share everything you didn’t even know…you needed to know about the soft science of tennis.

Tennis Industry Testimonials – Part 2

Posted on March 31, 2021 by in Maximizing Tennis Potential, The Soft Science of Tennis

The following post is an excerpt from Frank’s newest book, The Soft Science of Tennis.

Click Here to Order through Amazon

Frank Giampaolo

“Frank Giampaolo has nailed it again in The Soft Science of Tennis. This time he has led us to see the absolutely critical importance of connecting with our students by understanding their personality profile, cognitive design and learning styles. All great teaching begins with the tools he provides. Thanks to Frank for giving them to us in this outstanding book.”

Tim Mayotte, Boston, Massachusetts, Former Top 7 ATP, NCAA Singles Champion, USTA National Coach

 

“The Soft Science of Tennis is another valuable resource from Frank Giampaolo. He is knowledgeable and passionate about sharing – these two qualities demonstrate why Frank has been a top-rated presenter at the PTR International Tennis Symposium. In The Soft Science of Tennis, Frank gets the message across and reminds us what’s truly important in our coaching. Communication, Engagement, Life Skills, and Character Building are what really matter in the mark we leave on our students after we are gone!”

Julie Jilly, Hilton Head, South Carolina, PTR VP Marketing/Events

 

“Frank Giampaolo once again demonstrates that he is the supreme grandmaster of tennis psychology. What distinguishes champions from other players is what goes on inside their minds. If you want to play better and understand the kind of training that is likely to work best for you, read this. Then, read it again.”

Clinton W. McLemore, Laguna Niguel, California Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, USC

 

“Frank Giampaolo has done it again. His new book THE SOFT SCIENCE OF TENNIS is all about what REALLY matters in tennis. In a world where most players are on an endless pursuit to perfecting their strokes, Frank teaches players about the BIG picture… things that will matter in the long run. If you’re serious about improving your game and thinking outside the box… this book is for you.”

Jorge Capestany, Michigan USPTA Master professional, PTR International Master professional, Founder, CapestanyTennis.com

 

“Frank has hit another ‘ace’ with his latest book The Soft Science of Tennis. He is a wealth of information in so many areas of tennis and always does a fantastic job in addressing the needs of athletes, parents, and coaches. This book’s an amazing read touching on the hidden topics of advanced communication and personality profiling which are often missed by many coaches.”

Michele Krause, Sarasota, Florida TIA Global Education Director- Cardio Tennis

 

“Frank’s positive attitude and his ability to see tennis from different angles make his insights fresh and unique. In The Soft Science of Tennis, Frank once again shows us different, powerful pathways to success.”

Eliot Teltscher, Irvine, California Top #6 ATP player, Former managing director of the USTA Player Development Program

 

 

“The Soft Side of Tennis is filled with insight and inspiration to help you reach your potential. In this extraordinary book, Frank Giampaolo shows you how to successfully utilize your skillset by developing a positive mindset.”

Roger Crawford, Sacramento California, Host of Tennis Channel’s Motivational Monday’s, Best-Selling Author-Hall of Fame Speaker
“The Soft Science of Tennis is not just another tool in your toolbox but another complete toolbox that every coach and parent should read. As in any sport, technical and physical abilities will not flourish until mental capabilities grow and strengthen. Frank takes you through the effective steps of how to assist your athletes in developing a strong and positive mindset. Any coach or parent trying to help a player who is striving for excellence must read this book. This is definitely a book that I will purchase for the entire High-Performance coaching staff at CDL.”

Dean Hollingworth, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, WTA Trainer, CSCS, MTPS Director of High-Performance Club CDL

 

“Great book! I believe this is going to help a lot of coaches and players. It should be part of the mandatory curriculum as a teaching professional. The four parts of a performance paradigm are physical, equipment, technical, and mental. This book is a must for the mental side of the athlete. If you’re into building champions of life and on-court this book is a must.”

Dr. Sean Drake, Oceanside California, Performance Director at TPI

 

Tennis Industry Testimonials – Part 1

Posted on March 27, 2021 by in The Soft Science of Tennis

The following post is an excerpt from Frank’s book, The Soft Science of Tennis.

Click Here to Order through Amazon

soft science

 

 

TESTIMONIALS FROM THE INTERNATIONAL TENNIS INDUSTRY

 

“At crunch time, the athlete’s inner dialog (self-coaching) makes all the difference. The Soft Science of Tennis explains how to override negative past belief systems and how to eliminate judgment in competition. This book of wisdom should be on every coach’s and parent’s bedside.”

Stevie Johnson, Manhattan Beach, California, #21 ATP Professional, Olympian, Most decorated NCAA player of all time

 

“Brilliantly captivating and insightful. Frank Giampaolo is truly a ‘Teacher’s Teacher’ – of all of his many incredible publications, The Soft Science of Tennis is one of his best, and will surely move the tennis-teaching industry forward. Athletes will be celebrating greater degrees of happiness and confidence knowing that their trusted coaches truly understand their genetic design.”

Dick Gould, Palo Alto, California, Emeritus, Men’s Tennis Coach, Director of Tennis, Stanford University Winner of 17 NCAA Men’s Championships

 

“The Soft Science of Tennis specializes in interpreting human behavior within the development of competitive athletes. I highly recommend it to parents and coaches.”

Peter Smith, Long Beach, California, USC Men’s Tennis Coach, A five-time Pac-12 Coach of the Year and Two-Time ITA National Coach of the Year, 5- Time NCAA National Champion

 

“Under pressure, we’d like to think that our athletes will rise to the occasion…they don’t. They sink to the level of their physical, mental and emotional training. The Soft Science of Tennis delves deeper than strokes and uncovers how to get the most out of each individual.”

Dr. Mark Kovacs, Atlanta Georgia, Executive Director, International Tennis Performance Association (itpa-Tennis.org) CEO, Kovacs Institute (Kovacs institute.com)

 

“Frank Giampaolo has a rich understanding of what it takes to be a successful tennis player. With passion and nuance, this book provides a great many insights — especially in such more mysterious realms as emotion and character. There’s a lot to be learned here.”

Joel Drucker, Writer for Tennis Channel and Historian-at-large for the International Tennis Hall of Fame

 

“From my personal ATP experience, I can honestly say I struggled with the ‘software’ part most of my tennis career. Back then there was very little information on how to develop the ‘mental or emotional muscles.’ Frank has been doing this successfully for the past decade. I 1000% believe that the ‘software’ (mental & emotional) part of tennis is as important to build as the hardware (strokes & athleticism). I highly recommend Frank’s latest book: The Soft Science of Tennis. It’s an outstanding contribution to the game. If I had Frank coaching me…I would have won way more titles on tour.”

Johan Kriek, West Palm Beach, Florida. Former Top 5 ATP, 2- Time Grand Slam Champion, owner, Johan Kriek Tennis Academy

Mental and Emotional Tennis

Posted on March 25, 2021 by in Maximizing Tennis Potential, The Soft Science of Tennis

The following post is an excerpt from Frank’s newest book, The Soft Science of Tennis.

Click Here to Order through Amazon

 Soft Science of Tennis_3D_Cover_version5

During the past three decades, the business of tennis coaching has become much more scientific. Biomechanics, technique, and technology have changed the hardware (strokes and athleticism) for the better, yet, the software (mental and emotional) has been routinely ignored.

 

I was fortunate to begin my career at The Vic Braden Tennis College as a tennis instructor. Back in the 1980’s stroke production was the focal point. As I opened and directed tennis colleges throughout the country, I had the opportunity to work with top nationally-ranked athletes and touring pros. It was then that I realized that although stroke production was fundamental to the game of tennis, it was by no means the whole story. I found that the athletes with sound hardware (strokes and athleticism) and under-developed software (mental and emotional components) struggled in competition. So, for the past 20 years, I’ve immersed myself into the study of the athlete’s competitive software.

 

When Sergey Brin and Larry Page founded Google in 1998, they believed that only techies understood technology, so they set the companies hiring algorithms to employ computer science students from elite Universities. Fifteen years later Google began Project Oxygen to test their hiring methods. The conclusion of the research project shocked everyone. Among the seven most valued qualities of Google’s top employees, technical expertise came in dead last. Interestingly, what proved more important to their corporate culture were SOFT SKILLS.

The following are the seven essential personality traits Google prioritizes in their hiring process:

  • Effective Coaching Skills
  • Effective Communication and Listening Skills
  • Empathy and Support for Others
  • Effective Critical Thinking Skills
  • Effective Problem Solving Skills
  • Ability to Connect Across Complex Ideas
  • Technical Expertise

Since exposing these findings, Google takes soft skills very, very seriously.

Like Google’s search engine business, most of the tennis-teaching industry assumes that hard skills (biomechanics and tennis technical knowledge) are most important. This book intends to share insights as to why soft skills matter and their significance may be more important than we were led to believe. The beliefs of athletes are directly influenced by their interactions with coaches and parents. After all, great coaching requires great collaborating, which is at the heart of The Soft Science of Tennis.

This book is designed to improve our tennis-specific soft skills that are the behaviors that enable us to connect more efficiently. Soft science characteristics are learned behaviors, and when properly nurtured lead to the more effective and harmonious development of our athletes.

In the two years, it took me to research and write this book, the one reoccurring theme throughout this journey was “invest in the person, not just the player.” Whatever industry your athletes choose, whichever position they desire, they’ll take their soft skills with them for the rest of their life.

Match Play Emotional and Mental Solutions- Part 3

Posted on March 18, 2021 by in Neuro Priming for Peak Performance

The following post is an excerpt from Neuro Priming for Peak Performance NOW available!

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neuro priming

My Verbal & Physical Triggers to Combat Choking

Verbal:______________________________________________________________________________

Physical: _____________________________________________________________________________

 

My Verbal & Physical Triggers for Panicking

Verbal: _____________________________________________________________________________

Physical: ____________________________________________________________________________

 

Energy Flow Management (Check STATEMENT  If Understood)

 

  • I’ll control the playing speed of the match.

 

  • I’ll control the positive energy of the match.

 

  • I’ll inflate my fight to deflate their will to battle.

Pre-Match Preparation -Part 2

Posted on March 15, 2021 by in Neuro Priming for Peak Performance

The following post is an excerpt from Neuro Priming for Peak Performance NOW available!

Click Here to Order

 

IMG_080_R_WHITEGame Day/Pre-Match Preparation
(Check Statement If Understood)

  • I will listen to my audiotapes to pre-set an excellent performance.
  • I will morph into an athletic warrior by: ____________________________________________
  • I will warm up my primary & secondary strokes.
  • I will go for a short run right before the match.
  • I will focus on performing excellently … not perfect.
  • I will trust my training and my awesomeness.

 

Weekly Training Reminders (Check Statement If Understood)

  • I will record and watch my actual matches with a high IQ coach.
  • I will focus my training on serving and returning serve.
  • I will rehearse my top seven patterns weekly.
  • I will pay attention to the cause of my errors.
  • I will abide by “The Laws of Offense Neutral and Defensive” in my shot selections.

 

Letting Go of Perfectionism: (Check Statement If Understood)

  • I’ll shoot for excellence, not perfection.
  • I’ll try to win 66% of the points.
  • I’ll relax and give 80% versus 110% effort.
  • I’ll eliminate energy-wasting antics.

 


 

Emotional Protocols- Part 1

Posted on March 12, 2021 by in Neuro Priming for Peak Performance

The following post is an excerpt from Neuro Priming for Peak Performance NOW available!

Click Here to Order

Frank Giampaolo

AUDIO #2: Emotional Protocols

Design and list customized solutions for each of the emotional protocols. Athletes who mentally rehearse their pre-set contingency plans (emotional protocols) report cleaner performances and less match time drama consistently. (Sample Solutions: page 62)

 

My Between Point Rituals

External:

  • ________________________________________________________
  • ________________________________________________________

Internal:

  • _________________________________________________________
  • _________________________________________________________

 

My Changeover Rituals

External: _______________________________________________________

Internal: _______________________________________________________

 

Critical Times to Manage my Adrenaline

  • _________________________________________________________
  • _________________________________________________________

Neuro Priming For Peak Performance- Part 3

Posted on March 8, 2021 by in Maximizing Tennis Potential, Neuro Priming for Peak Performance

The following post is an excerpt from Neuro Priming for Peak Performance NOW available!

Click Here to Order

 

Designing and Recording Protocolsneuro priming

 

Neuro Priming for Peak Performance is organized into five chapters.  Each chapter is devoted to a distinct tennis skill set. Designing an athlete’s personalized audio recordings is best completed with a high EQ (Emotional Quota) coach or tennis mind. The following is a step by step for guide all five sections. (Sample solutions for all five sections provided in Sample Solutions page 34.)

Step 1

With your coach, discuss each of the audio recording topics and complete your personalized script of solutions. These solutions should result from on-court training and most proficient patterns and tactics. The athlete should be able to perform the solutions routinely.

Step 2

Once solutions are identified, find a quiet space, eliminate all distractions, and get comfortable while you read your customized scripts into your cell phone’s digital recorder. Allow 5 seconds in-between tips to enable time for adequate mental rehearsal visualization.

 

Step 3

Begin your mental rehearsals in a calm mental state by breathing deeply, eliminating muscle tension and controlling your wandering mind. While visualizing your physical, mental and emotional skill sets, apply realistic imagery using slow motion and real-time visualization.

 

Key Times for Neuro Priming

  • Nightly before falling asleep, especially before matches.
  • Early morning, when you’re just waking up.
  • Drive time/travel time.
  • Before competitive matches.
  • Between points & change-overs.
  • After competition as a performance review.

Neuro Priming For Peak Performance- Part 2

Posted on March 6, 2021 by in Maximizing Tennis Potential

The following post is an excerpt from Neuro Priming for Peak Performance NOW available!

Click Here to Order

 

neuro primingThe Benefits of Neuro Priming For Peak Performance Includes:

  • Increased confidence
  • Enhanced match awareness
  • Quickened cognitive processing speed
  • Improved the mind-body neuro connection
  • Greater tactical awareness
  • Stroke flaw awareness & solutions
  • Conflict resolution
  • Stress management
  • Opponent awareness
  • Score management
  • Choking & panicking resolution
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Enhanced strategic responses
  • Improved emotional responses
  • Staying on script (patterns and plays)
  • Decreased worry, stress and fear
  • Advanced resiliency
  • Increased motivation
  • Less hesitation
  • Increased developmental organization
  • Upgraded focus ability
  • Enhanced concentration

The Sports Science of Neuro Priming

Neuroscientists report that mental rehearsal activates a network of neural coded motor programs in the brain that when primed activate the athlete’s correct physiological responses. By creating customized audio recordings and then routinely listening to the recordings, the athlete strengthens the neural pathways required for competition.

 

Why Neuro Priming Works

Mental rehearsal is a form of preventative medicine. It identifies the causes of an athlete’s anxiety. Neuro priming pin-points the possible problems and pre-sets their solutions. Performing at peak performance level requires the athlete to be confident and able to adapt when things go astray. In competitive matches, the athlete who has their pre-set contingency plans has superior confidence in their problem-solving ability.

Neuro priming is one of an athlete’s greatest defenses against performance anxieties. It assists the athlete in trading in pessimism for optimism.  (Note: Neuro priming may be a 3 -second between-point visualization routine or up to a 20-minute complete pre-competition review.)

ATP and WTA touring professionals are often quoted as saying the game is 90% mental and 10% physical. Neuro priming is a cutting-edge method to improve the mental and emotional components of a competitive athlete’s tennis game. As I stated at the beginning, an athlete’s routines and rituals ultimately define their success. I hope you find Neuro Priming for Peak Performance the key to maximizing your athlete’s potential.

 

Neuro Priming For Peak Performance- Part 1

Posted on March 2, 2021 by in Neuro Priming for Peak Performance

The following post is an excerpt from Neuro Priming for Peak Performance NOW available!

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NUERO PRIMING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE

neuro priming

In the medical field, heart surgeons report that if they practiced the way they did just five years ago, they would have been sued for malpractice. Yet, in the business of coaching tennis, teaching professionals all too often teach the same fundamental systems they were taught decades ago. Dedicating most tennis training to grooving forehands and backhands and neglecting training what’s between the ears. Success in the competitive game of tennis is dependent on emotional and mental warfare.

I’ve found that only training an athlete’s hardware (stroke fundamentals & athleticism) and ignoring their software (mental and emotional), often results in match-day disappointment due to underdeveloped competitive skills.

Researchers estimated that even with the best teachers, students typically walk away from their training sessions retaining approximately 20% of the coach’s advice. So to help reinforce lesson instruction, I recommend applying customized neuro priming.

Neuro priming involves mental imagery to review and rehearse solutions for competitive performance. This visualization process is an essential off-court form of training personalized to each athlete with advanced solutions designed for specific match play situations. Neuroscientists report that athletes who apply personalized mental rehearsals drastically improve performance during match play. I consider neuro priming not only fundamental for competitive athletes but often the missing link for athletes unable to compete under stress at their full potential.

 

“Competitive successes or failures aren’t the results of a singular performance, but the result of the athlete’s physical,
mental and emotional routines and rituals.”

 

This guidebook provides a fresh, unique pathway to improving tennis skills with a customized script, in the athlete’s very own voice via a series of audio recordings on their phone. Neural priming is not meant to replace an athlete’s on-court tennis training. It is an essential enhancement of their mental, emotional and physical skills. Just as priming muscles before competition increases athleticism, neuro priming increases cognitive processing speed.