Tag Archives: tennis

Ten Questions Parents Should Ask Their Athletes

Posted on October 10, 2019 by in Maximizing Tennis Potential, Preparing for Pressure

The following post is an excerpt from Frank’s NEW Amazon #1 New Tennis Book Release, Preparing for Pressure.
Click Here to Order

Preparing final cover 3D

Ten Questions Parents Should Ask Their Athletes

 

“Ask…don’t tell.”

Let’s begin with identifying the number one question parents should NOT ask, “Did you win?” This question pulls the athlete into an outcome-oriented mindset, instead of being growth-minded. The art of communication with athletes includes promoting accountability and problem-solving. Commanding your child what to think is a sure-fire way to encourage disconnection. It’s our job to show them where to look, but not to tell them what they see. Teach your athlete to analyze their performance and to research solutions which promotes growth and retention.

Questions Parents Should Ask:

  1. How was your preparation?
  2. How do you feel about your performance?
  3. What worked well?
  4. What can you improve?
  5. What did you learn?
  6. How else would you have handled that?
  7. What would you do differently next time?
  8. Are you satisfied with your level of play?
  9. How was your composure under pressure?
  10. Did you thank your coaches?

Competitive tennis is incredibly emotional. Parents, it’s within your job description to share your calmness versus partaking in their chaos. Your child needs to hear, “I want to hear your opinion. I believe in you. I’ll always be here to help you.”

Understanding Internal Pressure

Posted on October 8, 2019 by in Personality Profile/Learning Preference, Preparing for Pressure

The following post is an excerpt from Frank’s NEW Amazon #1 New Tennis Book Release, Preparing for Pressure.
Click Here to Order

Preparing final cover 3D

Understanding Internal Pressure

 

“Thriving under pressure requires exposure- not avoidance.”

Teaching a junior competitor to handle internal pressure is a complicated affair. It greatly depends on their genetic predisposition. Some personality profiles are wired to overthink, worry, and stress, while others are natural-born competitors. If your athlete wilts under pressure, this is for you!

A solution that will help athletes to become comfortable in match play is replacing the mindless grooving of strokes in the academy with actually competing in real practice matches. Organize your athlete’s training sessions to focus on competitive, simulated stressful situations on a daily basis.

After a solid foundation is built, redundant technical training is counter-productive. Preparing for pressure demands exposing the athlete to more live ball flexible skills training. This allows them to make the software mistakes and learn from them on the practice court long before tournament play occurs.

A second solution in preparing for pressure is to avoid always enrolling your athlete in events above their actual match play level. I recommend also registering your athlete into lower level, winnable tournaments. This will allow them to gain the much-needed experience of playing longer at their peak performance level six matches in a row. Athletes need to routinely experience what it’s like to compete in the semis and finals of events.

Athletes need to become accustomed to the physical, mental, and emotional symptoms and cures found in real match play. Only with experience will they learn how to perform under pressure.

 

Parents, it’s your job to fluctuate your athlete’s exposure to the different levels of competition at the correct time. Their tournament scheduling should be customized to their current needs.

Discuss Conflict Resolution and Fear of Confrontation

Posted on September 29, 2019 by in Maximizing Tennis Potential, Preparing for Pressure

The following post is an excerpt from Frank’s NEW Amazon #1 New Tennis Book Release, Preparing for Pressure.
Click Here to Order

Preparing final cover 3D

Discuss Conflict Resolution and Fear of Confrontation

 

“Solving problems begins by confronting problems.”

When athletes are expected to be the competitor, the score-keeper, the linesman, and the umpire conflicts will exist. “Being judged” can bring out the best and worst in all of us. Often opponents who believe that they don’t have the physical tools to win employ gamesmanship to sabotage their opponent’s level of play. There are many gamesmanship situations that athletes need to be aware of, and it is the job description of the coaching staff to address these scenarios. It is also important to teach them to look systematically beyond the incident.

Often, it is not the specific opponent’s gamesmanship tactic but your player’s response to the drama that causes the emotional break the opponent seeks. Preparing for pressure includes how an athlete responds to confrontational situations and whether or not they can remain focused on their performance goals and avoid unraveling.

Covert gamesmanship in tournament play is also applied when the crafty opponent spots the nonverbal clues found in our athletes’ fear of confrontation. If your athletes have a fear of confrontation, address why standing up for themselves versus enabling the “bully” is in their best interest. Nurturing timid athletes to stand up for themselves improves their confidence as they learn to solve problems.

In the intermediate levels, emotionally weak competitors assume that confrontation is bad. If they disagree, the opponent won’t like them and therefore not want to play with them in the future. This is a false assumption. In tennis, the opposite holds true. Opponents that can easily bully and beat your athlete don’t return their calls. Athletes that stand up to gamesmanship and triumph, not only earn respect, they also benefit by getting to choose their future practice match opponents and doubles partners.

 

Confidence is earned by standing up to conflicts.

Organize Customized Developmental Plans

Posted on September 18, 2019 by in Maximizing Tennis Potential, Preparing for Pressure

The following post is an excerpt from Frank’s NEW Amazon #1 New Tennis Book Release, Preparing for Pressure.
Click Here to Order

Preparing final cover 3D  

Organize Customized Developmental Plans

 

 “A goal without a deliberate, customized plan …
is just a dream.”

Effective developmental plans are based on the athlete’s competency levels, efficiencies, and deficiencies, as well as long-term career goals.  Self-assessment is often inaccurate, so I recommend enlisting an experienced coach to provide feedback.

Athletes attending school routinely rotate from math to science to English – the school methodology. This structure produces well-rounded adults. Tennis training components are similar to school classes. Preparing for pressure requires the development of each component. Tennis instruction should consist of tennis-specific off-court/athleticism, primary & secondary stroke development, pattern repetition, sets, mental/emotional classroom sessions, match play video analysis, and tournament competition.

 

When a plan is in writing, you have the ability to track and measure the progress and hold the athlete and their entourage accountable for execution. Each plan should include goal dates to measure progress. Plan on revising the athlete’s development plan every 3-6 months.

Does Tennis Charting and Analytics Matter? -Part 2

Posted on September 15, 2019 by in Maximizing Tennis Potential, Preparing for Pressure

The following post is an excerpt from Frank’s NEW Amazon #1 New Tennis Book Release, Preparing for Pressure.
Click Here to Order

Does Tennis Charting and Analytics Matter? 

Preparing final cover 3D

COURT POSITIONING MATCH CHART:

This chart will differentiate whether playing “reactive” tennis from behind the baseline earns the best winning percentages or whether playing “proactive” tennis from inside the court increases winning percentages. Note: The court position your athlete prefers to play may not be the position that wins them the most points.

MEGA POINT CHART:

Mega points are the game-winning points. This chart is especially important in competitive tennis because it highlights the game-winning points. Tipping a close match in your favor requires spotting a big point before it’s actually played, paying attention to match details and running the smartest patterns.

SERVING PERCENTAGE CHART:

This chart discriminates between the different essential factors required to hold serve, serve consistency, serve location, and first and second serve win-loss percentages. Ask your player to let go of the “speed” of the serve and begin to focus their attention on the above components. Note: On the WTA tour, second serve win-loss percentages are the most critical factor in deciding the outcome of the match.

Note: While applying analytical data, keep in mind exceptions shadow every rule in life, so customization is key.

(The Match Chart Collection by Frank Giampaolo is found at www.maximizingtennispotential.com )

 

Solid analytics through match charting can assist in spotting winning trends as well as
reoccurring nightmares.

Make Cross-Training AND Athleticism Mandatory

Posted on September 7, 2019 by in Preparing for Pressure

The following post is an excerpt from Frank’s NEW Amazon #1 New Tennis Book Release, Preparing for Pressure.
Click here to Order

Preparing final cover 3D

Make Cross-Training AND Athleticism Mandatory

 

“Getting fit solves many problems.”

Cross-training improves muscle strength, cardio, cognitive processing, and mental clarity. Enjoying off-court training sessions alleviate stress and enhance overall well-being. Getting fit is known to improve mental health by raising the athlete’s mood-boosting endorphins. As fitness increases, attitudes improve, and perceptions change. Confidence builds as it quickly assumes control and takes action.

There is a cumulative effect that comes with getting into killer shape and mastering a new skill. Physical, mental, and emotional improvement is seen within just a few weeks. It’s important to note that tennis is a flexible skills sport and not a consistent skills sport. Meaning, tennis competitors have to be trained to make millisecond decisions requiring brain speed as well as foot speed.

Anticipation without hesitation is a skill which is needed at the higher levels of competition.

Tennis groundstrokes have been measured at 100 mph and serves have been clocked well into the 150 mph range. With these facts, players must have anticipatory skills to compete at the higher levels. The mental action of anticipating, expecting, or predicting is much more critical than ever. The art of anticipation should be a part of every coach’s curriculum.

Court speed is a combination of foot speed
and brain speed.

Develop Comfortable Routines & Rituals

Posted on September 1, 2019 by in Preparing for Pressure, Preparing for Pressure

The following post is an excerpt from Frank’s NEW Amazon #1 New Tennis Book Release, Preparing for Pressure.

Click Here To Order through Amazon

Develop Comfortable Routines & Rituals


Preparing final cover 3D“Preparing for pressure requires making the unknown …a little more known.”

Navy SEAL’s report that they spend approximately 85% of their time preparing for battle and about 15% of their time in combat situations. Their routines and rituals put them in the best possible position to handle extreme pressure. Routines and rituals are found in the four major components of our sport – the development and repetition of strokes, athleticism, mental, and emotional realms.

Simulating stressful scenarios in practice is a daily routine Navy SEAL’s and competitive tennis
players share.

Developing software skills is serious business. Under stress, athletes have to manipulate their software in order for their hardware to function correctly. For example, athletes must know how, when, and why they need to be able to calm down their nervous system to allow their fluid strokes to flow.

 

Poor emotional control can override the best mechanics and strategic intentions.

 

 

Practice Makes Perfect … Or Does It?

Posted on August 31, 2019 by in Preparing for Pressure

The following post is an excerpt from Frank’s NEW Amazon #1 New Tennis Book Release, Preparing for Pressure.

Click Here To Order through Amazon

Preparing final cover 3D

Practice Makes Perfect …
Or Does It?

 

“Practice Makes Permanent.”

The old school saying “Practice Makes Perfect” is not exactly true. Experience tells us that practice makes whatever you’re attempting permanent. Grooving flawed strokes only make the flaws permanent. One of the differences that separate the good from the great is in how they practice. There is a world of difference between effective training and ineffective training. Deliberate, customized training focuses on improving strengths and re-routing weaknesses versus mindless grooving.

So, how do we customize training? I recommend starting by videotaping actual matches and quantifying the data. Researching why points, games, sets, and matches are won or lost. Great coaches use match data to improve:

  • Opponent Profiling
  • Between Point & Changeover Rituals
  • Focus/Emotional Control
  • Athlete’s Top Patterns
  • Cause of their Errors & Winners

Maximizing potential at the quickest rate is not typically found on the assembly-line practice court. It’s not just about how to hit a stroke, it includes when, where, and why.

 

Those who progress quickly don’t solely focus on repeating what they already know on the practice court.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND EBOOK FLASH SALE

Posted on August 31, 2019 by in Maximizing Tennis Potential, Preparing for Pressure

FRANK GIAMPAOLO BOOKS

pictures2

LABOR DAY WEEKEND EBOOK FLASH SALE

3-DAYS ONLY:
Saturday, Aug. 31 – Monday, Sept. 2, 2019


Purchase PREPARING FOR PRESSURE (ebook or paperback) from MaximizingTennisPotential.com
& Receive 2 of Frank’s other titles (ebook version) absolutely free! Choose your 2 FREE ebooks from the list below:

The Tennis Parent’s Bible

Raising Athletic Royalty 

Neuro Priming

Emotional Aptitude

The Soft Science of Tennis

The Match Chart Collection

After purchasing PREPARING FOR PRESSURE through Frank’s website (MaximizingTennisPotential.com) simply email Linda at lindateresag@hotmail.com with your selection of 2 additional eBooks and you will be emailed the eBooks.


CLICK HERE TO ORDER

NOTE: Frank’s books Championship Tennis and Customized Player Assessment  are not included in the sale because neither book is available in ebook form on MaximizingTennisPotential.com

LABOR DAY WEEKEND EBOOK FLASH SALE

Posted on August 29, 2019 by in Maximizing Tennis Potential, Preparing for Pressure

FRANK GIAMPAOLO BOOKS

pictures2

LABOR DAY WEEKEND EBOOK FLASH SALE

3-DAYS ONLY:
Saturday, Aug. 31 – Monday, Sept. 2, 2019


Purchase PREPARING FOR PRESSURE (ebook or paperback) from MaximizingTennisPotential.com
& Receive 2 of Frank’s other titles (ebook version) absolutely free! Choose your 2 FREE ebooks from the list below:

The Tennis Parent’s Bible

Raising Athletic Royalty 

Neuro Priming

Emotional Aptitude

The Soft Science of Tennis

The Match Chart Collection

After purchasing PREPARING FOR PRESSURE through Frank’s website (MaximizingTennisPotential.com) simply email Linda at lindateresag@hotmail.com with your selection of 2 additional eBooks and you will be emailed the eBooks.


CLICK HERE TO ORDER

NOTE: Frank’s books Championship Tennis and Customized Player Assessment  are not included in the sale because neither book is available in ebook form on MaximizingTennisPotential.com